Forty Under 40: Gaven Smith

“Don’t be a coach,” Gaven Smith’s parents advised as he grew up in Rogers. “You’re too smart.”

Smith’s mother was a first-grade teacher, his father a junior high coach.

So, Smith went to the University of Arkansas and studied computer systems engineering; that was his first exposure to coding. He became president of the Sigma Nu fraternity, through which he came to know alum George Knight, who became his mentor and recruited him to work for Acxiom.

Smith joined J.B. Hunt in 2008, and manages a staff of more than 40, developing software to support J.B. Hunt customers, carriers and internal customer service representatives. He oversees the company’s mobile and web development and recruiting for J.B. Hunt Information Technology.

Smith has been a key contributor to technologies that have been recognized within his industry. Co-workers describe him as an inspiring leader, who is skilled with both advanced technology and personal interaction.

“I found a way to be a coach in a professional environment,” Smith said.

Smith is affiliated with many charitable organizations, but most meaningful to him are opportunities to teach and speak to children, such as through the UA Technology Awareness Program, Rogers Public Schools and several universities. He’s coached his own children in sports through the Arkansas Athletes Outreach organization.

Ultimately, he hopes after retirement to work with a youth center or other organization that allows him to mentor young children on a daily basis.