Then & Now: Singleton’s life, banking career defined by agriculture, farming

Jim Singleton knows farming. It’s his family heritage, his life’s work, his family’s future and his hobby. Singleton grew up on a farm in western Benton County. His grandparents, who also had a farm, are his inspiration.

At Gravette High School his interest in agriculture grew as president of the Future Farmers of America chapter. Wanting to teach high school ag education, he studied agricultural education at the University of Arkansas, graduating in 1985.

While interning with Farm Credit Services (FCS) of Western Arkansas, he realized he enjoyed agricultural finance, and FCS recruited him to work for them after college. He was there for 17 years, learning about agri finance, serving as senior loan office in Bentonville and often recognized for his sales accomplishments.

In 2001 Arvest Bank hired him as president of its Gravette bank. That same year, at age 39, he was chosen as part of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 class.

“I came to Arvest as president of the Gravette bank and have kept that position for almost 25 years,” he said. “Gravette is the community that I was born in, raised here and went to school here, so it’s a community that I love and like to be involved in.”

Responsible for the operations of the bank, the majority of Singleton’s time is spent making agricultural loans to farmers in about a 50-mile radius.

Singleton is proud of his “farmer mentality of working hard — whether it’s on the farm or at the bank. Work ethic is one of the most important things you learn on a farm and the importance of taking care of things day to day, making sure they’re done properly. In both instances you roll your sleeves up and be ready to work.”

Over the years in banking “people’s attitudes have changed a lot,” he said. “Having a 40-year career in finance, early in my career I saw people being more loyal and committed to the bank. Relationships were very, very important. In today’s world it’s easy to change banks, with digital capabilities. I still stress relationships with customers, and that takes time to build.”

Singleton tries to “treat people the way I want to be treated.” He said he sees a lack of customer service in the world, and so at the bank he stresses using “the golden rule” with customers. “That starts with a smile on your face and a helpful attitude.”

Changes are coming to Gravette, he said, since the opening of the Interstate 49 Bella Vista Bypass in 2021.

“Our community is starting to grow now,” he said. “Gravette has been insulated to some degree over the growth we’ve seen in other areas in Northwest Arkansas, but with the interstate coming through [four] years ago, we anticipate seeing some pretty significant growth over the coming years in Gravette. I think we’re going to see, first of all, some more rooftops over here. Gravette does have sewer capacity left, whereas some other cities in Northwest Arkansas are struggling in that area. And once we see additional rooftops, I expect to see some additional businesses come into our community.”

After work, Singleton’s favorite hobby is working on the family farm, Singleton Brangus Farms, which was named Benton County Family Farm of the Year in 2020. He raises beef cattle on 115 acres he owns and the 500 acres he leases.

“When I get home, I’m slipping on my jeans and boots and getting on the tractor and doing what needs to be done,” he said. “Once I’m done with that, it’s hitting the lazy chair. I pretty much work from daylight to dark.”

However, he tries, “to have a little fun in everything I do and look at the lighter side when I can. But there’s also a time to be serious, and you have to be able to distinguish between the two.”

Continuing his farming heritage, Singleton is teaching his grandkids the importance of farm life. “I hope they enjoy what I’ve been able to enjoy,” he said.

Singleton is president of Gravette Community Foundation and served on the Benton County Farm Bureau board for more than 20 years.