Forty Under 40: Wes McClure

Wes McClure said the key to managing people is giving them the tools they need and supporting them.

“I like to see the people that work for me get rewarded for doing a good job,” he said.

McClure graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in poultry science.

After college, he worked at Tyson Foods Inc. and ConAgra Foods Co. before landing at Simmons Foods in 2005.

McClure said it was his father who led him into the poultry business.

“My dad was in the business when I was growing up, so I followed in his footsteps,” he said.

McClure said one of his biggest achievements is leading a strong team of management staff.

“I’m very proud of the team we’ve built here,” he said. “We have a younger-than-average management staff and we’re eager to do good things and grow our company.”

McClure said one of his goals for the future is to continue to grow the company.

“Our industry is shrinking in terms of the number of companies,” he said. “As long as we continue to excel, that will allow us to grow and give us the opportunity to advance.”

McClure serves on the board of directors for the University of Arkansas Poultry Science Group.

“It’s important in our industry to continue to add talent,” he said. “Having a connection to that department and the school gives us an advantage in hiring people that graduate from there.”