Tag: Then and Now

Then and Now: Joseph Reece manages growth at RMP Law

Starting his law firm in 2005 was challenging for Joseph Reece. But he says that pivotal moment paid off. He founded RMP Law with partners Lee Moore and Neal Pendergraft,…

Then and Now: Brandenburg manages through global uncertainty

For James Brandenburg, president of U.S. operations for JVS Export, a family-owned textile manufacturer headquartered in India, the hardest part of his job isn’t selling home textiles to Walmart, Target…

Then and Now: Purpose-driven business important to Jeff Clapper

Jeff Clapper believes business exists as a force for good in the world. “Business can balance profit and purpose,” he said. “Business can be purpose-driven and create benefits for all…

Then and Now: Robinson’s career defined by banking

Katie Robinson didn’t plan to be a banker. A Fort Smith native, she was pre-med at Oklahoma State University, but after graduating in 1999, she realized she wasn’t ready for…

Then and Now: Relationships key to Steve Cox’s career

Steve Cox builds relationships. That’s been the common denominator in every job he’s had – from his early days at Arvest Bank, to his 14-year career at the Rogers Lowell…

Then and Now: Curry making title industry more efficient at Allegiance

Long before launching Allegiance Title Co., Patrick Curry was already rethinking how the title industry could work better. Now he’s putting that vision into practice at Allegiance by building a…

Then and Now: Carmen Kingston moves into regional management at Sam’s Club

Carmen Kingston believes she’s “an example of how ordinary can become extraordinary, when empowered and supported by others.” As regional general manager, vice president for Sam’s Club’s east region, Kingston…

Then and Now: Carr changes careers, in police work in Kansas

At age 51, Patrick Carr swapped a thriving business for a patrol car. Carr’s epiphany came in 2017 when he was president and owner of Broadway Screen Printing and Embroidery…

Then and Now: Adventure underlies Lauren Blanco’s decisions

Lauren Blanco, co-founder and owner of Markham & Fitz Chocolate, views life as an adventure. “It underlies a lot of decisions and how we’ve lived our lives so far,” she…

Then and Now: Dr. Josh Roller builds bariatric surgery hub

When Dr. Josh Roller arrived in Northwest Arkansas in 2007, bariatric surgery was viewed with skepticism. Nearly two decades later, Roller has performed more than 13,000 weight-loss surgeries, and built…

Then & Now: Wheaton’s relationships are key to career at Arvest Bank

Arvest Bank’s hiring freeze didn’t deter Larry Wheaton when he graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1991 with a degree in administrative management. He was determined to work for…

Then and Now: Collins influenced NWA entrepreneurial scene

After two decades of helping cultivate Northwest Arkansas’s startup landscape, longtime ecosystem builder Jeannette Balleza Collins is charting a new chapter as director of strategic alliances at Fayetteville-based Zenwork Inc….

Then and Now: Cooperative business model a good fit for Mitchell Johnson

With a mantra of “never give up,” Mitchell Johnson cites persistence as one of his greatest attributes. His “competitive spirit and willingness to lead boldly during times of crisis” have…

Then and Now: Matt Waller builds what lasts through leadership

For Matt Waller, 61, leadership is about uplifting others, a lesson he attributes to a quote he read as a high school senior by motivational speaker Zig Ziglar: “You can…

Then & Now: Eric Wolfe’s career defined by startups

Eric Wolfe’s career is defined by successfully launching four third-party logistics companies. The veteran executive of supply chain and logistics credits those successes to “great teams and a great market…

Then & Now: Reid leaves a mark in legal, HR career

Adaptability. That’s Canetta Reid’s greatest career achievement. A licensed attorney and senior professional in human resources (SPHR), she’s had to adapt to “different cultures, different leadership styles, different-sized companies and…

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…

Then & Now: Jay Brain helping clients at Stephens

Key decisions at pivotal moments in his life led Jay Brain to his role today as senior vice president with Stephens Inc. First, he decided to major in finance and…

Then & Now: Kizer’s career unusual, but it has been fulfilling

Tim Kizer thought he “was going to change the world and people.” Instead, he really enjoys “the way the world and people change me,” he said. Now 60, Kizer is…

Then & Now: Trainor begins new role at UA Alumni Association

Over the course of his 30 years as a fixture in the University of Arkansas’ sports information office, Kevin Trainor has had a “front row seat for Razorback history, working…

Fort Smith storage unit top second quarter Sebastian County property deal

Fort Smith Metro News Briefs: Barr named to Girls Inc. board, Mercy opens retail pharmacies

Cromwell Architects Engineers announces executive leadership transition

Weidner buys upscale Ranch at Pinnacle Point apartments for $63 million