Benchmark Group founder, chairman Paul Parks dies at 74

Paul Parks, founder and chairman of Rogers-based architectural and engineering firm Benchmark Group, died April 18. He was 74.

Parks started Benchmark Group — solely as an electrical engineering firm called Paul C. Parks Engineering — in 1978, working from his house. He and his wife, Janet, were the employees. It was renamed in 1987 to reflect an expanded range of services.

Parks transitioned to the role of board chairman in February 2018 when David Kimball was promoted to president.

In the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s annual list of Largest Architectural and Engineering firms published in February, Benchmark Group had 171 employees in Northwest Arkansas. That ranked second among 47 companies included on the list.

A “Celebration of Life” through Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers will be held after COVID-19 has been cleared, according to the obituary.