CLASS TOPof the
Baldwin & Shell and Lewis Architects Engineers collaborate on spectacular new high school
INSIDE: Women in AEC | Conservation | Best of 2025
Randy Wolf, from left, Bobby Gosser, and John McMorran
FEATURES NOVEMBER 2025
REACHING THE PINNACLE
Being at the heart of the largest K-12 project in the state right now does not faze Baldwin & Shell’s Bobby Gosser much.
DUCKY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN Arkansas’ duck forecast for the 2025-2026 season is expected to be roughly the same as last year but still down long term.
STATUAE NON
Compared to similarly sized athletic programs, the University of Arkansas lags behind when it comes to memorializing its legacy athletes.
November 2025
Here they are: AMP’s Best of list showcasing the state’s top doctors and lawyers to excavators and real estate agents, as voted by Arkansas Money & Politics readers.
As thousands of Arkansans can attest, the Hatcher Agency does what it takes to provide customers with what they need and then some.
Many workers in the construction industry are reaching retirement age, but their spots are not being filled by new employees, causing issues for some companies.
With rising populations spurring new development across Arkansas, the future depends on architecture, engineering and construction.
Arkansas women professionals are finding more opportunities and success in architecture, construction and engineering industries.
Throughout every region of the state, from the Diamond Lakes to the southern Delta, growth and vitality are readily apparent.
Having opened in 2021, iHawl Land Specialist in Farmington has already garnered a reputation for excellence in northwest Arkansas and beyond.
What started as a small family business run out of a garage in Bryant has now turned into a powerhouse in the heat and air service market.
Given its illustrious past, one would be hard-pressed to find a dull moment in the history of Oaklawn Hot Springs.
Doug Schoenrock holds a lot in common with the people he is tasked with leading since his installment as director of AGFC.
The Natural State remains an outdoor recreation hot spot, yet local biologists and mammalogists are seeing some worrisome trends.
When Dean Saunders went before a Senate committee to discuss conservation easements, he sent a subtle but unavoidable message.
For Holden Smith at Lennox Insurance, being a what-you-seeis-what-you-get kind of guy is more than just a personality trait.
Since its founding in 1975, TAGGART architects has stamped its mark throughout its hometown and far beyond.
Only in today’s wild world of college athletics would the Little Rock Trojans athletics department choose to fold a winning hand.
Football standout and longtime ESPN commentator Mark May will close out the 2025 slate of guests at the Little Rock Touchdown Club.
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CONTRIBUTORS
Brittany Pylant, Lori Sparkman, Dan Andrews, DeWaine Duncan, Marcus Guinn, Steve Lewis, Ryan Parker
AMP magazine is published monthly, Volume VIII, Issue 7 AMP magazine (ISSN 2162-7754) is published monthly by AY Media Group, 910 W. Second St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Periodicals postage paid at Little Rock, AR, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to AMP, 910 W. Second St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Subscription Inquiries: Subscription rate is $28 for one year (12 issues). Single issues are available upon request for $10. For subscriptions, inquiries or address changes, call 501-244-9700. The contents of AMP are copyrighted, and material contained herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Articles in AMP should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised in the magazine are not necessarily endorsed by AMP. Please recycle this magazine.
ON THE COVER
Bobby Gosser, president and CEO of Baldwin & Shell, is flanked by Randy Wolf and John McMorran of Lewis Architects Engineers outside what will become the new Pinnacle Valley High School in west Little Rock. The AEC executives were photographed by Lori Sparkman.
The story starts on page 18.
CORRECTIONS
In the October issue of AMP, the headshots of two members of “Legal Elite” were labeled incorrectly, and two honorees were omitted. The corrections are listed below:
2025 LEGAL ELITE
SYDNEY RASCH
Managing Partner
Turner & Rasch
Sydney Rasch is managing partner at Turner & Rasch in Little Rock, a boutique, trauma-informed law firm focusing on family and domestic law, including divorce, child custody and support, probate, and domestic violence law. Rasch was born and raised in central Arkansas and attended Cabot High School. She went on to graduate from Hendrix College in Conway in 2013 and from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law in 2019, both with honors. She is licensed to practice law in Arkansas (2019) and Missouri (2020). Rasch is the past president of Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers and is active in the local legal community. In 2022, she was appointed to the Arkansas Supreme Court Client Security Fund Commission. Rasch is also an active member of the Junior League of Little Rock and the Arkansas Bar Association, and she serves as board member of the ABA Young Lawyer’s Section. She has served as a board member of Pulaski County Court Appointed Special Advocates, and as past president of North Little Rock Friends of Animals and New Leaders Council-Arkansas. Rasch also served as an election commissioner on the Pulaski County Board of Election Commissioners from 2022 to 2025. With nearly 18 years of experience in the legal world, including 11 as a paralegal and six as an attorney, Rasch has dedicated her career to fighting for people and their families. Her passion for her work can be seen in how she handles her cases and how she is always willing to go the extra mile for her clients.
PRESLEY TURNER
Partner Turner & Rasch
Presley Turner is a partner at Turner & Rasch in Little Rock, a boutique, trauma-informed law firm focusing on family and domestic law, including divorce, child custody and support, probate, and domestic violence law. Turner was born and raised in Texas. She went on to graduate from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 2016 and from University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law in 2019. A licensed social worker and committed member of the community, Turner is a certified trauma specialist and founded the Center for Advocacy and Awareness, an organization committed to educating attorneys and professionals about trauma. Turner is actively involved in the Junior League of Little Rock and is a past board member of Equal Justice Works and New Leaders CouncilArkansas. Turner is also a certified domestic relations attorney ad litem and is a part-time parent counsel and dependency-neglect attorney ad litem for the Arkansas Department of Human Services, where she provides much-needed representation and support to families going through some of the hardest times in their lives.
ABIGAIL RAINS
Associate Attorney Turner & Rasch
BROOKE-AUGUSTA WARE
Associate Attorney Turner & Rasch
The Alice L. Walton School of Medicine in Bentonville celebrated its grand opening with an Oct. 29 ribbon-cutting on the campus of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
LifeTouch Health in North Little Rock has named Jessica K. Ellis as its new vice president and chief operating officer.
Primo Brands Corp., the parent company of Arkansas-based The Mountain Valley Spring Water, recently broke ground on a new production plant for the iconic brand.
By Mark Carter
INTO THE WOODS: SEE LUMBERJACK, BE LUMBERJACK
Take note, gentle reader. Help is on the way. In contemporary society’s never-ending quest for fulfillment, the answer is there to be found.
If it is happiness, spiritual enlightenment or contentment you seek, head to the woods or the farm. So says the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The results of its American Time Use Survey are in, and they are clear: Lumberjacks and farmers are the happiest and least stressed of us.
The agriculture, logging and forestry in dustries, grouped together as one sector, came out on top overall and in each of three categories measuring happiness, meaning and stress. Next in line were real estate (?) and construction.
At the bottom of the list were finance/ insurance, education and a broad group ing of professional occupations that includes lawyer. (No ‘?’ needed there.) As the Washington Post noted in reporting the survey findings, white collars come with much more stress than blue ones.
Teresa Mull in The Spectator World noted a USA Today finding that broadbased evidence demonstrates attendance at worship services is “indispensable to a happy, generous and flourishing society.” This, as Mull further notes, despite Gallup’s findings last year that church attendance in the United States fell below 50 percent for the first time.
further from our ancestral roots, we’re more inclined to dismiss the simple, unchanging truths about mankind: that the earth was made for us, and we were made to be in and of the earth,” she wrote. “Technology isn’t all bad (though I lean more toward Luddism with each passing day), but it’s meant to enhance our existence, not consume it. What I find most intriguing about the Post’s reporting on the Labor Statistics study is that lumberjacks and those working in agriculture also reported the highest levels of pain on the job.”
The highest levels of pain yet the highest levels of contentment. As the introduction of the replay booth to the American gridiron should have taught us by now, we are in the process of outsmarting ourselves. Not that it was a hard thing to do.
Turns out, the KISS acronym—Keep It Simple, Stupid—is not just an old Navy design principle turned pop culture meme. It is also pretty sound advice.
In the meantime, might donning lumberjack plaid or farmer’s overalls do the trick? It’s doubtful. The source of true fulfillment, of course, runs much deeper than that, much deeper than an increasing number of us are willing to delve.
“As society becomes softer and more entitled and as we slog
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
It is officially fall. Therefore, my house has been decorated for the Christmas holidays for a good eight weeks. (It only comes around once a year; why not make the most of it?)
Before we get to the official holiday season, however, we at Arkansas Money & Politics have work to do. This month, you will find our annual spotlight on women in the architecture, engineering and construction industries, which used to be effectively cut off for females. That, I am pleased to say, is no longer the case.
Inside, we talk to some of the state’s biggest AEC players, including C.R. Crawford Construction, Garver
WORK
Then again, a quick fix might be there for the taking courtesy of Coach Prime: If you look good, you feel good. Perhaps wearing lumberjack plaid to church couldn’t hurt, after all.
By Heather Baker
TO DO
Heather Baker
and Cromwell Architects Engineers, about how things have changed in the industry when it comes to that ol’ symbolic glass ceiling. You will find profiles of some of the industry’s upand-comers, such as Mary Fair at Garver, Katie Bruhl at TAGGART Architects, Abbie Rose at Crawford and Cynthia Hawkins at Cromwell.
Our cover story features the work behind the new high school under construction in west Little Rock, and does it look impressive.
We will also shine a spotlight on our readerselected “Best of 2025,” preview duck season and look into efforts to have a statue commissioned on the University of Arkansas campus for the great Darren McFadden. You would think some things are a slam dunk. Think again.
As always, thank you for reading. Hit me up with story ideas at hbaker@ arkansasmoneyandpolitics.com.
GROW HELPING CHILDREN’S DREAMS TAKE ROOT
Planting the seeds with 529 accounts, financial literacy and community support
By Dan Andrews
For the kindergarteners at Murrell Taylor Elementary School in Jacksonville, it seemed like a simple request: “I want you to draw your dreams.”
With crayons in hand and commendable concentration, the children quickly began creating pictures of what they hoped to be when they grew up. Some drew basketball players, ballerinas and superheroes. Others sketched firefighters, doctors and teachers. In older grades, kids added detailed comments, explaining the motive behind their ambitions. No matter the illustration, there was an underlying thread — all students were excited to share their wishes for the future.
That Thursday morning in Jacksonville, each child completed two cards — one to keep and one to share with us. In total, we gathered more than 400 snapshots of the future, forming one of the most profoundly meaningful collections I have ever held in my hands. The kids’ aims were high.
Among them, there was a fourth grader who wanted to be a nurse because, she said, “I want to save lives.” Another child aspired to “go to a good college for four years so I can be a lawyer or a doctor.” Also among them were budding veterinarians, programmers, astronomers and military service members. Each wish was authentic, displaying the childlike beauty of a future where anything is possible.
Along with the joy of those dreams, however, the exercise also revealed glimpses of the significant challenges the young people in our state face. One girl wanted to share her goals aloud in her class, but she did not yet know the words in English. Another child was worried that his mother would not believe him when he said he now had a college savings account in his own name — much less one with money already in it. With Generational Resources and Opportunities for Well-Being, or GROW, we aim to change that. How? By helping students, their families and their teachers transform their wishes into plans and plans into reality.
GROW partnered with the state treasurer’s office to automatically establish a 529 savings account for every student and teacher at Murrell Taylor Elementary. Tempus Realty Partners in Little Rock seeded an initial $600 while inviting students to earn up to $300 in additional deposits for reaching specific goals, such as maintaining strong attendance, hitting reading benchmarks and demonstrating positive classroom behavior. Teachers and administrators also received funded accounts, building a schoolwide culture of saving for the future.
With support from Economics Arkansas in Little Rock, GROW also developed tailored financial literacy lessons to help
prepare participants to be good stewards of their accounts, and thanks to recent changes in federal law, those accounts now have the flexibility to apply to a wide range of futures. If not used for education, beneficiaries can roll the funds into a Roth IRA.
GROW is designed to support brighter futures — not just for those who dream of college, but for every kind of aspiration. It offers a clear path to the American Dream, the chance to build something lasting for oneself and one’s family. Too many children in Arkansas grow up in households and communities where there is no accumulated wealth to pass on to the next generation. GROW helps change that by placing real, growing assets in the hands of students — capital they can learn to manage and eventually use to pursue education, homeownership, entrepreneurship or retirement.
A child who begins kindergarten at Murrell Taylor Elementary can graduate with more than $10,000 in their own name, paired with the financial literacy to use it wisely. That early stake from GROW is more than a balance in an account — it is the beginning of generational wealth that can lift individuals and entire communities.
Research consistently shows that funded savings programs such as GROW improve attendance, test scores, behavior and more in schools, along with supporting lifelong financial health. Those dividends are undoubtedly important markers, but ultimately, GROW’s success will be measured in the lives of the children themselves. We want students to know their future is worth investing in and their community is behind them.
On that Thursday at Murrell Taylor Elementary, I saw those futures sketched in crayon. Through GROW, we are working to make sure students’ drawings are more than pictures of what might be but roadmaps of what can be. Why? Because every child deserves not just the chance to dream but the support to make those dreams real.
Dan Andrews is the managing partner and CEO of Tempus Realty Partners, an investorcentric real estate investment partnership, which launched GROW. Find out more at growarfutures.org.
Dan Andrews
BALANCING OPPORTUNITY AND DISCIPLINE IN A GROWING MARKET
By Marcus Guinn
Elected officials and economic development leaders celebrated the news this fall that central Arkansas leads the state in job growth. More people are working in the Little Rock metro area than ever before, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
That is good news for central Arkansas bankers who know that an economic uptick can offer new lending opportunities for commercial and residential development to meet the increased demand that comes with growth.
A rising tide lifts all boats. Bryan Day and Jay Chesshir have done an outstanding job promoting the Port of Little Rock to companies such as Amazon that create new jobs. Those employees need a place to live, restaurants in which to eat and other consumer goods as they enjoy bike trails, waterways and other amenities.
While Little Rock has more multifamily residential construction activity, we see strong growth in Benton and Bryant, which are close enough to Little Rock for commuters who live in Hurricane Lake and other new subdivisions that are sprouting up in Saline County. Hot Springs continues to be a unique market fueled by tourism and retirees in Hot Springs Village who are attracted to Arkansas for its low cost of living.
Economic growth impacts other lending areas, such as equipment financing, when machines wear out and need replacement or when businesses need to expand to reach their full potential. Auto dealerships and hotels are required to update their properties periodically to be consistent with their national brand standards.
We have seen medical and office space adapt as technology evolves, machinery gets smaller, and hybrid and remote work trends affect the workplace, leading commercial real estate developers and owners to get creative in refreshing and repurposing their properties to attract multiple tenants who share common co-working spaces.
Bankers like to see a final budget before developers begin a new project, but uncertainty in trade policy has made it difficult to plan. The total cost of a standard hotel or multifamily development can easily skyrocket when input prices constantly fluctuate. When construction companies bid on a project now, their quotes are good for a shorter period of time versus the longer historical timelines we were used to.
Setting aside extra money in a contingency budget and having extra cash flow is prudent in this environment. We do not know today what the cost of those items will be down the road, but having a contingency plan adds flexibility to offset fluctuations in the price of metal, wood and other materials. We encourage customers to put aside 10 to 15 percent for unexpected cost overruns and allow debt service coverage of at least 125 percent. While we offer tools such as lines of credit to help during difficult times, it can be a troubling sign if customers cannot properly resolve the line.
Construction customers must do their due diligence and analyze their projects at today’s costs. If they know their break-even numbers and have a good handle on expenses, they can adjust when their costs change.
The conversations we have with customers are actually similar to the ones I have with lenders on our team. When times are good and the economy is growing, it can be hypnotizing, but bankers cannot afford to have short memories. We cannot forget that cycles come and go, both high and low. Ultimately, our job is to evaluate and analyze risk. We must guard against the tendency to go with the flow in good times and continue to follow sound lending policies and exercise underwriting discipline.
The best banks are built for the long run. It is a periodic reminder for some lenders, particularly younger bankers who may not have experienced a challenging economic environment, to prepare for a rainy day. We analyze our customers’ ability to pay if interest rates rise or sales fall because we need to know if their business can weather an economic storm down the road.
Part of being a good relationship banker is being honest with customers and telling them what they need to hear versus what they want to hear. Like a squirrel that knows winter is coming, they need to put a few acorns back when times are good. I like to remind customers that businesses that last enjoy themselves a bit when the sun is shining, but they should also put a little back for a rainy day. You can enjoy the ride, but do not go overboard. Pay your debt down so you are not too leveraged and left with large payments when market conditions are less favorable.
Despite the uncertainty of input costs, I would not wait too long to get started on a needed construction project. Construction costs will increase every year. However, in a falling-rate environment, there may be an option to refinance and take advantage of lower rates in the future.
Growth brings tremendous opportunity, but it also requires discipline. Business owners and bankers alike must balance optimism with preparation, ensuring projects are built on sound financial foundations that can withstand shifting markets. By planning carefully and preparing for the unexpected, both borrowers and lenders can use today’s momentum to fuel tomorrow’s opportunities.
Marcus Guinn is executive vice president and loan manager at Arvest Bank-Central Arkansas.
Marcus Guinn
BUILDING THE DATA FOUNDATIONS THAT MAKE INNOVATION POSSIBLE
By Brittany Pylant
Everyone is racing toward artificial intelligence, but not everyone is ready for it. The truth is you cannot automate what you do not understand, and you cannot scale what is not connected. In the architecture, engineering and construction industries, the key to AI lies in the tedious and unglamorous work that goes into structuring, governing and integrating data across complex, fragmented systems.
As I often remind my peers, AI is only as effective and impactful as the data driving it. Before you can leverage it, you must first establish the foundation. Many are distracted by “shiny new buttons” and lose sight of the importance of longevity. What is missing in most AI conversations is foundational readiness driven by data hygiene, governance and interoperability. By incorporating that into your data strategy, not only will it enable your efforts to scale sustainably, but it will also decrease resistance to innovation.
Innovation is inherently messy, but structure keeps the mess from devolving into chaos. In AEC, data lives everywhere: internal enterprise resource planning systems, project servers, webbased platforms, client- or consultant-driven external/shared systems, and emails. The goal is not to force everything into one box but rather to build an approach that connects what should be connected and accepts that some fragmentation is inevitable. Be intentional with your efforts, and leave capacity for the integration or evaluation of more agnostic technology.
Remember — digital transformation is a rhythmic process. Crawl, walk, run, but then check back in to refine as needed. As new tools emerge, taking a moment to reestablish your structure allows you to continually refine the data model. That cadence keeps teams from bolting AI solutions onto volatile foundations, ensuring data matures in alignment with your business objectives.
We learned this the hard way. Like many firms, we rolled out an ERP and declared it our “single source of truth.” It sounded great until we started onboarding and discovered various client nuances. Implementing a minimum viable product was not enough if we wanted to avoid duplicate efforts.
Then came the cascade of practical questions. How do we connect the rest? How do we make reporting easy? Where do people search? That is when we knew we needed to shift to a hybrid data strategy, consolidating where it added value and thoughtfully integrating key data sets between systems, all while maintaining continuity. The hybrid approach has opened the door to several process improvements, and we are hopeful that it will enable us to gracefully lead our clients through this era of digital innovation.
When you start ingesting years of project-server data, you will
quickly uncover inconsistent fields, naming drift, duplicates and outdated records. That part of the process can be overwhelming, but it is the necessary work that goes into building a data structure. Bring a diverse team of stakeholders into the process to give different perspectives and expertise to the table. In time, the structure will reveal itself. Prioritizing diligence over speed will pay off in reliability and insight later.
Ironically, AI can be the flashlight that reveals your data gaps. Internal hackathons or AI competitions are powerful catalysts: A single use case from your day-today users can expose missing connections and prompt a company’s data strategy. In our case, a proof of concept guided by our employees through an internal AI competition surfaced the highest-reaching and most impactful solution, expediting buy-in to proceed with an even more comprehensive technology and data vision.
Technology only succeeds when people buy in. Data work is cultural as much as technical: Involve end users and clients early, design around their questions, and let their workflows guide the information model. In an employee stock-ownership plan culture, ownership mindsets amplify this. Every voice counts, and that inclusivity raises the quality of both taxonomy and the tools.
End users want one place to ask all the questions. AI can help deliver that but only after you connect the pieces and establish trustworthy pathways from source to surface. Otherwise, you are just automating confusion. The structure you build now is precisely what turns experimentation into durable capability.
It is never too late to start or to reassess your direction. Growth is an ongoing, often imperfect rhythm, but every step forward counts.
My advice? Embrace the mess, but build a solid foundation. Connect what matters, accept strategic fragmentation, and continually refine the model to strengthen it. Do that, and you will be ready not just to implement AI but to scale it with confidence.
Brittany Pylant is vice president of technology and digital innovation at HFA Architecture + Engineering in Bentonville. She can be reached at brittany.pylant@hfa-ae.com.
Brittany Pylant
Thank a farmer — and a driver — for the great Thanksgiving stock-up
As fall settles in, the U.S. supply chain enters its own busy season with a carefully orchestrated rush to fill shelves and freezers ahead of Thanksgiving. From turkey farms in the Midwest to refrigerated trucks crisscrossing the country, the annual stock-up is a logistical dance that begins months before the holiday feast.
Turkey production sits at the heart of the nation’s seasonal surge. Farmers start preparing as early as spring, timing flocks so birds destined for dinner tables reach their ideal size by November. Feed, water and temperature are carefully managed, while processors line up cold storage and transportation to handle the coming influx.
“It’s not just about raising birds; it’s about timing the entire system,” one Midwestern producer told me. “We’re feeding families, but we’re also racing the clock.”
By late summer, retailers and distributors are forecasting demand for everything from cranberries to canned pumpkin. Warehouses swell with shipments of staples such as flour, sugar and pie crusts. Frozen turkeys begin to move first, quickly followed by fresh birds that need precise coordination to arrive just days before Thanksgiving — and not a moment too soon.
Transportation networks face their own set of challenges. Trucking capacity tightens,
cold chain systems strain under pressure, and weather risks always loom large. Logistics teams use predictive analytics and rely on tools driven by artificial intelligence to reroute freight, balance inventories and anticipate delays.
Sustainability is also shaping the 2025 holiday season, with retailers emphasizing local sourcing and reduced packaging waste. Underneath the wrapping, however, the fundamentals remain the same: careful planning, strong communication and keen adaptability in the face of uncertainty.
When sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner this year, remember that the turkey, pie and every other ingredient on the table likely traveled hundreds of miles, if not more, to get there. With that in mind while inventorying your own blessings this holiday season, be sure to take a moment to share your appreciation for a driver, a warehouse worker or a farmer who helped make your family feast and so many others possible.
Shannon Bedore is the founder and board chairman of Sightline Retail in Bentonville, having previously served as CEO of Sightline Retail and Blue Elephant Food Group USA. Bedore recently joined the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville as a professor of practice in the Sam M. Walton College of Business J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management.
Shannon Bedore
Best in Class
Best in Class
Longtime Little Rock firms team up on new showpiece high school
It is a cloudy start to the workweek in west Little Rock. Cars buzz along Arkansas 10 back and forth, many of them pulling into work parking lots in The Ranch neighborhood, home to sprawling corporate headquarters, a call center and myriad small businesses of every description. Down one street, the scenery turns immediately more pastoral thanks to greenspace tucked behind the commercial activity, and beyond that, upper-class neighborhoods unfold along picturesque streets.
It is an altogether serene slice of the city, a self-contained ecosystem where professionals raise their families with every known convenience within arm’s reach. All that was missing, as residents and their government representatives had said for years, were pieces of the
public school system to dovetail with Don R. Roberts Elementary, closing the loop from kindergarten through high school graduation.
Well, no more. In 2017, the area celebrated the opening of Pinnacle View Middle School, which has quickly risen
By Dwain Hebda
to be among the best in the state. Public School Review compiled performance rankings from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Arkansas Department of Education that showed PVMS’s diverse student population — 63 percent minority enrollment — ranked in the top 20 percent of all Arkansas schools in reading and science and top 30 percent in overall testing proficiency.
Now a soaring high school is under construction directly adjacent to the award-winning middle school that, if facilities have any bearing on student performance, will continue that trend of excellence and achievement.
Bobby Gosser does not teach algebra or coach baseball or run students through their paces at the metal shop, but right now, he is as instrumental to the life of the
Photos by Lori Sparkman
Baldwin & Shell Little Rock headquarters
school as anyone who does. The president and CEO of Little Rock-based Baldwin & Shell Construction Co., Gosser has spent a lot of time out there, first as the company built the middle school and now as the gigantic high school starts to take shape.
“For us, a larger project really becomes easier because there’s more time for planning,” he said. “You typically can get the best of the best subcontractors because they’re wanting to work on that big project. If you’ve got adverse weather, you’ve got more time to overcome it. We did plan adverse weather days in our schedule here, and so far, that hasn’t been a problem, but weather delays are programmed in. On a smaller project, you don’t necessarily have that luxury.”
Being at the heart of the largest K-12 project in the state right now does not faze Gosser much — not because he does not take seriously the million moving parts
The construction company is joined on the PVHS project by Lewis Architects Engineers in Little Rock, another longtimer in K-12 education projects. The two companies are no strangers to one another, having had a working
or understand that challenges lie around every corner but because the company has been there before and more than once over nearly 80 years in business. Locally, Baldwin & Shell has had a 50-plus-year relationship with the Little Rock School District, and the company’s reputation has led it to projects statewide. A company does not achieve that without being darn good at what it does.
“We’re very cognizant of the fact that how we get the next job depends on how well we do on the current one,” Gosser said. “That’s proven itself over time and made us very successful with most every district we’ve worked for, and that’s up to over 50 districts in the state. Administrations change, facilities people change, superintendents change, and we’re still there. It’s like our tagline says: building relationships. That means everything to us.”
relationship on various projects that spans decades.
“We were reminiscing a little bit about our companies,” said John McMorran, vice president of Lewis Architects Engineers. “[Former Baldwin & Shell president] Bob
Shell and [Lewis founder] Merle Lewis were doing this a long, long time ago. They built a relationship between the two companies that Bobby and I have been able to really keep moving forward. As both our companies have changed, that relationship has always been a common thread through the years. Matter of fact, my first project out of school was with Baldwin & Shell.”
“And one of my first projects out of school was with Lewis,” Gosser chimed in.
Even with all of that project history and track record, the two companies mince no words when describing the challenges the new high school has provided. Previous projects may lend similarity of experience, but no two projects are exactly alike, and at 320,000 square feet, PVHS’ massive footprint required the utmost care in design both inside and out.
“We’re building this on the side of a hill,” said Randy Wolf, principal at Lewis. “With
this site, just in the building’s footprint, there’s 30 feet of elevation change. Across the entire site is almost 60 feet of elevation change that we had to deal with.”
“Also on this particular site, you had an existing building, and you had an existing football field that was already there and a big parking lot in between,” McMorran added. “We had to figure out how can we connect them? Is it all pedestrian, or do we have to allow vehicles through there?
The consideration of the surrounding properties, which includes a large pond in the back, so you’ve got to deal with water drainage, makes it pretty tight to build on.”
In the job superintendent’s trailer, floor-to-ceiling sized sheets of paper are posted on the wall, detailing a dizzying number of construction details and scheduling in agate type. Logistics plays a huge role in the efficiency and quality of such a build, giving between
Bobby Gosser, Baldwin & Shell
Randy Wolf, Lewis Architects Engineers
170 and 200 workers on any given day the materials they need to keep busy without excess building components spending time on the pallet. It is an exercise in just-in-time planning and execution that will be repeated day after day for almost four years.
“How we move that needle forward is through constant checking of lists to make sure that we’re getting stuff when and where we need it on time,” Gosser said. “You know, the worst thing you can have is the materials are not in the building, or you have men here, and the materials aren’t here, so not only do we have a construction schedule, but we have a procurement schedule that tails into it.
“We know when the workforce needs to put something in, and so months before that happens, we’re procuring things and getting them on-site when it’s
by email. We’re back to the boots on the ground, the blocking and tackling of, ‘Hey, pick up the phone. We got a problem. Let’s talk about it, try to get it checked off the list and move on to the next one.’
“That also goes for the owner; every
time to put it in. We don’t want to get it in too early to jack up a site full of stuff you don’t need for a year. Technology helps organize that.”
In fact, technology abounds at every phase of the project, from how plans are created and communicated to using drones to manage logistics and capture progress. Such is the reality of today’s design and construction industries, but as Gosser pointed out, the most important elements of getting such projects done are still decidedly analog.
“One of the things that we do is our daily huddles where the superintendent will go out, he brings every craft foreman in, and he talks to them face to face,” Gosser said. “OK, how many men you got here today? What are you working on? What’s your goal to get accomplished? We track that so that we can help keep everybody accountable other than just
other week we meet out here with the owner representative and the architect. We’re going through a whole list of things where there’s probably a hundred and something items on there, and we walk the site.”
When finished, Pinnacle View High School will accommodate 1,200 students, as well as the many teachers, coaches, administrators and support staff needed to manage a typical school day. Wolf described designing the interior of such a structure almost as if planning a small city, and the comparison is not that far off. Classrooms are just the tip of the iceberg of the project, which will also boast foodservice, athletic facilities, fine arts, science labs, auto and metal shops, a physical plant, safe rooms, and common areas, all demanding sufficient power and digital backbone to support classroom and personal technology.
“State funding comes with a list of state requirements,” he said. “What we didn’t have 10 years ago was mandated space sizes, and that could be size of classroom, number of bathrooms — all those different types of requirements you have to meet.
“The real challenges of a school this big is making sure you can get that amount of people to transverse the building, to be able to get through it in a timely manner, changing classes. How do you feed that many people at one time? How do you design spaces to handle that quantity of occupants or build separations and things where you can break the building up if something was to happen? All those are challenges that happen when you get to something of this size.”
Discussing the scope of the project, the largest in Lewis Architects Engineering’s long history, McMorran’s tone is tinged with
pride. Not only did landing the account and designing the space require all hands on deck, but the company’s building was damaged by the Little Rock tornado, forcing work to be done off-site. Now, as the building is taking shape, its striking black-brick-and-glass profile jutting its chin skyward, he is energized by what he and his fellow professionals have pulled off.
“Schools operate differently than they used to,” McMorran said. “The mindset of schools has gone from academic achievement to more tailored learning for individual students. What that means is you’ve got breakout spaces, and outdoor spaces came into play during COVID-19. What we’ve also seen is this kind of shift from square classrooms all lined up to having a few classrooms kind of bunched together, and then you have some breakout spaces where you can get three or four students into this area, and the
John McMorran, Lewis Architects Engineers
Not only did landing the account and designing the space require all hands on deck, but the [Lewis] building was damaged by the Little Rock tornado, forcing work to be done off-site. Now, as the building is taking shape, its striking black-brick-and-glass profile jutting its chin skyward, [McMorran] is energized by what he and his fellow professionals have pulled off.
teacher can still see them and interact that way.
“It’s all very interesting to watch, and I’m curious to see where this all goes moving forward. Schools today, I mean, they’re not the way they were when I grew up and not the way my older kids grew up in school, but my younger kids are getting to experience some of that. It’s a new way of doing it, and I think it’s going to be great for society, and it’s going to be great for the younger generation.”
Given the last word by which to sum up the $147 million project, Gosser boiled it down to the most salient facts — the build is on time headed for its March 2027 opening, and the company is meeting its goal of zero lost-time accidents. Elements more important than that are hard to come by in his business, but the quality of the working relationships is a nice bonus.
“This has been a good client to work for,” he said, “good design team, everybody’s working well together. It’s a great place to come to work. We can’t always say that about every job we have going on. They all have their challenges, but this has been a pretty fluid project for us.”
Baldwin & Shell has had a 50-plus year relationship with the Little Rock School District.
Sticks & More Than Bricks
AEC leaders work to attract more talent, brace for future challenges
By Alex Hardgrave
Business is booming in the world of architecture, engineering and construction. As the population of Arkansas, especially in the northwest part of the state, continues to grow, so does the need for new builds in many sectors.
Well-known names in the business are all at work on many projects, spanning every sector from health care and education to roadwork and more.
However, there are also challenges that have come along with the projects. Many of the issues are not new, but industry leaders are still working to make changes in their fields.
“Finding qualified and experienced people in our industry is hard,” said Steven Head, principal geotechnical department head at McClelland Consulting Engineers in Little Rock.
Many workers in the field are reaching retirement age, but their spots are not being filled by new employees, causing issues for construction companies.
“We’re having to turn down work because we do not have enough people actively working with us, or I can’t find qualified people to do the job,” said Chris Meyer, president and CEO at James A. Rogers Excavating in Little Rock.
Russ Fason, CEO at WER Architects in Little Rock, said the firm is working to introduce young people to the field of architecture because they are not very aware of it, and it is something they should consider “because it’s a fun career path.”
The same goes for the field of construction, which Trent Rogers, vice president at C.R. Crawford Construction in Fayetteville, said there are misconceptions about.
“A lot of time, construction is seen as just building, but there is so much more,” he said. “It’s a lot more than just sticks and bricks.”
One way the companies are trying to recruit new talent is by offering internship programs and creating partnerships with local trade programs at both the high school and college levels. Meyer said his company is seeing the most success currently by teaming up with second-chance programs, which he said attract driven people who are eager to learn.
Head said while there may be more graduates in related construction and engineering fields soon, he expects the demand of work to also rise.
“Things shift over time,” he said. “It’s cyclical. We’re certainly in an employeedriven market. I expect that to continue, so we need to watch for how we can get and retain the best folks.”
Rogers said his firm focuses on a good office culture in hopes people will want to join the team and continue to work there.
One way the companies are shifting to doing more work with fewer people is by leveraging new technologies.
“We started integrating things like that into our budgeting and to improve efficiency and communication,” Rogers said. “It’s definitely something that you want to stay ahead of. I think that’s not going away.”
Fason said WER has not changed anything drastically with technology, but he knows that the programs it uses for design are working to integrate artificial intelligence into the newest updates. He said clients have also started coming in more often with AI-generated pictures of ideas they have for a building’s look.
James A. Rogers is updating its project management software, as well as using drones, Meyer said.
“We’re in the process of figuring out AI and what that’s going to do for us in the long run,” he added.
Another issue those in construction fields are paying attention to is the continued rising cost of materials, as well as ongoing supply chain issues. That is causing clients to be more hesitant about starting projects.
“We’re seeing slowdowns in some sectors,” Fason said.
“The workload is still there, but clients are taking a little longer to plan and think through it and look at financials,” Rogers said. “There is a delay in work more so than there is just a stoppage of work.”
Head said inflation has been an issue, but luckily, local clients are still keeping them busy.
“Thankfully, we’ve been in the area, in the state, for a long, long time, and we have a lot of really good partners, whether that be other design firms or contractors, and a lot of folks we can rely on to be alongside us,” Head said.
The looming threat of tariffs is something the industry is watching closely, as well, yet the locals said they have not seen a direct impact yet.
“We have not seen a lot in the way of tariffs affecting our work at this time,” Head said. “I think, like a lot of things, that’s still yet to be determined.”
“There has been some fear of tariffs that has made their way into estimates, but in terms of actual projects, we have not seen major increases from tariffs,” Fason said.
Many building companies are working to become more “full service,” adding design or other sister companies to them.
James A. Rogers Excavating recently acquired McHenry Companies in Hot Springs and has expanded to include quarry operations. C.R. Crawford Construction’s sister companies include a concrete company, an industrial design company and an electrical company. McClelland is also a full-service company, Head said.
That integration makes things easier for customers, who only have to go to one company for all their building needs, and it speeds up the process, saving clients time and money.
While the industry braces and prepares for the future, the firms also have to remain flexible in anticipation of the unknown.
“You can’t really forecast too far into the future,” Fason said.
As the industry works to stay one step ahead as much as possible, Head said he does not see lasting change on the horizon.
“A lot of the challenges that we have today will be ones we have in the future,” he said.
Steven Head
Trent Rogers
Chris Meyer
Russ Fason
WE BUILD to support our communities
For over 75 years, Nabholz has upheld our purpose: Grow our people. Serve our clients. Build our communities. In that time, we’ve completed projects of all types and sizes — delivering high quality work to fulfill our client’s vision and needs.
GROW. SERVE. BUILD.
WE ARE ALSO THRILLED TO CONGRATULATE MARGARITA & HANNAH
ON BEING NAMED TO AMP’S 2025 WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION LIST!
In 2024, only 11% of U.S. construction workers were female.
Nabholz strives to provide equal opportunities for our employees to reduce that industry gap. With our extensive training and development programs — from Youth Apprentice to Leadership Exploration and Development — we work hard to change the landscape of construction.
Building a Workforce
The future is bright for some of Arkansas’ most important industries
By Sarah DeClerk
With rising populations spurring new development across Arkansas and established infrastructure that requires upkeep, the future of Arkansas depends on architecture, engineering and construction. As baby boomers retire from positions they have had for decades, however, the industries rely on young workers to fulfill workforce needs.
There are numerous institutions in Arkansas working to recruit and train up-and-coming professionals in the AEC fields. Whether jumping in with a certificate or earning a four-year degree, the industries provide lucrative career paths for those with the skills and training.
UA Little Rock: Mastering the Built Environment
Architecture, taught at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, guides the design of buildings, he said. Engineering ensures buildings are safe to inhabit, while construction determines the cost and time needed for each project.
“That’s the three-legged stool, and it works whether you’re talking about a family home, a commercial building, an airport, a roadway, a bridge, a landfill,” he said. “There is some degree of that in the built environment, of that three-legged stool, so what we want to do is we want to help young people make sure they understand which one of those they want to do.”
UA Little Rock has the distinction of having the only program in the United States and one of only two in the world — the other being in Australia — that offers both civil and construction engineering, he said.
Students in both the construction and engineering programs earn an Associate of Science degree as they fulfill the core requirements of their bachelor’s degrees. Engineering students must complete the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to graduate, and the students from both disciples must work at least 800 hours in the industry before graduation.
When Hank Bray, chair of the department of construction management and civil and construction engineering at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, talks to prospective students, he likens the AEC framework to a three-legged stool, two legs of which — engineering and construction — can be found at UA Little Rock.
UA Little Rock students build a concrete canoe as part of a regional activity hosted by the campus chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (Photo by Ben Krain)
Hank Bray
The department also collaborates with local employers for project-based learning, in which real-life projects are adapted for assignments in partnership with industry professionals.
“Students are so excited,” Bray said. “I’m just a teacher that they see every day. You bring somebody in there that works for one of these companies, I’m going to tell you, if the students know they’re coming, they will even dress better to come to class. It’s an amazing phenomenon.”
Students from both disciplines are members of the campus chapters of the Associated General Contractors of America and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Bray said he has worked to strengthen the chapters to provide young people with an opportunity to lead.
Nearly all students — 99 percent — come from Arkansas and remain in the state, he said, and the programs have 100 percent employment upon graduation.
“What I’m preparing them for is to live the American Dream, and I believe that’s in Arkansas. I really do,” Bray said. “I cannot imagine a better place to live, and what I tell them is, with all honesty, in either our engineering program or our construction program, not only will you never not have a job; your children can go into this, and they won’t ever not have a job.”
Arkansas Northeastern College: Spotlight on Steel
Situated in Blytheville in the most prolific steel-producing county in the United States, it is no wonder Arkansas Northeastern College has a focus on industrial maintenance specific to the steel industry.
The certificate of proficiency in steel industry technology garners what is likely the highest starting salary for graduates of any six-month program in the state. The college also offers a one-year technical certificate and an Associate of Applied Science in steel production that allows students to transfer into a four-year engineering program at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
High school juniors and seniors can earn the certificate of proficiency through the Steel Tech Academy, but college president Christopher Heigle is working to reach students as young as third grade.
“The right time to start building STEM majors is very likely at birth,” he said. “I don’t know how to start that, but the truth is we’ve found
that third grade is an age group that’s fairly accessible for us.”
By the time students reach 10th or 11th grade, they should have no question about where they will continue their education, whether it be ANC or another institution, he said. That starts with developing a relationship with school counselors and participating in school and community events.
“We start early, we do it very casually, we make sure the kids like us, and then we kind of sneak in some of the learning as we go along,” he said.
Close relationships with industry partners are integral to the success of the college and its students, Heigle added.
“We’ve become very effective at connecting students to high-wage positions,” he said. “The industries listen to us. We have a very good vetting process. Probably the most important aspect of what makes us different from other colleges is, No. 1, we have incredible jobs. No. 2, we have an internship requirement in a lot of our programs, and so the industries themselves are really able to learn our students and place them in an appropriate position.”
In the future, the college plans to integrate augmented reality into its curriculum, he said, adding that the technology is already being used by
Christopher Heigle
Students studying steel industry technology at Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville benefit from the college’s close partnership with the local steel industry. (Photos provided by ANC)
workers at the mills to identify broken components and order replacements.
“The actual casting environment, it’s incredibly expensive. It’s cost prohibitive to have that actually built on the campus,” he said, “but with augmented reality, it completely changes the way that we can allow students to experience that environment.”
The
Innovation Hub:
Meeting Students Where They Are
Part of the North Little Rock Public Library System, the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub offers a program for adults called Skills to Launch that teaches welding, industrial maintenance, and heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration.
The Innovation Hub partners with the Office of Skills Development, the PPG Foundation and others to provide its programs on a scholarship basis at
no cost to students. Susanna Creed, one of two workforce development managers said Skills to Launch offers students who cannot afford other trade programs a chance to improve their lives and the lives of their families by starting a new career.
“We’re one of the only programs that actually creates this opportunity for those students in a way that they didn’t know was possible,” she said. “It’s really, really beautiful for them to see that somebody believes in them and that it’s not too late for them — because it’s not — and so we get that opportunity to really believe in them and lift them up and show that, yes, they still have something amazing to offer. We see you, and we want to support you.”
Each student completes the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10-Hour Outreach Training Program. HVAC/R students also earn the Environmental Protection Agency Section 608 Technician Certification.
“We have a lot of one-on-one conversations with local employers, so we try to tell them about the program, but we also
ask them what are the skills that they’re looking for?” Creed said. “When it comes to getting two resumes or two applicants in, why would they choose Applicant A over Applicant B? What are the needs that they’re seeing?”
The biggest need, Creed said, is for workers who show up consistently and on time. For that reason, the Innovation Hub monitors students during the first two weeks of class to see if any are having trouble with attendance or tardiness, then works with those students to develop transportation plans they can carry forward into their careers.
The Innovation Hub also teaches communication skills, resume building, job-search skills and other soft skills, in addition to facilitating mock interviews with actual employers.
“Every year, we get students hired from those mock interviews,” Creed said. “This year, we’re really being intentional to say, ‘Are you planning to move forward with any of our students? If yes, why, and if no, why not?’ so we can better hone in on what they are specifically looking for at the hiring stage.”
Susanna Creed, workforce development manager, teaches a class at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub in North Little Rock, which provides students with both technical training and soft skills. (Photo provided by the Innovation Hub)
Susanna Creed
With an aging workforce, trade programs such as Skills to Launch are important to ensuring Arkansas has enough welders, HVAC/R technicians and other professionals to keep the state’s AEC industries on track, she said.
“If we don’t uplift this next generation and help get them opportunities to get into those entry-level jobs to start to build that knowledge base, to start to build that experience, we’re going to have a really big problem in five, 10 years,” she said. “We’ve got to look at who is the next generation, and how are we giving them that chance to get experience so that they can become the next experts, as well?”
ABC Arkansas: Tools of the Trade
With an apprenticeship program, high school recruitment efforts and a new training lab in the works, Associated Builders and Contractors of Arkansas works to ensure the AEC industries have a plentiful supply of motivated, welltrained workers.
“Workforce development is extremely important,” said Bill Roachell, chapter
president. “If you look at the number of companies that are trying to fill positions, our contractors, every day, are looking to fill some of those jobs, whether it be an electrician, a plumber or a carpenter, a welder, and so they look to us to help them identify where that talent pipeline is going to be.”
For that reason, ABC Arkansas works closely with local high schools and homeschool groups to get young people interested in the trades. The chapter partners with the Build My Future event in northwest Arkansas, and in April, ABC Arkansas will host the third annual Build My Future in central Arkansas at the Conway Expo Center.
Build My Future is different from a traditional job fair, Roachell said, because member companies who participate are required to provide a hands-on activity, whether students are learning roofing, plumbing or bricklaying or riding on an asphalt paver or scissor lift.
“There’s all kinds of cool activities that these kids get to do,” Roachell said.
ABC Arkansas also offers programs for youth apprenticeship, preapprenticeship and registered apprenticeship, all of which combine hands-on classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Apprenticeship gives participants an opportunity to earn while they learn and ensures member companies have ongoing
access to skilled workers, Roachell said.
“Our members are always looking for young men and women to fill job openings that they have,” he said. “We’ve got an aging workforce in construction. Those folks are starting to retire out, so we’ve got to make sure that we’re filling that pipeline with these young men and women that want to go into the trades, that want to work with their hands, and give them an opportunity.”
ABC Arkansas recently purchased a new building in Maumelle that will offer an 8,300-square-foot training lab with four welding stations, a wire pulling station, and areas for students to practice plumbing and HVAC work, Roachell said.
He added that the chapter is looking to deepen its relationship with the homeschool community to provide workshops, job site tours and other engagement for students interested in the trades. Training and recruiting young people is essential to ensuring the success of the industries and the state as a whole, he said.
“If we don’t have the manpower to fill these jobs, then it’s going to take a lot longer to build a new high school, to build a hospital, to build a bridge, things like that,” he said. “We’ve got to make sure that we’re filling that pipeline up with these young men and women that are ready to go to work.”
Associated Builders and Contractors helps introduce high schoolers to the industry at the annual Build My Future event in Conway, and soon, ABC Arkansas will boast a training lab at its new building in Maumelle. (Photos provided by ABC Arkansas)
Bill Roachell
PROMINENT ONGOING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S MASTER FACILITIES PLAN
Owner: Arkansas Children’s
Location: Little Rock and Springdale
Valuation: $318M
Start date: 2024
Completion date: 2026
Architect: Polk Stanley Wilcox and Cromwell Architects Engineers
Construction Manager: Nabholz
PINNACLE VIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Owner: Little Rock School District
Location: Little Rock
Valuation: $147M
Start date: June 2023
Completion date: Spring 2027
Architect: Lewis Architects Engineers
Construction Manager: Baldwin & Shell
ARKANSAS STATE CRIME LAB
Owner: Arkansas Department of Public Safety
Location: North Little Rock
Valuation: $136.9M
Start date: July 2025
Completion date: July 2027
Architect: WER Architects
Construction Manager: Nabholz
CLINTON NATIONAL CENTRAL UTILITIES PROJECT
Owner: Clinton National Airport
Location: Little Rock
Valuation: $109 million
Start date: July 2025
Completion date: 1Q28
Architect: Alliance
Construction Manager: Clark Contractors
WOODLAND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Owner: Fayetteville Public Schools
Location: Fayetteville
Valuation: $99.6M
Start date: April 2025
Completion date: June 2027
Architect: Modus Studio
Construction Manager: Nabholz
Sources: Construction firms
THE PLAZA AT PINNACLE SPRINGS
Owner: Champions Corner
Development, LLC
Location: Rogers
Valuation: $84M
Start date: February 2023
Construction Manager: C.R. Crawford
Construction
WYNNE HIGH SCHOOL
Owner: Wynne School District
Location: Wynne, AR
Valuation: $78M
Start date: August 2024
Completion date: June 2027
Architect: Arch1010
Construction Manager: Nabholz
NORTH LITTLE ROCK MIDDLE SCHOOL
Owner: North Little Rock School District
Location: North Little Rock
Valuation: $68M
Start date: July 2025
Completion date: February 2029
Architect: Taggart
Construction Manager: Nabholz
RIDGE ATHLETIC CENTER
Owner: City of Jonesboro
Location: Jonesboro
Valuation: $65M
Start date: Arpil 2025
Completion date: January 2027
Architect: Crafton Tull
Construction Manager: Nabholz
UAMS NWA ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE CENTER
Owner: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Location: Springdale
Valuation: $58.7M
Start date: May 2025
Completion date: April 2027
Architect: Marlon Blackwell Architects
Construction Manager: Nabholz
HOTEL VIN
Owner: Hotel VIN Rogers LLC
Location: Rogers
Valuation: $45.8M
Start date: July 2024
Construction Manager: C.R. Crawford
Construction
WATSON CHAPEL HIGH SCHOOL
Owner: Watson Chapel School District
Location: Pine Bluff
Valuation: $38M
Start date: May 2024
Completion date: Spring 2026
Architect: Lewis Architects Engineers
Construction Manager: Baldwin & Shell
NATIONAL CENTER FOR OPIOID RESEARCH
Owner: Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Location: Little Rock
Valuation: $37 million
Start date: July 2025
Completion date: 1Q27
Architect: ESA
Construction Manager: Clark Contractors
FERGUSON STUDENT UNION AND RECREATION CENTER
Owner: Arkansas Tech University
Location: Russellville
Valuation: $34M
Start date: July 2023
Completion date: 1Q26
Architect: MBL Architecture
Construction Manager: Kinco
ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL EXPANSION
Owner: Pulaski County Special School
District
Location: Little Rock
Valuation: $25.2M
Start date: Sept. 2025
Completion date: Fall 2027
Architect: WER Architects
Construction Manager: Baldwin & Shell
COLBERT MIDDLE SCHOOL RENOVATIONS AND ADDITIONS
Owner: Fayetteville School District
Location: Fayetteville
Valuation: $24M
Start date: May 2025
Completion date: April 2027
Architect: Lewis Architects Engineers
RIVERSIDE PARK ENHANCEMENTS
Owner: City of Batesville
Project Location: Batesville
Valuation: $22 million
Start date: April 2025
Completion date: 4Q26
Architect: Taggart
Construction Manager: Clark Contractors
ARKANSAS STATE POLICE BARRACKS
Owner: Arkansas State Police
Location: North Little Rock
Valuation: $21.8M
Start date: January 2025
Completion date: 4Q26
Architect: WER Architects
Construction Manager: Kinco
SHILOH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL EXPANSION
Owner: Shiloh Christian School
Location: Springdale
Valuation: $21.6M
Start date: March 2024
Construction Manager: C.R. Crawford
Construction
H.L. LUBKER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Owner: Bald Knob School District
Location: Bald Knob
Valuation: $17.1M
Start date: May 2025
Completion date: 4Q26
Architect: Lewis Architects Engineers
Construction Manager: Kinco
ARKANSAS FOREST HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER
Owner: University of Arkansas at Monticello
Location: Monticello
Valuation: $15 million
Start date: December 2024
Completion date: 2Q26
Architect: SCM Architects
Construction Manager: Clark Contractors
WASHINGTON COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
Owner: Washington County
Location: Fayetteville
Valuation: $7.2M
Start date: October 2024
Construction Manager: C.R. Crawford
Construction
Construction Manager: Baldwin & Shell
Abbie Rose just needed a job. She did not think that her life was about to permanently change.
A natural-born entrepreneur, Rose was running her own catering business and food truck in northwest Arkansas when the COVID-19 outbreak took hold five years ago. The food industry was among those clobbered hardest by the pandemic, and Rose’s venture — Kona Coast Tacos in Fayetteville — could not recover from the hit.
Rose joined C.R. Crawford Construction in Fayetteville as an estimating assistant and counted herself lucky. As one of the millions whose life was thrown into turmoil by the pandemic, she had found a soft landing, one that fit hand in glove with her data-driven nature.
“There’s such a great team here,” said Rose, now an analyst at Crawford. “I saw a big need for some integration and where we could really leverage our information. I’ve just been chipping away at it since I’ve been here.”
Rose did not know it when she walked through the door, but she had landed at a company that looked past her nontraditional professional background and saw a burgeoning asset. She had a head for numbers but with a marketing background that made her a great communicator. It was not too long before Crawford created a new position for Rose and later promoted her to information technology
director, such is the breadth of her skills.
For a woman trying to catch on in the traditionally male-dominated spaces of construction, engineering and architecture, Rose could hardly have hoped for a better situation. The doors are flying open for others, as well. Some, like Rose, are finding companies ready to embrace their skill sets with open arms. Others have known they wanted to work in the industry since the first time they walked into a classroom. All are enjoying a rush of opportunities that were not always available to women a generation ago, and all have succeeded not only as leaders but as role models.
Kim Koch, a mechanical engineer and founding principal at Insight Engineering in Little Rock, did not grow up with her eyes set on building things. She clicked with her math and science teachers in high school and figured her burgeoning interest would translate well in the medical field. She picked chemistry with a premed track upon arriving at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, but as she plowed away at her studies, she began to wonder if the 24/7 life of a doctor was a match with her personality.
“I think most people who end up in this business do so accidentally,” Koch said. “I’m no exception to that.”
Koch switched her major to mechanical engineering — she said it offered the broadest knowledge base — and
LBUILDING EGACIES
By Doug Crise
WOMEN FIND OPPORTUNITY AND SUCCESS IN ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING
Abbie Rose
Kim Koch
Katie Bruhl
worked in the manufacturing sector for a few years before eyeing something that would give her more flexibility about where she could live.
“I was looking to make a move to Little Rock, and I had a family member in the industry,” Koch said. “That was 24 years ago. I got into this construction side of engineering. I really enjoy it. One, it’s really different. One day, you’re designing a hospital; the next day, you’re designing a brewery. Also, it gives you more flexibility with a work-family lifestyle balance.”
Two decades later, Koch said she still loves the no-day-is-the-same vibe of building engineering. Insight offers planning and consultation for plumbing, electrical systems and climate control. The company’s deft touch can be found throughout the state, including at CARTI’s outpatient treatment center in Pine Bluff and the Artspace Windgate Campus in Little Rock.
Yet just like Rose, Koch owes her rise to so much more than just knowing facts and figures. She has a good touch with people, knows how to communicate and can effortlessly swing from the minutiae of blueprints to the big-picture thinking of running a business.
“They don’t teach you any of that in engineering school,” Koch said. “We may be the only degree that doesn’t have to take communications in college. I’ve been self-motivated but also employed with
companies and organizations that led me through different leadership classes.”
Make no mistake — even in the numbers-and-physics world of engineering, construction and architecture, soft skills are nonnegotiable.
“There’s a lot of public speaking,” Koch said. “We interview here at Insight for, I’d say, at least 80 percent of our work. You need presentation skills and marketing skills, and then there’s the legal and business side of running the company.”
As daunting as that may seem, Koch said resources and support are plentiful. She credits the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers for her continued learning and development, as well as the Little Rock Regional Chamber’s Leadership Greater Little Rock program.
Koch has a piece of advice for those looking to run their own engineering firm: A growth mindset is great, but delegation is essential.
“My advice would be to learn enough to understand it, but then find and rely on trusted experts whose business it is to do these tasks every day,” Koch said. “Find a lawyer, accountant, bookkeeper, [human resources] advisor and even a marketing professional, and hire them to be your expert.”
Katie Bruhl, principal architect at TAGGART Architects in North Little Rock, agreed that the skills picked up
after formal education prove the most vital. Growing up in Barton, Bruhl showed an aptitude for architecture early on while, of all things, playing with Barbie dolls with her cousin.
“I was more interested in building the house than actually playing with her,” Bruhl said.
Bruhl was equally precocious in school, developing a love for both math and art that would lead her to the University of Arkansas. Still, given that she still had no formal introduction to architecture, the move qualified as a bit of a gamble.
“Growing up in a small town, I didn’t have the chance to intern at an architecture office and kind of determine if it was really something that I wanted to do,” Bruhl said. “I just kind of took a chance and went to architecture school.”
Taking that chance paid off as Bruhl parlayed her education into internships and, finally, a job at Little Rock firm Allison + Partners. Bruhl worked at Allison for 16 years, rising to the positions of project manager and principal architect.
Bruhl only joined TAGGART this year, but she said her job description has largely remained the same.
“I work with the clients from the beginning of the project through the construction of the project, keeping their budget and timeline in mind and working through the design and their goals,
helping see those through,” Bruhl said.
If that sounds like it goes beyond the realms of math and art, Bruhl readily agreed. She said college provided a platform and a starting point — a vital one — but that most of the skills she employs now go beyond the basics.
“I think having a good mentor is really important,” Bruhl said, “someone that’s willing to teach you. You know, you go to architecture school, and you learn the theory of architecture, but it’s not always the practice of architecture, so having someone that can teach you those things is really essential, and I was lucky enough to have several people at my previous firm and at this firm that help me continue to learn even now.”
Mary Fair, engineer and aviation leader at Garver, studied civil engineering at the University of Arkansas, primarily because she knew it would give her a solid skill foundation. That allowed her to catch on at Garver shortly after graduating, but as she entered the specialized field of aviation engineering, she realized her engineering education had just begun.
“I had some connections to Garver, so I knew the company existed,” Fair said. “They were an engineering firm, and that was kind of the extent of my knowledge. I was very green going into the engineering field.”
Fair credited a supportive environment at Garver that allowed her to develop and ask questions with her professional growth.
“I’ve really seen a wide range of positions here at the company,” Fair said, “and I’ve been supported with all the different things that you need at those levels. Early in your career, you need that technical support. Airport engineering is not taught in school.”
Cynthia Hawkins, principal architect and director of interiors at Cromwell Architects Engineers, said Cromwell’s culture of professional growth is why she has stayed with the firm for more than three decades.
“Anytime something would pop up, I would put together a budget and then take it to the CEO or president and say, ‘Hey, I think this would really help with my growth. What do you think?’” Hawkins said. “Comwell is very much a participant in helping me get to where I am.”
Getting help and support from home is also key when it comes to establishing oneself in the field.
“One of the things I’m grateful for is the support system I’ve had with my family,” Hawkins said. “That includes my parents, my husband and my children. That is really helpful, too, and it is really part of my success.”
Mary Fair
Cynthia Hawkins
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Arkansas
Crafting Meaningful Architecture That Connects People, Place, and Purpose
Congratulations to Reese Rowland, FAIA, recipient of the E. Fay Jones Gold Medal Award, for a career devoted to creating spaces that inspire, sustain, and connect communities.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center AIA Arkansas Honor Design Award
U.S. Marshals Museum AIA
Merit Design Award
in AEC Women 2025
Amber Banks
Architect
Cromwell Architects Engineers
Amber Banks is an award-winning architect who brings energy, creativity and collaboration to every project she undertakes. A graduate of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Banks began her career at Cromwell Architects Engineers after completing her internship at the firm. Her work spans education, municipal projects and community-focused design, including the Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy in Little Rock, Southern Arkansas University Tech’s fire training academy housing in Camden, a preliminary design for the Hoxie Civil Rights Museum and various interior renovation projects
Beyond her project work, Banks leads Cromwell’s student outreach efforts, hosting high school and college students from across Arkansas to introduce them to careers in architecture and engineering. A graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock who has been honored by local publications, she also volunteers at studioMAIN in Little Rock and Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas. Banks brings a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to community engagement and design excellence.
Margarita Barragán
Assistant Superintendent Nabholz
With more than 26 years in construction, Margarita Barragán has built a career defined by skill, perseverance and leadership. Now an assistant superintendent at Nabholz, she manages field operations with a focus on safety, quality and teamwork. Originally from Durango, Mexico, Barragán began her career at Nabholz in 1999, at a time when few women worked in the field. Through determination and a strong work ethic, she quickly earned respect and opportunities. Known as a mentor to younger craft professionals, she continues to inspire others through her leadership, hands-on expertise and community service. She has an Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10-Hour certification and has contributed to major projects, including Ledger in Bentonville, Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale and multiple facilities at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
November’s focus on architecture, engineering and construction gives Arkansas Money & Politics an opportunity to recognize prominent women in fields which traditionally have been male dominated. Many Arkansas professionals are proving that women can thrive in these industries, whether their role is on a job site or behind a desk.
This month, AMP recognizes some of those leaders — in roles ranging from bid coordinator to owner — who are helping blaze trails and grow the state economy in the process.
Katie Bruhl Principal
TAGGART Architects
Katie Bruhl, a member of the American Institute of Architects and an accredited professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a principal at TAGGART Architects with 18 years of architectural experience spanning projects of all scales, from intimate renovations to complex new developments. A 2007 graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, Bruhl earned her LEED Accredited Professional designation in 2008 and became a licensed architect in 2013. Her work is informed by a deep appreciation for historic preservation and adaptive reuse, balancing innovation with respect for context and craft. In addition to her role at TAGGART, Bruhl contributes to her community as a member of the Capitol Zoning Design Review Committee, where she helps shape the architectural character of Little Rock’s historic districts. Her career reflects a commitment to thoughtful design, sustainability and mentorship within the AEC industry.
Catherine Brumbaugh Director of Training and Development
Lexicon
Catherine Brumbaugh is director of training and development at Lexicon, bringing more than 25 years of experience in talent management, leadership development and employee engagement. She specializes in designing coaching programs, facilitating leadership initiatives and implementing strategic talent-management frameworks that strengthen organizational performance. Before joining Lexicon, Brumbaugh served as director of organizational development at ONEOK, a diversified energy infrastructure company based in Tulsa. Her career also includes progressive leadership roles in learning and development with Post Holdings, PetWell Partners, British Petroleum, Peabody Energy and Shell Global Solutions. Brumbaugh earned a Ph.D. in education training and performance improvement from Capella University in Minnesota, a Master of Arts in teaching from the University of Houston, and a Bachelor of Arts in life and earth science from the University of the Incarnate Word in Texas. She and her husband, William, are relocating to Little Rock and enjoy traveling to support their sons and spending time with their dogs, Blue Belle and Lorelei.
Jenny Burbidge
Founder & Vice President
Prism
Design Studio
Jenny Burbidge founded Prism Design Studio with a vision to place landscape architects at the forefront of project planning and development. An Arkansas native with more than a decade of experience in landscape architecture and project management, Burbidge has left her mark on everything from multifamily housing to parks, commercial sites, urban corridors and complex master plans. Today, Burbidge leads the Prism Design Studio team, which operates as an extension of Crafton Tull. Burbidge is a licensed landscape architect and graduate of the Fay Jones School of Architecture at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. A positive force for conservation, she is past president of the board at the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust and past president of the Arkansas American Society of Landscape Architects chapter. She is a proud member of both the Illinois River Watershed Partnership’s recreation advisory committee and Urban Land Institute Northwest Arkansas’ small cities committee.
Sydney Cartwright
New Systems Sales Engineer
Harrison Energy Partners
Sydney Cartwright is a new systems sales engineer at Harrison Energy Partners. A Clarksville native, she earned her degree in mechanical engineering at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. Cartwright began her career with Harrison Energy Partners as an intern in 2015 and joined the sales team full time after graduation. Since then, Cartwright has grown into a trusted subject matter expert on a variety of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technologies with a particular focus on variable refrigerant volume systems. Cartwright is also an active leader in the industry community, serving as the northwest Arkansas chapter president of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers for 2023 to 2024. Known for her calm and steady leadership, Cartwright is admired by both colleagues and clients. Her ability to balance intelligence, wit and perspective makes her a dynamite engineer. Cartwright is married and has three young boys. When she has any free time, she can be found staying busy by taking care of her dogs and 25 — and counting — chickens.
Sarah Devan
Senior Associate, Architect and Conservator
WER Architects
Sarah Devan is a licensed architect and conservator who joined the project management team at WER Architects in January. She is a graduate of the architecture program at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Her early career was spent working for Jameson Architects in Little Rock, where she developed her love of historic preservation projects. Deciding to specialize in that field, she continued on to Columbia University in New York, earning a Master of Science in historic preservation. Following graduate school, she continued to work in New York City at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, where she worked on a number of exciting projects, including the New York Public Library restoration, The Juilliard School and the American Museum of Natural History. Relocating to Austin, Texas, in 2009, she continued to work on preservation projects but desired more hands-on experience. She joined her father, Bob Devan, as an apprentice in books and paper conservation and later worked with art conservators in the Los Angeles area, including Rosa Lowinger’s RLA Conservation of Art & Architecture and Griswold Conservation Associates. There, she developed a love of performing handson conservation treatments on both historic and contemporary art and sculpture. In 2015, she joined Architectural Resources Group
in LA, where she combined her two passions of historic preservation and art conservation working on a wide variety of projects, including the Eames House, LA Union Station, the Norton Simon Museum and Wayfarers Chapel. She now brings a wealth of materials knowledge and more than 20 years’ experience back to Arkansas and can provide considerable expertise about technical reports and conditions assessments, historic structure reports and master plans, materials testing and historic finishes analysis, and restoration and rehabilitation projects.
Mary Fair Aviation Leader
Garver
For more than a decade, Mary Fair, professional engineer, has devoted her career to uplifting her home state of Arkansas through aviation infrastructure design. An alum of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Fair kickstarted her career as an intern with Garver and quickly climbed the ranks, being named one of the firm’s Arkansas Aviation Leaders in 2022. She leads a team of civil and electrical engineering experts responsible for air carrier airport projects in Arkansas and Louisiana. From project planning and funding assistance to civil design and construction management, Fair has crafted a vast variety of expertise that has been utilized by clients across the state, including the Clinton National Airport and Conway Regional Airport. In coordinating with project owners, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics, contractors, and more, she has continually positioned herself as a trusted advisor among Arkansas aviation officials. Fair’s commitment to Arkansas extends beyond office hours. She serves as past president of the Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers’ board of directors. A Little Rock native, she is an avid volunteer within her community and is a dedicated member of many of Garver’s company initiatives. Fair has helped create and lead mentorship, networking and professional development opportunities for Garver employees and small-business owners through Little Rock’s Business United in Leadership Development, or BUILD, Academy program. She has long supported the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Tijuana Byrd Summer Internship Program and is a devoted member of the Women’s Transportation Seminar of Arkansas. She is also a graduate of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Arkansas Emerging Leaders program and Leadership of Greater Little Rock.
Cynthia Hawkins Director of Interior Design
Cromwell Architects Engineers
A native of North Little Rock, Cynthia Hawkins joined Cromwell Architects Engineers in 1993 and became director of interior design in 1998. As a principal and member of the board of directors, she helps guide the firm’s long-term strategy and vision. Throughout her career, Hawkins has led interior design efforts for a diverse range of projects, including corporate offices, educational facilities, health care environments, military installations and hospitality spaces. Her expertise spans programming, space planning, finish specification, casework design, signage, furniture selection, cost estimating and project bidding. Beyond her design work, Hawkins plays an active role in Cromwell’s leadership and planning initiatives. She co-chairs the firm’s strategic planning steering committee and serves as liaison to internal leadership committees. An award-winning interior designer, Hawkins earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design from Louisiana Tech University and is dedicated to creating functional, beautiful and enduring spaces.
ABBIE ROSE
Jessica Hollinsworth Senior Superintendent
CDI Contractors
Jessica Hollinsworth is a senior superintendent at CDI Contractors in Fayetteville. She just completed work as the lead superintendent for the 144,000-square-foot Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research facility at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Hollinsworth led a CDI team of 25 and managed more than a thousand workers from 45 different subcontractor partners. Her leadership was pivotal in managing a technically complex building that merged controlled scientific lab spaces with aesthetically beautiful mass timber construction. Hollinsworth joined CDI after completing a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Arkansas. She has worked on several projects around the state of Arkansas while working her way up to her current senior leadership position with the company, where she excels not just in field management but in training and growing younger members of her team. Hollinsworth is president of the northwest Arkansas chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction.
Katelynn Hopkins Engineer
Ecological Design Group
Katelynn Hopkins is a licensed professional engineer at Ecological Design Group’s Rogers location. Originally from Talala, Oklahoma, and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Hopkins earned her Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She began her career in Dallas, working on city streetscape development in the urban corridors department, before returning to northwest Arkansas in 2022 to join EDG. Hopkins is passionate about thoughtful urban development and specializes in infill projects that transform underutilized properties into vibrant, purposeful community spaces. She currently serves as vice chair of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society Board of Directors and founded both the Texas and northwest Arkansas chapters. Hopkins also participates in the Urban Land Institute and the American Society of Civil Engineers and regularly volunteers with the city of Fayetteville. She lives in West Fork with her husband and is expecting their first child in December.
Kim Koch
Founding Principal
Insight Engineering
Kim Koch is a registered professional engineer with more than 25 years of experience providing design and operational consulting for clients across health care, higher education, K-12, commercial, spiritual and government sectors. Driven by a passion for her community, Koch founded Insight Engineering in Little Rock in 2019 — a 100 percent woman-owned and -operated firm committed to delivering bold, creative solutions for the built environment where people live, work and play. Insight was recognized as a finalist for the Little Rock Regional Chamber Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year in 2022. Koch actively serves on the boards of studioMain in Little Rock, the Arkansas STEM Coalition in Little Rock and the Arkansas chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers. A graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXVII, she has been named among the Top 100 Women of Impact in Arkansas and 2023 Women to Watch, as well as being honored by local publications
Mary Nell Miskin
Landscape Architect
Ecological Design Group
Mary Nell Miskin is a licensed landscape architect with Ecological Design Group, where she plays a leading role in creating resilient, peoplefocused landscapes throughout Arkansas. A 2015 graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, she began her career in Houston before returning home in 2019 to join EDG.
Miskin has since become an integral part of the firm’s landscape architecture team, mentoring young designers, leading project design and shaping spaces that connect communities to the outdoors. Her work includes the Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center, a project she designed and saw built after returning to Arkansas. Dedicated to advancing the profession, Miskin serves on the executive committee for the Arkansas chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, where she has had positions as public relations chair and secretary. She lives in central Arkansas with her husband and two young boys and enjoys exploring the Natural State through hiking and camping.
Elizabeth Prenger
Director of Brand and Marketing HFA
Elizabeth Prenger is a dynamic brand and marketing leader with more than a decade of experience in innovation strategy, community-driven marketing and creative operations.
As director of brand and marketing at HFA, Prenger oversees the strategic direction of the company’s branding and marketing initiatives, ensuring that HFA’s message resonates with clients, partners and team members. Her work involves crafting a cohesive brand narrative, driving multichannel marketing campaigns, and fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration within the organization. Prenger’s expertise in brand development, content strategy and community engagement is complemented by her ability to manage complex projects and build strong, meaningful relationships. Her accomplishments include launching the first U.S. femtech accelerator, organizing high-impact events and earning national recognition as a leader in women’s health innovation. With a passion for storytelling, innovation and creating connections, Prenger is committed to elevating HFA’s brand and showcasing its culture of collaboration and excellence.
Brittany Pylant Vice President of Technology and Digital Innovation
HFA
As vice president of technology and digital innovation, Brittany Pylant leads the development and execution of HFA’s enterprise-wide technology strategy. Her role has evolved from studio-level process improvement to overseeing infrastructure, innovation, security, data and digital transformation across all facets of the organization — from design and construction to business operations. Pylant drives technology integration with business strategy, aligning tools, teams and systems to enhance operational efficiency and client value. She oversees a diverse and high-performing portfolio that includes innovation development, operations, business technology, design technology, custom solutions and information technology. With a focus on long-term impact, she partners closely with firm leadership to shape future vision, pilot emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation, and ensure seamless digital integration across the enterprise. Known for connecting innovation with practical outcomes, Pylant is committed to redefining what is possible through technology while fostering a culture of forward-thinking transformation.
ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING AND PLANNING FOR SMARTER GROWTH
Join us as we settle into that nice corner office with the view. AMP visits the C-suite to talk with some of the state’s chief officers (executive, operating, financial and more) about the pressures and responsibilities they face daily.
These leaders make the calls that make the state’s economy move, and AMP will showcase them in March.
Nominate your favorite C-suite executives by visiting armoneyandpolitics.com and go to the “nominate” tab.
Abbie Rose
Director of Information Technology
C.R. Crawford Construction
Abbie Rose, director of information technology at C.R. Crawford Construction in Fayetteville, has transformed the way the company works, developing smarter, more efficient systems that drive collaboration, innovation and results that ultimately benefit clients. Since joining the company in 2020, her forward-thinking approach and leadership have made a lasting impact across the organization and the industry. She began her career at C.R. Crawford as an estimating assistant and quickly advanced to data analyst before taking on her current role. Rose’s strategic vision and expertise in analytics, finance and operational efficiency guide C.R. Crawford’s technology strategy, systems management and innovation across all departments. Passionate about leveraging technology to simplify processes and improve performance, her hands-on approach ensures systems evolve with organizational growth. Outside of work, she serves as director of WCSC United, a recreational soccer club, and as sponsorship liaison for Greenland Athletics.
Claire Schoppe
Project Manager
McClelland Consulting Engineers
Claire Schoppe, a professional engineer, is an integral member of the transportation department at McClelland Consulting Engineers. Schoppe’s current role is project manager, and she specializes in roadway design, pedestrian improvements and state department coordination. She has more than 12 years of experience in the architecture, engineering and construction industry and has successfully led multiple transportation projects from concept through construction — helping communities improve safety, accessibility and connectivity. Throughout her career, Schoppe has developed strong relationships with clients and agency partners by ensuring clear com munication and attention to detail at every project stage. Her ability to balance technical precision with practical solutions makes her a trust ed resource on complex transportation initiatives. Schoppe earned her Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Louisiana Tech University. Outside of work, Schoppe is involved in WTS Arkansas, a group focused on advancing women and advancing transportation, and as a graduate of Leadership Saline County Class XVIII, where she now serves on the board for future classes. She enjoys baking, attending concerts, playing hockey and cheering on the Minnesota Frost.
Hannah Wiertzema
Project Manager
Nabholz
Megan Williams
Vice President of Chapter Development
Associated Builders and Contractor of Arkansas
Megan Williams was born and raised in Conway. She earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations with a minor in graphic design from the University of Central Arkansas there in 2012 and a master’s degree in communications from Queens University of Charlotte in North Carolina in 2019. Since joining Associated Builders and Contractors of Arkansas in 2013, she has advanced to vice president of chapter development, helping expand ABC’s events, launch the Arkansas Construction Trades Academy apprenticeship program, and create youth outreach and young professionals initiatives. Williams also provides Heartsaver First Aid, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator training, as well as suicide prevention in construction training statewide. She served on the National Association for Women in Construction Greater Little Rock Chapter Board from 2014 to 2024 and currently serves as chair for membership and Women in Construction Week. Williams was previously featured as a Woman in AEC by Arkansas Money & Politics in 2023. She is passionate about community service and industry growth.
Since joining Nabholz in 2019, project manager Hannah Wiertzema has helped deliver meaningful civil projects across northwest Arkansas, including a large home office for a national retailer, Railyard Park and Pleasant Grove Road. Originally from Pittsburg, Kansas, she has a Bachelor of Science in construction engineering technologies and is known for her collaborative leadership and strong communication skills. As a woman thriving in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Wiertzema leads by example, showing that hard work, integrity and teamwork drive success. Guided by the belief that doing one’s best in every task leads to lasting growth, she continues to build both projects and people.
WILLIAMS
On behalf of the ABC Arkansas staff and all our association members, congratulations on this honor. We are grateful for all you do for our industry!
MEGAN
Building Tomorrow
By Dwain Hebda
ACEF training programs making progress in filling state’s labor gap
All across Arkansas, one can feel the steady pulse of progress, a state on the rise. Throughout every region of the state, from the Diamond Lakes to the River Valley and from the Boston Mountains to the southern Delta, growth and vitality are readily apparent, ushered in by craftspeople and skilled workers who build, maintain, repair and enhance the backbone of the Natural State.
There was a time not long ago when such progress was nearly at a standstill in Arkansas, ground almost to a halt for lack of workers with the right training and skills. Recognizing that, the Arkansas Construction Education Foundation was formed in 1994 with the express purpose of producing a safe, competent and professional workforce for skilled industries through affordable, accessible skilled training.
Now entering its fourth decade, the organization’s mission is stronger and more dynamic than ever.
“Since we were incorporated in 1994, we’ve trained over 15,000 apprentices across the state of Arkansas, and 100 percent of those students have completed their training with zero tuition debt,” said Zach Sloan, ACEF executive director. “That’s not only a win for the students and their employers; it’s a win for Arkansas. When there isn’t enough skilled labor in the market, companies are forced to compete for a limited workforce, driving up project costs and ultimately increasing prices for consumers and clients.
“Our mission directly addresses that challenge. By providing quality, affordable training, we help stabilize the industry’s labor pipeline and strengthen the state’s overall economy. The impact extends far beyond the classroom; we’ve had apprentices who started out earning a modest wage, worked their way up to become licensed master electricians and plumbers, and eventually launched their own businesses. Many now employ their own crews, invest back into their local communities and contribute to Arkansas’ economic growth.”
Sloan added that as the state’s construction industry continues to expand, so has the demand for skilled workers, far outpacing current training capacity.
“We’re at a pivotal moment,” he said. “Arkansas is growing. Infrastructure projects, commercial development and industrial expansion are all driving the need for more trained professionals than ever before. To keep up, we have to modernize our facilities, expand our programs and create space for the next generation of tradespeople to learn and thrive.
“That’s what led to our Building Tomorrow Capital Campaign. This campaign was launched to meet the industry’s growing needs by creating a new state-of-the-art construction campus at the Port of Little Rock. The facility will feature specialized labs for every major trade that will be equipped with the latest tools and technology to mirror real-world jobsite conditions. It’s designed not just to train workers but to inspire careers.”
A native of McGehee, Sloan joined ACEF as deputy director seven years ago and has been in his current position for two years. He leads an organization that operates in nine locations statewide, including Jonesboro, Jacksonville, Forrest City, Russellville, Conway, Morrilton, Springdale, Fort Smith, in addition to the original Little Rock campus.
The group is on the threshold of a major turning point in its history with the opening of its new training facility at the Port of Little Rock. The new 12-acre campus will include the expansion and renovation of the current 23,000-square-foot main building, as well as a standalone heavy and civil trade building to be completed in August 2026.
The compound will give the Little Rock location the capacity to as much as double its student capacity, as well as bring more technology and equipment into the classroom.
“This new building affords every trade their own individualized skills lab with all of the equipment and resources needed to simulate real-world jobsite conditions,” Sloan said. “For the first time, our electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry and heavy equipment programs will each have dedicated training spaces that mirror what our students will experience in the field. That hands-on experience is what truly prepares them for success.
“I want ACEF to be known for having the best instructors and the highest quality education in the state not just in construction training but as a model for workforce development. This new facility is going to be a big part of that. It’s more than a building; it’s an investment in the future of Arkansas’s skilled trades. It represents our commitment to providing the next generation of craftsmen and women with the tools, environment and mentorship they need to thrive in their careers.”
The curriculum has grown alongside the organization’s physical presence and now includes nonlicensed training programs in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning; electronic systems technician; and sprinkler fitting and carpentry, along with ACEF’s legacy licensed programs in electrical and plumbing. In all, about 1,000 individuals are trained annually by ACEF’s teaching staff of 55 industry professionals. Classes meet one night a week for two to four years, depending on the program.
Sloan said the group is actively working to bring more training programs into reality, in keeping with the needs of the state’s builders and manufacturers. Sloan said thanks to a $1 million grant, ACEF will be able to equip the Little Rock training center with the latest in
“
I want ACEF to be known for having the best instructors and the highest quality education in the state not just in construction training but as a model for workforce development.
— Zach Sloan, ACEF executive director
technology and equipment for existing courses and helping to launch new ones.
“Our big push right now is to expand our program offerings,” Sloan said. “By staying in constant communication with our employer partners and monitoring what’s happening out in the field, we’ve identified several key training gaps across the state, particularly in the heavy and civil construction sectors. That includes areas like heavy equipment operation, diesel mechanics, concrete finishing and masonry, all critical trades where demand continues to outpace the available workforce.”
Billy Rouse, apprentice and founder of Lexicor (Photos by Chris Davis)
Sloan credits the organization’s strong industry partnerships, especially with Associated General Contractors of Arkansas, for helping ACEF stay connected to the real needs of contractors.
“Our partnership with AGC Arkansas has been one of the greatest strengths behind our growth,” he said. “We’ve worked hand in hand to identify workforce challenges and create solutions that have a lasting impact. AGC’s members are not only advocates; they’re actively engaged in shaping the programs that build our workforce pipeline.”
“To meet those needs, we’ve worked closely with the U.S. Department of Labor to gain approval for new apprenticeship programs in additional skilled trades, such as ironworking, millwright and welding,” Sloan added. “These new programs build on the strong foundation we’ve established through our core trades in electrical, plumbing and HVAC, which are the backbone of ACEF’s success. It’s a win-win for the workers, the employers and the economic future of our state.”
All of that progress and growth comes from direct input from industry figures who advise ACEF leadership of employers’ needs at the jobsite or in the manufacturing facility.
“We’re a heavy highway contractor, so we specialize in Department of Transportation and airfield, airport work,” said Jonathan Stalnaker, chief financial officer at Weaver Bailey Contractors in Conway and an ACEF board member. “We’ve seen the need for workforce development and training over the years, and so it was a natural progression to start getting more heavily involved with [ACEF] and really help lead the way in this effort.
“For us, we’ve seen a need from the education side for more heavy equipment operators and diesel mechanics, which are a huge, huge piece of what we do running our own shop. Zach and ACEF have been a huge resource, and they’ve helped us start up
two training programs, as well as multiple efforts in concrete, which is really our bread and butter.”
Stalnaker said having a resource like ACEF allows a company to hire someone with little to no experience or training and let them earn as they learn. He said the program is a good mix of classroom instruction with hands-on or simulated training that can be reinforced on the job.
“We will hire someone as a laborer, and then they’ll express interest in being an operator,” he said. “ACEF gives us a resource where we can put them through an education program or apprenticeship that trains them to where when they come back to us knowing the basics of how to operate, and then we can train them from there.
“It really gives them a leg up, and it positions them for bigger things. Most of our foremen and superintendents all know how to operate, so this is a huge advantage for the next generation.”
Stalnaker said the organization has done more than just fulfilled its education mission; it has also doubled down in its outreach efforts into high schools to help expose future workforce to the career opportunities that lie in the skilled professions.
“We just don’t have that pipeline of people coming into the trades that we need,” he said. “As a board, we want to work to change how people view this work, seeing it as a long-term, successful career path with a lot of opportunity. We’ve focused on how we deliver that message and how we can make it really appealing to kids who are coming out of high school.”
The grassroots efforts are particularly well timed, taking
Angel Bahena, owner of Diamond State Plumbing
2011 ACEF Apprenticeship, Plumbing
Q How did you get interested in a skilled career?
A I started right out of high school. I only applied to one college, and when I didn’t get accepted, I took a trades job to save up some money. Once I did that, I saw what people could make doing this as a career. At that point, I pretty much said, “Well, hey, this probably makes more money than what I was trying to do in college.”
Q How was the apprenticeship coursework at ACEF?
A I thought it was pretty straightforward. The hardest part probably was the codes and formulas for huge commercial buildings that you have to know. Even if you don’t necessarily work in that scenario, you do have to have the knowledge of how to do the formulas and make sure everything’s working to code.
Q Now that you are a business owner, have you utilized ACEF for your own crew?
John Stalnaker
advantage of several shifts in societal attitudes toward higher education. Not long ago, a four-year degree was being sold as a one-size-fits-all prerequisite for success in the workplace, a view that has fallen out of favor.
According to statistics by ThinkImpact, only 41 percent of U.S. college or university students will graduate in four years or less. This year alone, the site reported, fully a third of undergraduate students will drop out of college entirely. Meanwhile, many of those who stick it out do so under heavy debt. Forbes reported last year that more than half of students at public colleges and universities and nearly 6 in 10 students attending private institutions graduated with student loan debt. The magazine reported students owed just less than $30,000 per borrower on average.
Proponents of skills-based education do not suggest that there is no value in a four-year degree, merely that there are viable alternatives. They are quick to compare the stark contrast in the cost of a skilled education and market demand for those skills. In Arkansas alone, there are 79 workers for every 100 jobs overall, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce states, and among skilled professions, the numbers are even more in a worker’s favor.
These statistics give ACEF leadership a powerful argument for considering a skilled career, particularly when tuition and materials cost a typical ACEF student around $1,000 per year all in.
McKinsey & Co. calculated an enormous future demand in what it called critical trade categories nationwide, including electricians, HVAC, plumbers, welders, industrial mechanics and maintenance workers. The company predicted total annual hires between 2022 and 2032 of more than 584,000 — 22 times the anticipated 28,600 yearly net new jobs created during that time — to fill existing and future vacancies brought on by growth and retirements of older workers.
“The important thing the organization has tried to explain to prospective students and their parents is that college is not for everyone,” Stalnaker said. “More than that, you don’t have to go to college to have a very successful career. We stress that and try to be really transparent about what the opportunities are out there. That’s really helped shape our growth over the last four years.”
ACEF takes the conversation a step further through its preapprenticeship program, which trains students in a skilled profession during their senior year of high school.
A I’ve already sent four guys through ACEF, and I just sent one who started this year. Finding good help is really hard, and so it’s good to have this option to make sure they get the right training. Plus, it’s affordable. They provide the hands-on training. They give you the books. Everything else is pretty much on you.
Q Looking back, what is the one thing that stands out to you about your ACEF experience?
A I think the brotherhood there, more than anything. Everybody is sharing their stories on a day-to-day basis of what they did today, and if someone had an issue, they would bring it up in class. Everybody pretty much chipped in to say how they’ve come up with a solution to that problem or whatever it may be.
“We run it just like a traditional registered apprenticeship program, one evening a week,” Sloan said. “It would be easy to do it during the day, but I want the students to have some skin in the game, to give up something to complete their training. We talk to them about how this is an opportunity that could change their lives if they really come in here to grow and to learn. We want them to take it seriously.”
Jon Thompson, an ACEF board member and instructor at the Fort Smith campus, called the successful preapprenticeship program the most important thing the organization has going right now.
“It’s a great program. I’ve been in those classes here in Fort Smith, and those kids are just awesome,” he said. “They’re engaged. They want to ask questions. The program reaches everybody, but it is really impactful for disenfranchised students on the lower-income side. It is very satisfying to see how the preapprenticeship program gives them a pathway to success. These kids want to work, and they are willing to go after the education they need to do that work.”
Thompson, who owns Controlled Access Systems in Fort
Instructor Jason Green leads a Year 3 electrical course.
Smith, has been an instructor for 10 years and is also a graduate of the ACEF program, having completed his four-year electrical apprenticeship in 2009. He said the biggest change he has seen has been a higher percentage of students staying through the duration of the program.
Another instructor who graduated from the electrical program is Kathleen Brock, senior project analyst at Entegrity Energy Partners in Little Rock. She said in addition to the technical instruction, she enjoys interacting with students and the chance it gives her to open their eyes to the many ways they can apply their education in the workplace.
“Being an electrician doesn’t mean that you have to work in the field,” she said. “I do a lot of commissioning where I inspect solar fields, and I do energy audits on the insides of buildings. This skill is not limited to just pulling wires and making circuits. There are so many more things that you can do.
“When I was a student, we did labs where we ventured outside of our specific trade, meaning some of us were residential electricians and some of us were industrial electricians and some of us were commercial electricians. The school offered us labs that would dip us into each one of those categories so we got experience outside of what our regular specialty was. I thought it was a phenomenal experience.”
Brock also said having gone through the program recently — completing her electrical apprenticeship in 2021 — is an-
other way for her to relate to students where they are at.
“I overcame a hurdle to become an electrician because I had a reading impairment,” she said. “I had to learn how to read and understand exactly what I was reading. I knew how to work hard and how to work in the field, but what I didn’t know was how to retain written information that was the most important. ACEF helped me through that.”
For everything positive that ACEF is achieving, there are still major challenges to overcome for the organization to reach its full potential. The group celebrated a recent bill passed by the Arkansas legislature that appeared to make trade school students eligible for Arkansas Lottery scholarships, but upon closer examination, the bill fell short of its promise.
“Upon closer examination it became clear that most trade schools in the state of Arkansas like ACEF didn’t qualify for access of those dollars,” Sloan said. “We fall under the United States Department of Labor and not the Department of Education and that distinction has excluded roughly 8,500 apprentices across the state from receiving lottery scholarship fund.”
Sloan said he plans to appeal to lawmakers at the next opportunity to get the oversight fixed but in the meantime is taking the case for funding skilled education to Washington, where he meets with Arkansas’ congressional delegation. He is also committed to finding as many ways as possible to keep ACEF’s
Students complete ACEF training in two to four years, depending on program.
Jon Thompson
Kathleen Brock
“
It’s a great program. I’ve been in those classes here in Fort Smith, and those kids are just awesome. They’re engaged. They want to ask questions. The program reaches everybody, but it is really impactful for disenfranchised students on the lower-income side. It is very satisfying to see how the preapprenticeship program gives them a pathway to success.
— Jon Thompson, ACEF board member and instructor
programs affordable and accessible to the widest number of students.
Most of all, he is keeping his eye on the ball when it comes to growing and executing the group’s mission, which not only fills jobs but changes lives.
“I want to make sure we’re keeping up with the times, keeping students first and making this education as valuable to them as possible,” Sloan said. “I want to make sure we’re keeping up with the times, keeping students first, and making this education as valuable to them as possible,” Sloan said. “Our students will be gaining the maximum amount of knowledge in our programs by training in our new facility and working with the latest technology. Learning from industry-leading instructors, they’ll be better prepared to step onto a jobsite and make an immediate impact. They can do more, earn more, and give their employers the confidence to take on larger, more complex projects.”
“It helps everyone. Employees advance, companies grow, and together, we help move Arkansas forward. What we’re building here, both figuratively and literally, is an educational model that drives economic growth, creates opportunity, and strengthens communities across the state.”
To date the Building Tomorrow campaign has raised more than $7.5 million which is making this vision a reality, but as Sloan quickly pointed out, the organization still needs help.
“Every contribution, whether from an individual, a company or an industry partner, brings us one step closer to ensuring that future generations of Arkansans have access to world-class training and lifelong careers in the skilled trades,” he said. “This is an investment not just in ACEF but in the future of our workforce and our state.”
Billy Rouse, founder Lexcor
Third-year ACEF apprentice, electrical
Q What made you want to pursue an electrical apprenticeship?
A My son was at Mississippi State, and after about three or four years, it just wasn’t working for him, so I said, “Listen, let’s just put it on pause,” and I pushed him to go and get a trade. That was the fall of 2020. Well, he missed too many days, so in the spring, I said, “Look, you’re going to get through this, and I’m going to help you,” so I enrolled in it the next year with him.
Q What have you gotten out of the training?
A I thought I could benefit from it, you know, understanding the codes and so forth myself. I’m a general contractor. I have a degree in construction management and a degree in civil engineering. I’ve done [Occupational Health and Safety Administration] training. I’m an OSHA instructor.
Q What does ACEF do particularly well in their curriculum or in how material is presented?
A They have a regimented, structured program, and it’s very well laid out. As far as the curriculum, I think it’s very good. They have a lab also, and we’ll go and we’ll work with wire relays, maybe bend pipe and wire, you know, work with switches and so forth.
Q You are still finishing up your coursework. Did your son finish the program?
A Malcolm did finish the program, and interestingly, when we were taking classes together, my daughter, Kaia, who has a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, started the electrical program last fall, and then my son Sage is in the HVAC program here, too, and my other son is studying to be a mechanical engineer at the University of Arkansas [in Fayetteville]. We’re pretty invested in construction, as you can tell.
What’s Up, DUCK?
No Golden Age, but duck hunting in Arkansas holding its ground
By Mark Carter
Arkansas’ duck forecast for the 2025-2026 season is expected to be roughly the same as last year but still down long term.
Trent Scogin, Arkansas regional director at Delta Waterfowl, said dry weather over the past several years at duck breeding grounds to the north have made things tough on the birds and, by extension, the hunters.
“They have returned to breeding grounds in less-than-ideal conditions for several years now, and this past spring was no different,” he said. “With the dry conditions faced, I don’t think anybody was expecting any large increases ahead of this year’s numbers being released. Some may have even been surprised to see that the population held serve, so to speak, and did not decrease.”
Ducks Unlimited estimated the 20252026 breeding population at 34 million, including 6.6 million mallards, both figures close to last year. Meanwhile, the May pond count, an important indicator of habitat and potential driver of production, was down 19 percent to 4.2 million from a year ago, DU states.
Corey Dunn, senior director of development at Ducks Unlimited and based in Adona, said he believes Arkansas hunters can be hopeful but should remain realistic.
“As a surprise to most, our duck numbers remained pretty similar to
last year despite the continued dry conditions on a lot of the breeding grounds up north,” he said.
Conservation efforts to restore and maintain habitat in the Delta are helping, he noted. For example, thanks to DU’s Cox Prairie Easement Program, created through the support of Cox Enterprises and the James M. Cox Foundation, 55,000 acres in the Prairie Pothole Region — a huge swath of Great Plains wetlands stretching from Alberta to Iowa — have been conserved since 2023.
Dunn called that a huge win for breeding ducks and, ultimately, hunters.
“Our public agencies and private landowners deserve credit. They’re working hard and making meaningful progress on the ground, but there’s always more to do,” he said.
“Sustaining Arkansas’ waterfowling legacy will take continued collaboration, funding and sound science to keep our wetlands productive and resilient in the face of changing weather and landscape pressures.”
Dunn said public agencies and private landowners in Arkansas are answering the (duck) call. He cited DU’s work with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
“Our green tree reservoir restoration work continues that same spirit of commitment — making sure Arkansas’ flooded timber traditions thrive for generations to come,” he said.
Managing expectations is good advice for
hunters this season, said Douglas Osborne, professor of wildlife management at the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and at the UA Division of Agriculture. Osborne built the UAM waterfowl program from scratch, and his job is to help make sure duck populations in Arkansas remain plentiful.
Mallards, the most harvested duck in the state, need his help more than ever. With numbers down 47 percent over the past five years, Osborne is asking hunters to be picky, if not frugal.
“Now, if the cold-winter prediction comes to fruition, we should see an interval of a decent migration,” he said. “I am encouraging all responsible duck hunters in 2025-2026 to improve their game and pass on the hens, when possible. Hen harvest may not hurt when populations are at high levels, but when populations are as low as they are right now, every hen mallard harvested has the potential to reduce next year’s fall flight. This theory goes against the grain in some science networks. However, I will continue to stand by this common-sense theory until better science provides more clear answers.”
Osborne also serves as the university coordinator for the Five Oaks Ag Research & Education Center in DeWitt and, as of Oct. 13, as the director of the Snowden Waterfowl Center of Excellence at UAM and chair for the Dyke-Snowden Endowed Chair of Waterfowl and Wetlands.
In academia, centers of excellence represent dedicated teams of researchers focused on a specific area, and they re-
ceive extra federal funding. The Snowden Center of Excellence and Dyke-Snowden Endowed Chair, created through a $7 million endowment to UADA, are considered game changers for the state’s conservation efforts.
“This is the largest university endowed waterfowl program and the only center of excellence designated to waterfowl research, education, training and outreach in the nation,” Osborne said. “This program will significantly reduce educational costs of undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing careers in waterfowl and wetlands conservation. The vision of the Snowden Waterfowl Center is to become the premier academic institution for waterfowl studies by attracting the best students, staff and scientists to Arkansas.”
Osborne and his staff share research data with private landowners to help them understand what their data reveals. Receiving the center of excellence designation at UAM will help his team enhance their offerings. Consider it something like academia NIL.
““We’ve been active in sharing the science with local landowners and managers to help them understand what our data is telling us,” Osborne said. “This, in turn, allows landowners and managers to make science-based decisions aimed at improving the habitat conditions on their land and the quality of their hunting experience. The Snowden Waterfowl Center will increase staffing and expand our areas of expertise to grow our extension and outreach capabilities for landowners across this great state.”
The research will run through the UAM Arkansas Forest Resources Center, which conducts research and extension activities through the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and the UA Cooperative Extension Service.
“Our unit is about to have one of the top waterfowl and wetlands academic research centers in the United States thanks to a group of donors highly vested in our waterfowl program,” Michael Blazier, professor and dean of the UAM College of Forestry,
Sustaining Arkansas’ waterfowling legacy will take continued collaboration, funding and sound science to keep our wetlands productive and resilient in the face of changing weather and landscape pressures.
—
Corey Dunn, senior director of
development
at
Ducks Unlimited
One of Osborne’s jobs is to help ensure ducks remain plentiful in Arkansas.
Douglas Osborne will lead the new Snowden Waterfowl Center of Excellence. (Photos courtesy of UAM)
Agriculture and Natural Resources and director of the forest resources center, said at the Oct. 13 dedication of the COE. “[The center] places a high priority on fostering the next generation of waterfowl-focused natural resources professionals through undergraduate scholarships and graduate stipends that will have recurring funding through the center.”
As for this winter’s harvest, Scogin remains cautiously optimistic.
“I think it’s always a good reminder this time of the year to remember that we hunt the fall flight, not the breeding population,” he said. “To find some positivity, hopefully the later spring rains and improvements in conditions up there after they flew, the counts may have led to better chances for brood survival and renesting efforts. Recruitment from this year’s hatch will hopefully help improve our huntable population this fall.”
Efforts on the ground are making a difference. Scogin singled out the AGFC’s conservation incentive program that offers financial incentives to landowners for enhancing wildlife habitats.
“There have been huge strides made in the private landowner market the last five or so years, with ‘duck food’ becoming a thing that you hear about more and more,” he said. “There are tens of thousands of acres planted every year now that are just for the ducks. This, no doubt, is providing quality habitat that is providing food, refuge and other needed resources for them when they get here.”
Scogin said farmers simply are trying to make a living, and that should always be their top priority, but “it’s not always easy to balance that and leaving habitat for the ducks.”
“Not doing fall field work, leaving water on fields all winter, etc., all have costs in the spring when it comes time to plant next year’s crops,” he said.
The CIP program helps offset some of those potential costs.
“The only limitation to these things is funding,” Scogin said. “The more funding we can get approved, the more we can stretch and maximize the impact of these programs to hopefully do more for the resource.”
Despite down years, Scogin is confident Arkansas will maintain its “Duck Capital” status.
“Arkansas is always going to be a major player in the waterfowl world,” he said. “Even in down years, we are still going to be in the top three states of total duck numbers killed most every year. We have to keep pressing forward with providing as much habitat on the landscape for the ducks as we can. They are losing so much every year in the breeding grounds and the wintering grounds that we need to make sure to do everything we can to maximize what we are putting out there for them.
“From a private landowner’s perspective and public land perspective, we have to conserve as much habitat as we can to try to offset the losses. Hopefully, when rains and favorable breeding conditions return to the PPR, we will have the table set for them a little better to respond and bounce back as fast as possible.”
Wetland conservation programs such as Delta Waterfowl’s shallow water incentive program in the U.S. and Canada combined with the addition of a waterfowl COE at UAM and the continued funding and expansion of programs such as the CIP in Arkansas are essential to keeping Arkansas at the top of the duck world, he said.
Despite the concerns, duck hunting remains ingrained in the Natural State DNA. Dunn said about 100,000 duck stamps are sold every year, many to nonresidents who help transform Stuttgart, the Grand Prairie and the Delta into waterfowl tourism hot spots.
“It’s clear the passion for waterfowl hunting remains high,” he said.
The latest harvest survey from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service revealed that Arkansas is home to 54,100 duck hunters and is third nationally in total duck harvest and that the average hunter harvests 22 ducks over eight days in the field. The top harvested ducks in the state are mallards, gadwalls and green-winged teals.
While admitting a possible bias, Scogin said there is no place else he would rather hunt.
“I think the experience of Arkansas is what separates us from the other states that outnumber us in total number of ducks killed,” he said. “Arkansas duck hunting is a culture deal that I don’t think anybody will ever be able to replicate in any other part of the country. Entire communities and regions of our state change from opening day to the last day of duck season.
“It’s a way of life that is always going to be engrained into our culture. We live it 365 days a year here. I think that is what separates us from everybody else. We’ve got to be doing something right, or people would have quit coming a long time ago, right?”
Conway Regional’s Duck Derby Rolls Jan. 9
The seventh-annual Arkansas Duck Derby is set for Jan. 9 at the HPER Center at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
Billed as the state’s premier competitive duck-hunting tournament, the Duck Derby is the primary fundraiser for the Conway Regional Health Foundation. It entails a morning hunt followed by a banquet at 5 p.m.
Maegan Dyson, chief development officer at the foundation, said about 1,200 guests are expected for the banquet — which will include live and silent auctions, raffles and entertainment — and another 200 for the actual hunt.
The banquet will include a component in which teams will be assigned different duck species and points assigned via dice roll. The team with the most points at the end of the night wins “some incredible prizes, not to mention bragging rights for a year,” Dyson said.
For the hunt, registered teams of four will be randomly paired with landowners and experienced hosts from throughout the region — an approximate two-hour radius around Conway.
Dyson said Conway Regional took its inspiration for the unique fundraiser from NEA Baptist in Jonesboro.
“The inspiration for the Duck Derby came from foundation and system board member Dr. Thad Hardin, who attended a similar event — the Duck Classic — in Jonesboro and brought the idea back to Conway,” she said. “In the seven years since, the event has grown and evolved through the work of the Duck Derby volunteer committee, the foundation team and countless Conway Regional volunteers.”
A Duck Different Feather of a
New AGFC chief blends conservation mindset with corporate
urgency
By Dwain Hebda | Photos courtesy of AGFC
Doug Schoenrock
Doug Schoenrock has a lot in common with the people he is tasked with leading since his April installment as the 20th director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Like the 19 agency leaders before him, Schoenrock is a lifelong outdoorsman with a passion for consumptive and nonconsumptive activities alike and who spent decades in volunteer roles and offices at Ducks Unlimited from the grassroots to the national level.
There is also much that distinguishes Schoenrock from his predecessors. A native of rural Tennessee, he spent the bulk of his career in the corporate world, serving various food companies, namely sales and marketing roles at Sara Lee and corporate leadership at the smaller Savannah Food Co.
Arkansas Money & Politics spoke with the 67-year-old about assimilating to the top job at AGFC and how he has applied the corporate and conservation halves of his brain to the task of preserving and improving Arkansas’ wild spaces. What follows is Part 1 of that conversation; the conclusion to be delivered in December
Q Your connection to the outdoors started in childhood, growing up in Tennessee. During the period of your career that was in Memphis, did you ever cross the river and experience duck hunting on the Grand Prairie?
A I grew up south of Nashville about 70 miles, and I lived in Memphis during my career for a total of about 18 years. That’s where this hill boy from southern middle Tennessee learned in his 30s to late 40s about two things that I had never seen much of before in my life: One was rice, had never seen rice before, and the other was ducks.
Coming from Memphis was just a hop, skip and a jump to get to some of the best waterfowling, I would argue the best waterfowling, in the world. I became an avid public waterfowl hunter in Arkansas because, honestly, I couldn’t afford to join a lease or a club, and Arkansas has a plethora of public opportunities for waterfowling.
Q With so much of your professional background being in corporate America, how did your career path change to what led you to what you are doing now?
A Growing up an avid outdoors person — hunter, fisher camper, canoer, biker — I appreciated the outdoors. I grew up as the kid who always got dirt under his fingernails and basically was told in the summertime just be home by supper. I was running the woods and the hills and the creeks and the rivers and dragging stuff home and cooking it. That was part of building a conservation DNA, but it was my time spent at Ducks Unlimited that really helped me understand the nexus of conservation, money, animals and people. I started at the grassroots level of DU, which, as you probably know, is an events-based fundraising organization that just happens to put their money into habitat, and they do a wonderful job of it. DU runs on committees — all decisions are made at the
Despite a boyhood spent in the outdoors, Schoenrock only became interested in duck hunting after moving to Memphis.
committee level, which are led by volunteers — and so in the late 1990s, when I started volunteering for some local activities, next thing you know, I’m on a national committee, and those committees bubble into senior leadership.
I ended up getting on the board and chairing a couple of those national committees, such as marketing and communications. I chaired youth in education. I chaired corporate relations, which was all of our licensing agreements — anything that had the duck head brand on it. After that, I’m asked to be the first vice president, which you served for two years, then the president for two years and then the chairman of the board for two years. It was during that time where I really learned the importance of conservation.
Q What specifically did that experience teach you?
A It really helped form another piece of that conservation DNA that is real world. I mean, we all like to go out and get dirt under our fingernails and catch salamanders, but conservation without dollars is just conversation, so I learned very quickly that in order to put work on the ground, we had to put money in the bank. Leading that organization, which is about a million members strong, taught me that, and that, I think, is what probably prepared me the most for this job.
Q The various perspectives you have had over your life
said addressing aging GTRs is a priority.
— corporate, volunteer, outdoorsman, conservationist — would seem to coalesce into a natural skill set for the role at AGFC. Was there anything that has been more of an adjustment than you expected?
A I was not accustomed, and I’m still not accustomed, to the speed of government. It’s just a fact. I have a feeling if you walked these halls, you would run into some of my direct reports and some of the chiefs who are not used to the pace that they’ve been through in the last four months. They don’t have their tongues hanging out yet. That’s not my goal, but my work expectation and my credo that I live by is trusting collaboration with an expectation of results.
Q How does that translate into leadership?
A I believe in empowering the team to do their jobs. They’re a heck of a lot smarter than me, and I’m grateful for that. I could never do this job if I was not surrounded by people who are a lot smarter than I am, and I let them run and give them rope, but I keep my hands on the rope. If I have to pull it in a little bit, I do. I’m not wired to be complacent. I’m wired for accomplishment, and I just think that in many organizations such as this, they tend to be very bureaucratic. I’ve seen some of that, and I’m not intentionally trying to break that bureaucracy up. I’m just trying to run at the pace that Doug likes to run, which, I believe, dovetails well
Schoenrock
with the public. They want to see success, they want to have opportunities [in the outdoors], they want their children to have opportunities, and so do I.
Q Traditionally, the person in your role has come from within. In fact, you are probably the farthest outside the organization AGFC has ever gone. What did you experience as an outsider coming in?
A I encountered a lot of things that have been kicked down the road for years. I walked into this office and looked at the previous three or four directors’ files and went through them on a weekend — wore pair of shorts, sat on the floor and just had stacks of files everywhere. I kept a lot of them for archival purposes, but I also found files about things four directors ago that are still active issues and not accomplished today, and I don’t like that. I don’t want a thick file. I’ve been telling people I’m not going to have a 4-inch file on some of these wildlife management areas; I’m going to have a 1-inch file. Things are going to be done, and people probably are not used to hearing that.
Q What are some of the most pressing things that you found that helps you say, “All right, this is going to be priority No. 1”?
A Well, first of all, some of the priorities are not the fault of the current organization, nor are they the fault of the folks who may have set up reservoirs and dams and infrastructure 60, 80 years ago. At that time, the science told them they were doing the best thing they could do. As science has changed, we’ve learned. For example, greentree reservoirs, probably the most sought-after habitat traveling waterfowl wants to experience. Arkansas has such a rich heritage and tradition of our greentree reservoirs. Well, 100 years ago, 80 years ago, they did a wonderful job of figuring out how to get water on and did a terrible job on figuring out how to get water off. Consequently, a lot of our aging GTRs have water on them for too long, and that suppresses the ability for forest regeneration. Some of the old trees are dying, and we’re not giving new growth an opportunity
We are working with diligence to improve our GTR water management and hydrology plans, and most of that involves getting water on and off quickly. Well, all that takes time and takes a lot of money, and when we
Greentree reservoirs, probably the most soughtafter habitat traveling waterfowl wants to experience. Arkansas has such a rich heritage and tradition of our greentree reservoirs.
experience a spring like we had this year where you couldn’t drive a four-wheeler down a levee without getting it stuck there was so much rain, we couldn’t do a lot of GTR work, so we have a backlog of work to get in there and work on these greentree reservoirs to assist with water control structures, and that doesn’t sit well with the public because they want it done now. They want ducks over the decoys now.
I get that. We’ve had wonderful duck seasons for the last 20 years. If you’re a new duck hunter in this state and you started hunting in the last 20 years, you have experienced the good old days of waterfowling. Well, when we start this GTR repair work, we’re going to get some folks ticked off at us because we’re going to have equipment in there. We’re going to be busting some levees to repair some water control structures, all in the interest of trying to do it as quickly as we can so that we can provide the public with their opportunity. As soon as we get enough dried land to get in on these things, we’re going to work on them.
Q What response have you experienced from the public when you talk about these things?
A I love the passion of Arkansans, and that makes every voice important, whether it’s a negative or a positive voice. I’ve always said my office is open door, and people have taken advantage of that. I get letters and texts and emails every week, some negative, some positive. I answer every one of them — maybe not giving them the answer they want to hear — but I answer because we’re here to face the public, and that’s something that I have to remind our team a lot. If we ever start thinking we are standalone and we are smarter than the public, then we’re not doing our job.
By Mary LeSieur
EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY
Water quality, crop health lead list of environmental
issues
Whether to Pinnacle Mountain’s hiking trails, the beautiful scenery of northwest Arkansas or the glistening rivers that flow through the Natural State, Arkansas welcomes nearly 50 million visitors annually. The booming environmental hotspot sees visitors from every part of the nation, yet local biologists and mammalogists have reported some worrisome data concerning the beloved outdoor recreation destination.
Roger Mangham, state director at The Nature Conservancy, pointed to unpaved roads and the harm they do to water sources, explaining that drainage from the unruly roads leads to built-up sediment.
“We have these clear, beautiful, forested streams that have issues,” Mangham said. “The mud is basically sediment, and inside those particulates, they carry really nasty stuff like phosphorus, nitrogen and all other types of pollutants that get in there. They just wreak havoc on these ecosystems.”
The researcher said sediment buildups not only affect rural communities; they also lead to a disruption of aquatic life. Mangham said sediment smothers snails, fish, mussels and critters that inhabit rivers, streams and lakes.
“[The water] is not suitable for smallmouth fisheries,” Mangham said. “It’s
Photos provided by The Nature Conservancy
TNC workers helping with a prescribed burn.
not good for trout fisheries or largemouth fisheries. It’s not good for drinking water. Sediment impacts everybody, and it’s one of those things that we turn a blind eye to.”
Mangham has been at The Nature Conservancy for quite some time and has been a member of teams in Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma and even internationally. His current fixation is on the unpaved roads program, an effort to alleviate runoff that regularly affects rural towns, the backbone of Arkansas.
“A group came together to really look at sediment sources that are impacting the rivers of Arkansas,” Mangham said. “We’re trying to be proactive and trying to address these sediment sources, and the unpaved roads issue is one of the ways that we’re trying to do that.”
In 2015, Mangham, alongside many of his peers, collaborated with the Department of Agriculture to combat unpaved roads that affect the working parts of Arkansas.
“What that does is it brings funding to help the county judges
who manage these rural road systems deal with the impacts of where roads intersect,” Mangham said. “Those are the most expensive areas where they have to spend money.
“That program is unique for us because it really shows the power of collaboration, as you have big conservation benefits by reducing sediment and protecting our rivers. It’s been a very successful program.”
While Mangham and his team at The Nature Conservancy tackle runoff and unpaved roads, Vickie McDonald, mammalogist, ornithologist and professor at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, sees a shocking decrease in Arkansas’s flying friends.
“Most migratory birds are declining,” McDonald said. “It’s a global phenomenon, so we can’t really pick out central Arkansas. … We’re seeing the same things here, and there’s nothing specifically special about that.”
McDonald said the most degenerative change in the
The Arkansas Nature Conservancy has collaborated with other state agencies to tend to the rural, unpaved roads that create sediment buildup in many local rivers, streams and lakes. The Nature Conservancy has also partnered with several organizations to not only clean the Natural State but also to create better driving routes statewide.
environment has been the pruning of natural bird habitats such as large fields, local gardens and pastures.
“People want to clean things up and keep things neat, but when you clean things up and make them neat and remove scrubbiness, you’re removing bird habitats,” McDonald said. “Barbed wire fences aren’t good for birds. We need the shrubbiness.”
McDonald has been a spearhead in the UCA Jewel Moore Nature Reserve, where UCA is actively encouraging healthy ecosystems and habitats. However, it is difficult to create inclusive environments for birds in such a small habitat, she said, noting that parts of UCA’s own infrastructure are dangerous for birds.
McDonald said UCA revamped the once-narrow windows of its buildings with large reflective windows, which increased the chances of birds flying into them and being killed on impact. McDonald said she hears the daunting thud of a bird hitting her window at her office weekly.
“Windows are a prime example. Reflective windows are pretty good for insulative purposes, but they’re bird killers,” McDonald said. “People want to talk about the cats on campus, but the windows are killing 10 times as many birds as the cats are.”
Birds are not the only flying creatures disappearing from natural habitats across the U.S. McDonald said the bat population is also seeing a decrease.
“Bats are unseen and therefore not
thought about,” McDonald said. “They’re a very significant part of our ecosystem. The diversity of bat species has declined along with the growth of the human population.”
McDonald said while bats’ migratory patterns are difficult to accurately predict and track, she has successfully maintained consistent records based on her independent research and the help of two graduate students. Based on that, McDonald suggested that bat decline is not related to a decrease in habitat like birds but is instead due to white-nose syndrome.
White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease that is responsible for almost 90 percent of bat decline, the National Park Service states. The fungus is known for whitening the noses and wings of bats, ultimately leading to aerodynamic issues that ground the small creatures.
The fungus invades bat populations like wildfire and has contributed to some North American species landing on endangered animal lists.
The environmental news is not all bad in the Natural State. Wes Ward, secretary of agriculture, said Arkansas farmers are thriving through innovative partnerships and farming practices.
“Agriculture is our state’s largest industry,” Ward said, “and if it’s not successful, it impacts everything else — equipment dealers, restaurants, schools and communities … but there aren’t any areas that are necessarily problematic.”
Ward said Arkansas farmers know
what is best for their crop production, and the Department of Agriculture relies heavily on their input.
“Our agriculture producers — farmers, ranchers and foresters — are often the most environmentally conscious stewards of anybody,” Ward said. “They’re making a living off the land, and they know that to stay in business, they’ve got to take care of the resources we have.
“No one understands the issues on a farm better than the farmer who’s lived there, probably, for generations. Our approach is to let the industry take the lead, and we partner with them to help find solutions.”
Ward said most farmers and ranchers are adopting safer and more environmentally friendly practices voluntarily, which is another marker of their core ethic of taking good care of the land and water.
“Arkansas’s agriculture industry continues to implement new and better practices for sustainability — from water conservation to nutrient management and voluntary forestry programs,” he said.
That said, water conservation has been an ongoing battle for farmers statewide, and a warmer-than-usual growing season has affected row crops, including rice. Arkansas’ signature crop, rice production is down by as much as 10 percent this season, and Ward said a variety of factors point to why.
“Has it been warmer? I think everyone would agree that it has been,” Ward said. “In rice production, warmer nighttime temperatures have impacted quality, so there’s a lot of research going into how to mitigate that.
“Arkansas gets a surplus of rainfall every year, but sometimes it comes at the wrong time — too much when we don’t need it, not enough when we do. The industry is innovating to capture and store water when it’s abundant and use it efficiently when it’s dry.”
From muddy runoff that seeps into water sources to the quiet loss of birds and bats, Arkansas’ environment cannot be ignored. Experts across the state are finding new ways to alleviate such ailments, proving that progress and preservation can go hand in hand.
TNC and FWS workers monitor grasslands.
TEMPORARY LIMITS ENSURE ARKANSAS’S
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has approved an emergency order to protect the high-quality fishing experiences available in The Natural State’s world-class trout waters. A temporary reduction in harvest is planned to offset significant shortfalls in stocking from unforeseen losses at two coldwater hatcheries in Arkansas. This regulation change will allow more anglers to enjoy the trout remaining in the tailwaters until stocking resources are returned to normal operations.
To learn more about how AGFC is conserving this important resource, scan the code below or visit agfc.com/troutregsnews.
A New Way to CONSERVE?
Florida lawmaker envisions innovative twist
By Dwain Hebda
When Dean Saunders, then a member of Florida’s House of Representatives, went before a Senate committee to discuss the merits of his bill updating conservation easements, he sent a subtle but unavoidable message as to the potential benefit of his bill.
“I tell people that my senate cosponsor of the bill was a bit skeptical himself, but I shamed him into finally agreeing to offer it,” said Saunders, now managing director and senior advisor at Saunders Real Estate in Lakeland, Florida. “When I went to this senate committee where the bill was being considered, which he at that time chaired, I had the Audubon Society lobbyist on my left and the Farm Bureau lobbyist on my right. I thought that was appropriate.”
Saunders’ ploy — to show conservative agriculture and leftleaning conservation interests in lock step — helped pass legislation that created the Green Swamp Land Authority, the state’s first entity dedicated to purchasing development rights from landowners. An innovative twist on traditional conservation easements, the move has since become a wildly popular option for landowners there.
“When I was getting that passed through the legislature in Florida, I had skeptics on all sides,” Saunders said. “The government people were very skeptical; they saw absolutely no way it would protect land. How could you trust those landowners to do what’s right to protect
“When I was getting that passed through the legislature in Florida, I had skeptics on all sides.”
— Dean Saunders
the property? The landowners were just as skeptical and distrustful of government, as they tend to be anyway.
“Now the plan has been enthusiastically endorsed in Florida. In the Rural and Family Lands Program, which is the agricultural land easement, there are 450 applicants standing in line for money. That’s a lot of people, so it really has enjoyed broad public support.”
Conservation easements have been around for decades. They were designed to help encourage landowners to turn a portion of their acreages over to conservation use in exchange for compensation, usually in the form of tax credits.
of preservation is, first, the asset moving out of the landowners’ hands, but there is also the drawback of taking that ground off the tax rolls.
Under Florida’s innovative system, the state purchases the development rights only, therefore preserving the ground without ownership actually changing hands. The system has been effective in stemming the march of development into environmentally sensitive areas, even as the state’s population has exploded while providing landowners compensation in the process.
According to LegalClarity.org, a conservation easement is defined as “a mechanism to protect natural resources and preserve land for environmental or historical purposes.”
“These easements align with public land use plans,” it states. “They can restrict certain types of development to maintain the ecological or cultural value of the property. … Conservation easements may offer tax benefits to landowners who agree to limit their property’s use for preservation purposes.”
Land can also be set aside through direct purchase by the government as in the case of lands bought by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, for example. The drawback with that kind
“I’m an eighth-generation Floridian, so I loved Florida 18 million people ago, and I’d like to send 18 million people back to where they came from. That’s a little unrealistic,” Saunders said. “When I wrote and championed the program, we took one geographic region of the state just to see if we could test the efficacy of the program. The idea was really well received by the landowners and by the conservation community at large, and now it’s probably the chief way in which the state of Florida is protecting land while protecting the integrity of property rights.”
At present, the system allows for permanent transfer of development rights from the landowner to the state, but Saunders said future versions of such mechanisms could incorporate more flexible options, thereby appealing to more landowners who are not willing to
Dean Saunders
give up such rights forever. He said such flexibility is already a feature of similar programs offered by various government entities.
“Typically, with the landowners I’m representing, the easement is in perpetuity,” he said. “However, there are other programs where you get paid a contract, like the [U.S. Department of Agriculture] has a conservation reserve program, and they pay landowners so much per acre per year for a 20-year period.
“There are programs where you could do 30-year easements, for example; the USDA offers that, although they don’t put a lot of money into it. More of their money goes into the perpetual easements. That is a concept that I think is, again, another niche in that conservation program that I think is, honestly, appropriate to consider in some places.”
Saunders said the biggest draw for the program lies in the landowner’s ability to do right by the environment and wildlife now and still maintain ownership of an asset that can be passed down to the next generation.
“I’m an enthusiastic supporter of the concept because it still keeps the land
in private landowners’ hands. They still continue to operate and provide some economic opportunity for the future,” he said. “[The program] allows a landowner lots of tools. I mean, he could take the money he gets and go buy other land. He sometimes buys out other family members, but mostly, it’s a way he can pass on that property to his grandchildren.
“The one thing I have learned in my 30-some odd years since we passed the legislation and since I got out of office is landowners want to do conservation easements because they want to see the land protected. That’s their No. 1. Behind that is the financial benefit, but legacy is the No. 1 reason to do it.”
“I’m an enthusiastic supporter of the concept because it still keeps the land in private landowners’ hands. They still continue to operate and provide some economic opportunity for the future.”
— Dean Saunders
Protecting Land Values Through Thoughtful Stewardship LAND
Walk any piece of land in Arkansas, and you’ll see potential. Every stream, pasture, and forested corner tells a story of what has been, what could be, and what a landowner leaves behind. Purposeful stewardship ensures that these stories continue, keeping forests thriving, waters clean, and wildlife abundant, while maintaining the land’s productivity and long-term value.
Responsible land ownership goes beyond acquisition; it calls for sustainable management practices that keep land productive and resilient. Strategic timber planning, preserving wetlands, or placing a conservation easement can protect natural resources while enhancing the property’s long-term worth. Even carefully managed hunting leases can support wildlife and generate sustainable opportunities.
At Saunders Land, we help landowners connect insight with action, showing how careful management and conservation strategies can work together to protect both land and legacy. For those looking to understand trends, opportunities, and the value of thoughtful stewardship in Arkansas, our team will work with you to protect your investment, improve asset performance, and ensure the long-term productivity of your property.
We have been proud to feature many of the state’s most prominent businesses in Arkansas Money & Politics. These businesses represent the entire spectrum of industry in Arkansas, from local restaurants to trucking companies.
AMP asked its readers to nominate those businesses they considered “the best” in their fields. We think all Arkansas businesses are the best in their fields, but the top three vote-getters in each category are recognized and listed alphabetically in the pages that follow as AMP’s “Best of 2025.”
ACCELERATORS
THE CONDUCTOR
Powered by Startup Junkie Foundation, Fuel connects highgrowth startups with enterprise partners through intensive, equity-free accelerator programs in artificial intelligence and machine learning and health technology, driving innovation, investment and job creation across northwest Arkansas and beyond.
THE VENTURE CENTER
ACCOUNTING FIRM
DENMAN, HAMILTON & ASSOCIATES
At Flexion Point in Little Rock, the mission is to build great businesses by building great relationships. The company’s simple, organic model is built around bringing the right people to the table at the right time.
FORBES & ASSOCIATES
ADVERTISING AGENCY
ROCK CITY DIGITAL
SIXTYONE CELSIUS
Stone Ward is a full-service, independent agency that believes in partnering with brands and people the company not only believes in but can bet on — because when clients grow, so does Stone Ward.
AG/FARM EQUIPMENT
GREENWAY EQUIPMENT
HEARTLAND EQUIPMENT
HOBBS FARM IMPLEMENT
APPRAISER
Since its 1967 founding by father-and-son duo Tom and J.T. Ferstl, Ferstl Valuation Services in Little Rock has grown into one of the oldest and largest full-service appraisal firms in Arkansas. Its services include commercial and residential real estate, expert testimony, and consulting services.
THE MCCAIN CO.
PINNACLE APPRAISAL CO.
ARCHITECT
SCM ARCHITECTS — JOHN CONNELL
COREY EDWARDS
Corey Edwards is a senior architect at Cromwell Architects Engineers with experience in restorative renovations, civic facilities and education design. His community-driven approach results in spaces that are both purposeful and enduring. Edwards has completed designs for clients across Arkansas.
ARKANSAS COMPANY
Arkansas Talent Group is a boutique recruiting firm specializing in connecting Arkansas businesses with top finance, accounting and operations talent through highly personalized, relationship-driven searches.
THE CROISSANTERIE
Providing site excavation services to central and northwest Arkansas, James A. Rogers Excavating is a locally owned company that has been moving the earth since 1962. The third-generation family-owned business brings a legacy of excellence to every project.
AUCTION COMPANY
TAGGART ARCHITECTS — BRAM KEAHEY
ARCHITECTURE FIRM
Crafting Meaningful Architecture That Connects People, Place, and Purpose
Congratulations to Reese Rowland, FAIA, recipient of the E. Fay Jones Gold Medal Award, for a career devoted to creating spaces that inspire, sustain, and connect communities.
Cromwell Architects Engineers is a multidiscipline design firm celebrating 140 years of experience creating innovative, sustainable spaces that strengthen communities. Cromwell’s collaborative approach delivers thoughtful architecture that balances functionality, creativity and long-term value.
Polk Stanley Wilcox is an Arkansas-based architectural design practice with offices in Little Rock and Fayetteville. Established in 1977, the renowned firm continues to build its reputation for design excellence through a rigorous commitment to regional typologies, context and storytelling.
TAGGART ARCHITECTS
The first Blackmon Auction was conducted in 1938, and Blackmon Auctions remains family-owned and -operated three generations later, having grown from a regional farm auction company to an internationally respected business.
ROY DUDLEY ESTATE SALES
WILSON AUCTIONEERS
AUTO GLASS COMPANY
AUTO GLASS NOW
Established in 1950, Capitol Glass Co. is the oldest locally owned and operated auto glass company in the central Arkansas area and is a third-generation family-owned business. Capitol Glass moved into its current location in downtown Little Rock in 1953.
CONWAY GLASS
Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center AIA Arkansas Honor Design Award U.S. Marshals Museum
Arkansas Merit Design Award
Northern Lights is a magical winter celebration that transforms the Argenta Arts District into a festive wonderland featuring stunning light displays, live entertainment, holiday markets, and family-friendly activities. Holiday Market Free Pictures with Santa Live Music & Entertainment
There Can Be Only One
onsumers have come to expect brands to make outrageous claims. After all, how can every product on the market be the best? As stated in the classic and soon-to-be-rebooted film Highlander, “In the end, there can only be one.”
When it comes to employee benefits in Arkansas and now beyond, Greg Hatcher’s Little Rock-based Hatcher Agency sure looks like “the one.”
Founded in 1990 by a 28-year-old Hatcher fresh off setting a group-sales record for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the Hatcher Agency now has offices in Fayetteville, Austin, Memphis and Philadelphia. It is the home of outrageous service — it says so right on the firm’s Little Rock headquarters facade — and what sets this claim apart from others, of course, is Hatcher and his team backing it up. The agency has won multiple awards and earned numerous accolades, including inclusion on Arkansas Money & Politics’ “Best of 2025” list.
Hatcher is well known for setting goals and reaching them, whether that means launching a Division I collegiate wrestling program or a chain of ice cream shops. What truly sets his insurance agency apart, he said, goes beyond great customer service.
“It’s not just providing outrageous service. It’s the speed at which we need to do it,” Hatcher said. “We empower our employees to make any decision to take care of the customer without management approval.”
Equipping his team members to do so makes that possible. As thousands of Arkansans can attest, the Hatcher Agency does what it takes to provide customers with what they need and then some.
“Guaranteeing the lowest price is pretty important,” Hatcher said. “We can do this because we have all the market options.”
As an independent agency, the firm
Photo by Lori Sparkman
offers employee and individual plans from numerous top companies, as well as health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts sponsored by employers. In addition to a plethora of group and individual options, such as basic health, vision, dental, life, travel and long-term care, the agency offers 401(k) retirement plans, hospital gap policies, accidental death and dismemberment, and even LegalShield coverage, which allows clients to create a will and update it every year at no additional cost.
The Hatcher Agency has also distinguished itself in the individual market. One Little Rock woman recently turned to Hatcher when her 26-year-old son rotated off the family health plan and his internship did not offer benefits. She found just what was needed after one visit with a Hatcher agent. She said it was the first and only place she thought to call.
“Many agencies have stopped selling individual or small group policies due to the overhead costs,” Hatcher said. “We feel like it’s our job to take care of all customers regardless of the size. We are our carriers’ top writer for individual and Medicare supplement policies.”
The agency can cast such a wide net because Hatcher employees know their stuff and are empowered to do what it takes to serve their clients.
“We pay for all employees to get their insurance license, their Certified Self Funded Specialist designation and their Registered Employee Benefit Consultant designation,” Hatcher said. “Smarter, better-trained and empowered staff is our goal. In addition, we have several exclusive products other agencies don’t have. We can do this because we are the largest organically grown benefits agency in the country.”
For the former three-sport college athlete, striving to be the best comes naturally, and that trickles down to his employees.
The Hatcher Agency
“We live by this quote: ‘Unless you continue to change and evolve, you will learn a valuable lesson from someone who will.’”
The quote is attributed to Cael Sanderson, the four-time NCAA wrestling champion at Iowa State and Olympic gold medal winner who finished his college career undefeated in 159 matches.
Hatcher is a fervent believer in believing in oneself. The Michigan native told
“By Mark Carter
selling me,” he said. “I would tell them my father [the late Joe Hatcher, former president of Hendrix College] lived in Conway so they would know I was a Southerner. I’d say, ‘I know I look like I just started. I did,’ and I’d say, ‘I know I haven’t been here very long, but there is no human being in this state that’s going to work harder for you than me. If you will trust me with your insurance, you can call me 24/7.’”
Many agencies have stopped selling individual or small group policies due to the overhead costs. We feel like it’s our job to take care of all customers regardless of the size.
— Greg Hatcher
AMP last year that his success at Blue Cross depended on it.
“I was 23 years old, and I looked like I was 18,” he said. “I had a Yankee accent from the North, and my territory was Hope, Prescott, Malvern, Texarkana. I’d never listened to country music in my life, yet that’s all that was on the radio when I’d go see these guys.
“What I learned from all that came from the first two questions every customer would give me: ‘Hi. Where are you from?’ because of the accent and, ‘How long have you worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield?’ I knew what they were really asking: ‘Hey, where the hell are you from?’ and ‘You don’t know anything. You look like you’re 18.’ so I developed a sales pitch called, ‘Why me?’”
In a sense, Hatcher sold himself rather than policies, he said, and he empowers his employees to do the same — to make customers believe they would go to the mat, to borrow a wrestling term, for them.
“Instead of selling Blue Cross, I was
The agency added property and casualty coverage in 2008, Hatcher said, “partly because our clients wanted us to handle it and partly as a hedge against national health care.”
“We have been able to provide virtually every client we look at savings in some form on their P&C premiums,” he said.
Hatcher employees are also equipped to adapt. With rates continuing to climb on the health side, Hatcher said more groups will self-fund so they can better manage and see medical and drug claims.
“In addition, you will see more drug sourcing from other countries,” he said. “We have a couple of exclusive products that will really help our clients.”
At the Hatcher Agency, a win for the customer is a win for the team.
A sign in the second-floor training room of Hatcher’s Little Rock office reads, “Hatcher Agency job description: Every employee has the authority to do anything to take care of the customer with no approval from anyone.”
Founded in 1990 by Greg Hatcher, The Hatcher Agency has been Arkansas’ leading employee benefits agency since its inception and has grown to become the largest organically developed agency in the nation. We offer group medical benefits to employers of all sizes, delivering what we call “Outrageous Service.” As the top producer for all major health carriers, we are able to guarantee the Lowest Price in the market.
AUTO SERVICE
AUSTIN BROTHERS TIRE & SERVICE
PARKER LEXUS
Whether one is looking for the latest Corvette or a dependable Honda Civic, top-notch service awaits customers at Russell Chevrolet & Honda in North Little Rock. The third-generation company started in 1963.
BANK
ARVEST BANK
First Arkansas Bank & Trust provides simple, personalized financial solutions while actively supporting the communities it serves. It is more than a bank — the First Arkansas Bank & Trust team are neighbors, advocates and partners dedicated to exceptional service and meaningful community involvement.
Stone Bank opened its new corporate headquarters in 2025 on Chenal Parkway in Little Rock and has additional locations in DeWitt, Gillett, Harrison, Mountain View and White Hall. The bank also has an agri lending center in Mountain View. Stone Bank has been recognized as a top place to work by local publications.
BOAT DEALER/MANUFACTURER
BRADFORD MARINE
FUTRELL MARINE
LACEY’S NARROWS MARINA
BOSS
HEATHER BAKER
Heather Baker has shaped Arkansas media for 29 years. Joining Vowell, now AY Media Group, in 2017 as publisher, she became president in 2021, leading flagship titles AY About You — the state’s largest lifestyle magazine — and Arkansas Money & Politics, plus the annual Arkansas Mental Health Guide Magazine Under her leadership, AY Media Group has earned the 2018 Henry Award; 2019, 2022 and 2024 Arkansas Country Music Awards Publication of the Year; and hundreds of journalism awards. A champion for women in business and mental health, Baker continues amplifying Arkansas voices.
VIBRANT OCCASIONS CATERING —
SERGE KRIKORIAN
STEPHANIE SHINE
Stephanie Shine, partner and co-founder at Arkansas Talent Group, has more than 15 years of recruitment experience specializing in accounting, finance, human resources and executive placements with extensive leadership and board involvement across Arkansas professional organizations.
BUSINESS CATERER FOR EVENTS
HERITAGE CATERING
With more than 60 years of catering experience, the staff at Rx Catering in Little Rock strives to offer a first-class, dedicated and caring catering service, relieving the burdens placed on busy professionals by providing great food, affordable pricing and prompt delivery.
VIBRANT OCCASIONS CATERING
BUSINESS CONSULTING FIRM
BLUE COLLAR CONSULTING
BOYETTE STRATEGIC ADVISORS
At Flexion Point in Little Rock, the mission is to build great businesses by building great relationships. The company’s simple, organic model is built around bringing the right people to the table at the right time.
BUSINESS INSURANCE AGENCY
G&G INDEPENDENT INSURANCE
Since 1990, The Hatcher Agency in Little Rock, the largest organically grown company of its kind in the country, has been the home of outrageous customer service and the state’s top-producing employee benefits agency.
MEADORS, ADAMS & LEE
CABINETRY
AKEL’S CARPET ONE FLOOR & HOME
KIMBERLY CABINETS
SOUTHERN INTERIORS
CAR DEALERSHIP
EVERETT BUICK GMC
PARKER LEXUS
Whether one is looking for the latest Corvette or a dependable Honda Civic, top-notch service awaits customers at Russell Chevrolet & Honda in North Little Rock. The thirdgeneration company started in 1963.
CASINO
THE BEAU RIVAGE
Not only does Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff offer an 80,000-square-foot gaming area and exceptional restaurants; the casino resort is undergoing an expansion that will include a hotel and event center.
CEO
RYAN FLYNN
Son of co-founder Gary Flynn, Ryan Flynn worked his way up from cleaning offices in high school to installing systems and working in sales before becoming president and CEO of Network Services Group.
BILL MCCOLLOUGH
Congratulations to our President and CEO Bill McCollough, named Best CEO in Arkansas Money & Politics’ “Best of 2025.” His people-focused leadership and forward vision have shaped McGraw’s growth across state lines, inspiring excellence and collaboration companywide.
BAPTIST HEALTH — TROY WELLS CHAMBER
GREATER HOT SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
LITTLE ROCK REGIONAL CHAMBER
SEARCY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CHARITY EVENT
CHOCOLATE FANTASY BALL
The Chocolate Fantasy Ball is central Arkansas’s premier black-tie gala, serving dessert first in an unforgettable night of elegance and generosity. Guests enjoy decadent desserts, live and silent auctions, a delicious dinner, dazzling entertainment, and a chance to make a lasting impact for families served by Ronald McDonald House.
GALA FOR LIFE
The Gala for Life supports innovative cancer research and world-class care at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. The signature event raises funds to advance lifesaving treatment and bring hope to cancer patients and families across Arkansas.
Open 24/7, Oaklawn’s smoke-free, state-of-the-art casino has more than 1,500 slot machines, live craps, live blackjack and live music. The sportsbook area also offers fans a place to watch and wager on their favorite teams.
UAMS Proudly Celebrates the Best in Health Care
Congratulations to the outstanding UAMS health care team recognized among the best of 2025 in the following categories.
• Best Health Care System
• Best Charity Event: UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute’s Gala for Life
At UAMS Health, we’re here to ensure you have access to the best care, right here close to home. With a staff of the best and brightest, personalized medicine and convenient access
FOUR CAMPUSES. ONE COLLEGE. ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES! Through hands-on learning, dedicated faculty, and real-world experiences, ASU-Beebe helps students shape their goals, discover their potential, and prepare for successful careers.
DIVERSE PLACE TO WORK EXCAVATION
SERVING UP SOLUTIONS
The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance is dedicated to ending hunger in Arkansas through advocacy, education, direct support to food pantries and community programs, and the annual Serving Up Solutions charity event.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
JIM ACUFF
Jim Acuff is executive director of finance and nonlegal operations at The Wilson Law Group. Acuff is responsible for all nonlegal departments across all of the firm’s affiliated companies, including finance, revenue, human resources, compliance, information technology and marketing.
GRAY DILLARD
Gray Dillard, executive vice president and chief operating officer, joined Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield in 1994 and has responsibility for technology, government programs, analytics and internal operations, as well consumer and retail products, corporate marketing, sales competence and regional offices. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Harding University in Searcy and is a certified public accountant.
CHIROPRACTOR
BLACKMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC — CHRIS BLACKMON
BLEDSOE CHIROPRACTIC — AMANDA BLEDSOE
CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH & REHABILITATION — BEV FOSTER
COMMERCIAL CLEANING
STEPHEN RAGLAND
Stephen Ragland has been chief financial officer at Stone Bank for nine years. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He has been an integral part of the senior leadership of Stone Bank as the bank has grown to more than $800 million in assets.
JEFF WEATHERLY
Jeff Weatherly, chief financial officer at Lexicon, has more than 20 years of experience overseeing financial management, accounting, treasury and risk. A University of MissouriColumbia graduate in accounting and finance, his strategic expertise in acquisitions, banking and surety has been vital to Lexicon’s growth and long-term financial stability.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
DANIEL ALFORD
Daniel Alford, chief operating officer at Network Services Group, has a strong background in operations and strategic planning. He brings a commitment to customer service and operational excellence to the company.
BAILEY CLARK
With more than 15 years experience in accounting, finance and operations, Bailey Clark, chief operating officer at Flexion Point in Little Rock, combines technical expertise with a passion for building high-performing teams and scalable business processes.
As the only local Cleaning Industry Management Standard-certified janitorial company in Arkansas, 21CJS Janitorial Services has redefined what it means to maintain high-performance facilities. From Type A environments to complex commercial spaces, 21CJS delivers precision, professionalism and peace of mind.
A SHARPER IMAGE JK JANITORIAL
COMMERCIAL EVENT PLANNER
BLUEPRINT EVENT SOLUTIONS
NORWOOD-DAY FLORAL CO.
RAMSEY & CO. WEDDINGS & EVENTS
COMMERCIAL GLASS COMPANY
ACE GLASS
PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS
STALEY GLASS
COMMERCIAL POWER WASHER
Since 2009, Arkansas Pro Wash | CAM Pro Services has helped commercial real estate owners protect and enhance their properties. Trusted statewide for proactive maintenance, the company delivers dependable service, lasting partnerships and pride in every project. From exterior cleaning to property image management, the company helps clients shine while empowering its team and community to thrive.
OJ’S COMMERCIAL CLEANING
RIVER CITY POWER WASH
COMMERCIAL PRINTING
ARKANSAS GRAPHICS
DIGITAL PRINT & IMAGING
IMAGES
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners is an Arkansas-based commercial real estate firm offering brokerage, development and property management services. The firm is committed to protecting client investments, boosting operational efficiency and prioritizing employee well-being.
Kelley Commercial Partners is a full-service commercial real estate firm offering brokerage, leasing, development, property management and consulting across Arkansas. For more than 40 years, it has helped clients make confident decisions and create lasting value in their properties and portfolios.
Moses Tucker Partners’ property management division offers services tailored to meet each of its clients’ specific needs. MT provides property management services for more than 8.2 million square feet in the state of Arkansas.
COMMERCIAL
REAL ESTATE AGENT
RPM GROUP — KYLE PATTON ENGEL & VÖLKERS — SELEN STRICKLAND FLAKE & CO. — JEFF YATES
COMMERCIAL
REAL ESTATE COMPANY
HATHAWAY GROUP
Kelley Commercial Partners is a full-service commercial real estate firm offering brokerage, leasing, development, property management and consulting across Arkansas. For more than 40 years, it has helped clients make confident decisions and create lasting value in their properties and portfolios.
Moses Tucker Partners’ property management division offers services tailored to meet each of its clients’ specific needs. MT provides property management services for more than 8.2 million square feet in the state of Arkansas.
COMMERCIAL ROOFER
Arkansas Industrial Roofing in Little Rock was founded in 1977 by the late Corbett Sanders III. His wife, Cathy Smith, now carries on the company’s tradition of excellence alongside general manager and lead roofing consultant Matthew Nicolo.
KETCHER & CO.
ROBERTS-MCNUTT
Marshall Moon CFP, Principal
COMPUTER
Datamax empowers organizations to work smarter with integrated technology that is relevant to their unique needs, including office equipment, information technology, print and communications. Datamax’s solutions streamline workflows, drive results and ultimately create raving fans through remarkable experiences that go beyond expectations.
Network Services Group offers a full range of information technology services across sectors, including managed IT services, phone systems, internet provider consulting and cloud services, as well as artificial intelligence consulting and cybersecurity.
Pinnacle IT
A business runs better with the right information technology partner. Pinnacle IT brings big-business technology to small businesses — with secure, reliable solutions and local experts who truly care.
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
Founded in Farmington in 2021, iHawl Land Specialist offers civil excavation, utility and topsoil services across Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. With an emphasis on partnership, iHawl sets the pace when it comes to sitework. The team has never missed a deadline, and it never plans to.
Providing site excavation services to central and northwest Arkansas, James A. Rogers Excavating is a locally owned company that has been moving the earth since 1962. The third-generation family-owned business brings a legacy of excellence to every project.
VISIT BENTONVILLE
VISIT HOT SPRINGS
COUNTRY CLUB
CHENAL COUNTRY CLUB
THE COUNTRY CLUB OF LITTLE ROCK
PLEASANT VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB
CREDIT UNION
ARKANSAS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
TELCOE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
TRUSERVICE COMMUNITY FEDERAL
CREDIT UNION
DENTIST
ASAP SMILE CENTER — DR. SEAN GORE
HEATHMAN FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY —
DR. MONTGOMERY “MONTY” HEATHMAN
DR. GARY JONES
At Conway Regional Interfaith Dental Clinic, Dr. Gary Jones offers compassionate, affordable care for those without dental insurance. His team combines expertise and empathy to deliver care that is highly intentional, refreshingly personal, and centered on patient trust and comfort.
DERMATOLOGY CLINIC
FRANKS DERMATOLOGY
LITTLE ROCK DERMATOLOGY CLINIC
PINNACLE DERMATOLOGY
DISASTER RESTORATION
DISASTER MASTERS
Garret Excavating thrives on diversity, and each team member brings unique strengths to the table. The company is committed to fostering an inclusive environment in which the company builds more than projects; it builds a vibrant, welcoming workplace for everyone.
DRUG TESTING
A1 DRUG TESTING SERVICES
COURTHOUSE CONCEPTS
FIRST CHOICE DRUG TESTING & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES
DRY CLEANING SERVICE
HANGERS CLEANERS
OAK FOREST CLEANERS
SCHICKEL’S CLEANERS
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
FLEMING COMPANIES
GARY HOUSTON ELECTRIC CO.
STALEY ELECTRIC
ENERGY COMPANY
ENTERGY ARKANSAS
FIRST ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
SUMMIT UTILITIES
ENGINEERING FIRM
The team at Cromwell Architects Engineers provides integrated engineering services that combine innovation, efficiency and sustainability. With more than a century of experience, the team delivers reliable, forward-thinking solutions across mechanical, electrical, civil and structural disciplines.
For more than 75 years, Nabholz has upheld its purpose: ”Grow our people. Serve our clients. Build our communities.” Over that time, Nabholz has completed projects of all types and sizes — delivering high quality work to fulfill each client’s vision and needs.
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Showcasing North Little Rock’s many amenities and fine attractions, North Little Rock Tourism is committed to maximizing tourist and convention visitors’ experiences in the central Arkansas city.
Metro Disaster Specialists is Arkansas’s leading full-service restoration company and licensed general contractor, handling both disaster recovery and reconstruction. With 24/7 emergency response for fire, water, storm, environmental and contents restoration, Metro delivers trusted service and proven results statewide.
SERVPRO
DIVERSE WORKPLACE
BAPTIST HEALTH MEDICAL CENTERLITTLE ROCK
Conway Regional Health System has been the trusted name in Arkansas health care for generations. Its diverse team delivers care that is highly intentional, refreshingly personal, and rooted in access, excellence and a deep commitment to the community.
Founded in 1919, Garver is an employee-owned engineering firm specializing in aviation, transportation, water and more. With 1,400-plus employees and Arkansas roots, Garver ranks among Engineering News-Record’s “Top 100” and holds Zweig Group Best Firm to Work For Legacy Status.
Insight Engineering was founded “with the vision to bring efficient and elegant design to the buildings and communities in Arkansas where we live, work and play.” The company is certified by the Small Business Administration as a womanowned small business.
FLEXION POINT
“From bookkeeping to CFO-level insights, we provide the expertise you need to bridge the gap between talent, strategy and growth.”
124 W Capitol Ave, Suite 1882, Little Rock 501-722-3036
Congratulations to Heather Baker, president and publisher at AY Media Group, for being named Best Boss in Arkansas Money & Politics’ “Best of 2025” readers’ poll!
flexionpoint .com
Back (Left to Right): Caleb Cooley, Stuart McLendon, Ryan Lutes, Elliott Chester, Trent Keeling, Stefan Smith Front: Hayley Dunn, Diane Cochran, Bailey Clark, Colin Potts, Katherine Thornton
Through generous donors and volunteers, there have been more than 1.5 million visits to our partner agencies this year. But with economic pressures rising, we anticipate 300,000 more visits before year ’s end — and we need your help to meet that growing need. Scan the QR code with your phone camera to make a gift now! Every $1 provides 5 meals.
Pat Moon CFA, Managing Principal Charley Gardner Retirement Plan Advisor Marshall Moon CFP, Principal
Setting the Pace
The staff at iHawl Land Specialist in Farmington includes Stephan “Steve” Martinez, vice president, from left, Trevor Messbarger, vice president of operations, Stephan van der Merwe, owner and president, Amanda Flores, director of business development and human resources, Kendall Grigg, senior project manager, and Jesse Gutierrez, estimator. (Photo by Hedges Photos)
iHawl Land Specialist
Having opened in 2021, iHawl Land Specialist in Farmington has already garnered a reputation for excellence in northwest Arkansas and beyond, this year being voted Best Construction Company and Best Excavation Company in Arkansas Money & Politics’ “Best of 2025.”
“We’re absolutely blown away by it, did not expect it, so very grateful for it,” said Stephan van der Merwe, owner and president. “For our team, I think it’s well deserving. … As a team, these guys and girls have been working extremely hard to help grow this company.”
Originally from South Africa, where he grew up on his family’s farm, van der Merwe came to the United States on an H-2A visa to work in agriculture. He eventually purchased a farm in northwest Arkansas, which he sold in 2020. Unsure of his next move, he chose to remain in Arkansas and pursue land services.
“Everybody was getting into skid steers and doing little driveways and trash haul from dumpsters,” he said. “I just asked around a little bit if they had a need for someone to bring a dump trailer that I could just pull behind my pickup, and they said absolutely. It went from doing two jobs and hauling trash away to, ‘Hey, can you come and grade this yard out? We’ve pulled some trees out. Can you come move this gravel pile?’”
With a background in farming, earthmoving equipment has always been a part of his life, he added.
“It was second nature, basically, to go get involved in it, to understand it,” he said. “I love the art of dirtwork. I mean, you can take a raw piece of land and turn it into something that’s going to affect thousands of people, if not millions, that are going to be able to use that facility that we laid the foundation on.”
The company has grown steadily over the years and now provides civil excavation, utility and topsoil services to customers across Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. Integrity, cutting-edge technology and a hardworking staff have helped the company become a trusted member of the northwest Arkansas business community, van der Merwe said.
“I think our drive in wanting to be and going to be the best and the caliber of people we have definitely sets us apart,” he said. “Our technology is a big part of it, and especially when you integrate the technology with the amazing and smart people we have, it really makes a big difference.”
Machine-integrated software takes the guesswork out of projects, allowing iHawl to faithfully replicate the plans created at the office out in the field with minimal waste, leading to client savings.
“We’re able to value engineer projects to give owners a better option that fits their pocket better,” van der Merwe said. “We’re also able to minimize costly mistakes, and we’re able to narrow down on cost for us as a company.”
With an emphasis on partnership, the company’s attention to detail, diligent work ethic and clean job sites have made
By Sarah DeClerk
clients of general contractors and even competitors, said Amanda Flores, director of business development and human resources.
“We’re respected. We’re very credible,” she said. “Our reputation is absolutely phenomenal, and so we just welcome the opportunity in this region and even beyond that to partner with people and help our communities grow because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s about.”
That ethos of partnership is summed up in the company slogan, “We set the pace,” which van der Merwe said exemplifies iHawl’s commitment to cutting through the red tape to perform work honestly and efficiently.
“We do what we say we’re going to do. We’re going to help you be ahead of schedule. We understand that developments cost money, and the faster we can do it and how well we do it is what sets us apart,” van der Merwe said. “We truly go into it with a mindset that this is our personal project every single project, no matter of size.”
With a staff nearly 30 strong, van der Merwe said the work is a team effort from the ditch hands all the way up to himself as owner.
“Everybody’s responsible for their job,” he said. “They have to own their job and be as successful as they can be with the support we provide them to further themselves but also further the company.”
He added that the company culture has been integral to iHawl’s success.
“I think what’s helped us a lot is happy staff when it comes down to being treated the right way,” he said. “Feeling like they have a place they can call home, a work environment that takes care of them, gives them an opportunity to pour into the company.”
The company works to be an exemplary member of the community by sponsoring local sports teams and other causes. Although he had the opportunity to move elsewhere after selling his farm, van der Merwe said he felt as though providence led him to stay in northwest Arkansas.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the hand of God in it,” he said. “My main goal is for God to use our pockets to sow back into our community.”
He said he hopes to grow iHawl into a billion-dollar company and expand nationwide while maintaining the company culture iHawl has today. He added that he is grateful to the AMP readers who voted the company among Arkansas’ best.
“I’m very thankful and grateful for the award and that they put us in this situation to be able to showcase who we are,” he said. “We’re really thankful, and I feel like the hard work we’ve put in that those people entrust us with and have seen our company grow, it touches all of us to know that we’re doing something where people are noticing.”
Dr. Brian Peters and Dr. Stephens with Titus Maximus and Bentley Cash
REVOLUTIONIZING DIRT WORK
iHawl Land Specialist
Founded in Farmington in 2021, iHawl delivers expert excavation, utility and civil contracting services across Arkansas and surrounding states. Built on hard work and advanced technology, we ensure every project is done right the first time. With a commitment to reliability and precision, we move dirt efficiently and build strong foundations that last.
Our commitment to safety: At iHawl, safety isn’t just a policy —it’s the foundation of everything we do. We believe our people are our most valuable asset and their safety is paramount. Our safety program is designed to protect our crew, clients and the communities we work in. We are proud of our impeccable safety history, with zero recordable incidents since our founding and no safety violations ever. This track record demonstrates our commitment to industry-leading safety standards and practices. Our services:
WE SET THE PACE
We’ve never missed a deadline, and we never plan to. Because when you combine old-school grit with game-changing technology, you don’t just keep up with the pace—you set it. Let’s partner on your next civil construction project.
Stephan Van Der Merwe, CEO
ENTREPRENEUR SUPPORT
INNOVATION HUB
Powered by Startup Junkie Foundation, Fuel connects highgrowth startups with enterprise partners through intensive, equity-free accelerator programs in artificial intelligence and machine learning and health technology, driving innovation, investment and job creation across northwest Arkansas and beyond.
THE VENTURE CENTER
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING FIRM
Crafton Tull is a 100 percent employee-owned planning, design and surveying firm focused on improving communities. Crafton Tull operates from offices throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas, delivering value to clients through innovative solutions and responsive service.
HARBOR
Snyder Environmental, a leading remediation firm in Arkansas, provides expert asbestos, lead and mold abatement, as well as environmental services. With nearly 25 years in business, Snyder combines safety, precision and nationwide reach to tackle complex environmental challenges across the state.
EVENT PRODUCER
LILIAS & OLIVE
NORWOOD-DAY FLORAL CO.
RAMSEY & CO. WEDDINGS & EVENTS
EVENT RENTAL
EVENTOLOGY
Serving central Arkansas since 1980, Party Time Rental and Events in Little Rock provides all things needed for events big and small, from tables, chairs and linens to tents, inflatables, dance floors and lighting.
A family-owned heritage brand, Tipton & Hurst has been evolving, innovating and raising expectations for more than a century. Built on a passion for customer service, the team works seamlessly with clients to create flawlessly memorable events for life’s most important moments.
EXCAVATION COMPANY
Specializing in moving mountains and uncovering foundations, the excavation experts at Garrett Excavating blend precision with power. Every dig is a step toward clients’ visions and is executed with unmatched expertise.
Since 1886, Tipton & Hurst has been constantly evolving, innovating and elevating expectations. At every location and with each interaction, the talented team is dedicated to raising the bar on beautiful floral and exquisite tabletop. Each customer has the family’s commitment to guaranteed satisfaction.
FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE
CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE
Founded in Farmington in 2021, iHawl Land Specialist offers civil excavation, utility and topsoil services across Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. With an emphasis on partnership, iHawl sets the pace when it comes to sitework. The team has never missed a deadline, and it never plans to.
Providing site excavation services to central and northwest Arkansas, James A. Rogers Excavating is a locally owned company that has been moving the earth since 1962. The third-generation family-owned business brings a legacy of excellence to every project.
EXERCISE FACILITY/ FITNESS CENTER
ABLAZE FITNESS CABOT
THE ATHLETIC CLUBS
Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center is a medically integrated facility focused on improving health, fitness and overall well-being. The center combines expert guidance, evidence-based programming and community connection to help members live healthier, more active lives.
EYEGLASSES
ARKANSAS EYE CARE GROUP
JAMES EYECARE & OPTICS GALLERY
MCFARLAND EYE CARE
FINANCIAL/PERSONAL
INVESTMENT SERVICES
Founded in 1983, Meridian Investment Advisors provides clients with expertise in wealth management, financial planning and retirement plan services.
MONTANEZ WEALTH ADVISORS
RED DOG INVESTMENT GROUP
FLORIST
NORTH HILLS FLORIST & GIFTS
NORWOOD-DAY FLORAL CO.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality education that opens doors for students from all backgrounds. By fostering deep ties with the community, UA Little Rock helps students shape a brighter future for themselves and for central Arkansas.
The University of Central Arkansas in Conway aspires to be a premier learner-focused public comprehensive university and a nationally recognized leader for its continuous record of excellence.
GUTTER
ARK ROOFING AND GUTTERS
MADDOG CONSTRUCTION & GUTTERING
SZABAD BROTHERS SEAMLESS GUTTERS
HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
Arkansas Children’s is the only health care system in the state solely dedicated to caring for Arkansas’ 850,000 children. The private, nonprofit organization includes two pediatric hospitals with 361 licensed beds, a pediatric research institute and U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition center, a philanthropic foundation, a nursery alliance, statewide clinics, and many education and outreach programs — all focused on fulfilling a promise to define and deliver unprecedented child health.
BAPTIST HEALTH
Conway Regional Health System has served central Arkansas for more than 100 years, bringing together key service lines, expert providers and advanced technologies. Conway Regional advocates for patients, empowering them to make informed choices while delivering the high-quality care local communities deserve.
THE FUTURE OF
We’re honored to be recognized by AMP readers as Arkansas’s Best Manufacturing Company
HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
BAPTIST HEALTH
At Conway Regional Health System, the culture thrives on connection, compassion and community. For more than a century, Conway Regional has provided care that is intentionally curated and delivered by familiar faces deeply committed to the people we serve.
UAMS Health, a statewide system encompassing the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ clinical enterprise, delivers nationally recognized, patient-centered care as Arkansas’ only health sciences university. With leading specialists and advanced treatments, UAMS Health is committed to improving the health of all Arkansans.
HEALTH INSURANCE PROVIDER
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has been helping improve the health, financial security and peace of mind of Arkansans for more than 75 years, serving as a leader in health insurance innovation on state and national levels. Its vision is a health care system that provides affordable, safe care for all citizens.
DELTA DENTAL OF ARKANSAS
UNITED HEALTHCARE
HOME HEALTH PROVIDER
HOSPITAL
Elder Independence Home Care in Bryant is dedicated to serving central Arkansas with the best client-centered and affordable home care services. The team at Elder Independence strives to give clients and their families peace of mind.
HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCY OF ARKANSAS
Superior Senior Care was founded in Hot Springs in 1985 and built from the ground up. Over the past 39 years, Superior Senior Care has grown to include 27 locations and connects thousands of care seekers with professional caregivers every day.
Arkansas Children’s is the only health care system in the state solely dedicated to caring for Arkansas’ 850,000 children. The private, nonprofit organization includes two pediatric hospitals with 361 licensed beds, a pediatric research institute and U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition center, a philanthropic foundation, a nursery alliance, statewide clinics, and many education and outreach programs — all focused on fulfilling a promise to define and deliver unprecedented child health.
BAPTIST HEALTH MEDICAL CENTERLITTLE ROCK
Rooted in more than a century of service, Conway Regional Medical Center embodies a culture of connection, compassion and community. There, health care is intentionally curated, blending familiarity and a fierce commitment to deliver exceptional care close to home.
HOTEL FOR BUSINESS TRAVEL
CAPITAL HOTEL
THE HAYWOOD EL DORADO
Oaklawn offers business travelers an ideal mix of work and play at its Forbes-recommended hotel. Take advantage of the ample meeting space, fast Wi-Fi and sumptuous room service, and relax after a long day with an assortment of luxurious amenities.
HOTEL FOR LEISURE TRAVEL
1886 CRESCENT HOTEL
CAPITAL HOTEL
With the only Forbes -four-star-rated spa and Forbesrecommended hotel in Arkansas, award-winning restaurants, and views of the historic Oaklawn racetrack and surrounding Ouachita Mountains, Oaklawn gives hotel guests an excellent place to stay, play and get away.
HVAC CONTRACTOR
DASH HEATING & COOLING
FREYALDENHOVEN HEATING AND COOLING
With the slogan, “trusted care where you are,” Arkansas Hospice is becoming LifeTouch Health. Providing a continuum of personal, primary, palliative and hospice care for helping patients and families navigate aging, life-limiting or serious illness, the organization has been dedicated to touching lives since 1992.
GENTIVA HOSPICE
HOSPICE HOME CARE
For nearly 50 years, Middleton Heat & Air has been Arkansas’ most trusted heating, ventilation and air-conditioning company. From new system installation to maintenance, Middleton takes care of families year-round, delivering professional service with care and respect for its neighbors.
INDEPENDENT LIVING
GOOD SHEPHERD COMMUNITY
PARKWAY VILLAGE
Celebrating 60 years of service, Presbyterian Village in Little Rock offers independent living, assisted living and health care all on one welcoming campus dedicated to providing compassionate care and a vibrant lifestyle for seniors.
INSURANCE AGENCY
The Cashion Co. in Little Rock is committed to honesty, integrity and excellence. Since its founding in 1975 by Knight Cashion, the company has strived to ensure clients receive the best possible insurance services.
Dennis Bost State Farm office works to help State Farm policyholders manage the risks of everyday life and to be the first choice for Little Rock insurance and financial service needs. Dennis Bost State Farm focuses on auto insurance, home insurance, renters insurance and commercial insurance throughout the Little Rock metro area.
MCGHEE INSURANCE
INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER AT&T
RITTER COMMUNICATIONS
XFINITY
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
PINNACLE ADVISORS — MARSHALL BUTLER
MARSHALL MOON
Since joining Meridian Investment Advisors in 2015, Marshall Moon has served as senior investment advisor and chief equity strategist. Moon earned his Certified Financial Planner credential in 2020 and became a named partner in January of this year.
SMALL WEALTH MANAGEMENT — KYMBERLIE REED
IT COMPANY
Network Services Group offers a full range of information technology services across sectors, including managed IT services, phone systems, internet provider consulting and cloud services, as well as artificial intelligence consulting and cybersecurity.
The recognition keeps growing, just like the brands we help
Growth is more than a number on a spreadsheet. To us, it’s the pursuit of trust, impact, and real change. We partner with brands and people who we not only believe in, but who we can bet on.
Because client growth is our greatest measure of success.
Thank you to the AMP readers for voting Stone Ward the Best of 2025 in four categories and congratulations to our fellow honorees.
The Best Leaders Bring Out the Best in Others.
We’re thrilled to celebrate our CEO, Bill McCollough, who was voted Best CEO in Arkansas Money & Politics’ Best of 2025. For nearly a decade, his steady leadership, forward vision, and people-first approach have been the foundation of McGraw’s success and continued growth.
Since 1938, McGraw has been committed to serving our communities with integrity and excellence. Five years ago, Bill’s leadership guided our expansion into Arkansas. Today, we proudly operate seven offices across the Northwest Arka nsas, River Valley, and Central Arkansas regions with an average of 52% growth each year. His philosophy of “no involvement means no commitment” reflects the heart of hi s leadership style: being present, invested, and committed to our people and the communities we serve.
This recognition is more than an individual honor. It reflects t staff, and leaders who have carried forward the McGraw legacy fo
CEO
Bill McCollough President & CEO, McGraw REALTORS®
Pinnacle IT YOUR
Pinnacle IT thanks its amazing clients and the readers of Arkansas Money & Politics for their continued trust and support. The company is proud to serve Arkansas businesses every day.
PROFESSIONAL COMPUTER SERVICES
JEWELER
CECIL’S FINE JEWELRY
JONES & SON DIAMOND & BRIDAL FINE JEWELRY
Founded in 1970, Sissy’s Log Cabin is a family-owned and -operated jewelry store with six locations across Arkansas and Tennessee. Well-known for its extraordinary quality jewelry and exceptional customer service, Sissy’s Log Cabin offers a spectacular selection of diamonds, jewelry, estate jewelry and fine gifts.
JOURNALIST
SALINE COURIER AND MALVERN DAILY RECORD
DARRELL BROWN
DWAIN HEBDA
A customer-focused, award-winning editorial services company based in Little Rock, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths provides an array of writing and editing services for publications, individuals and businesses.
ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE REX NELSON
LAND REAL ESTATE BROKER
The professionals at Arkansas Land Co. have been the leading real estate brokers of farmland, hunting properties and natural places since 2005. Arkansas Land Co. is a familyowned and -operated business with agents throughout Arkansas that are ready to help buy or sell timberland in the Ozarks, the family farm, or a duck or deer hunting property in the Delta.
ESQ. REALTY GROUP
Wellons is a land development and land real estate company that specializes in agricultural farmland, recreational properties and timberland. The team of professionals serve clients with the highest level of integrity and offer a wealth of knowledge to each client. Wellons provides a full range of land development and real estate services to its clients.
LAW FIRM
DENTON, ZACHARY & NORWOOD
GILL RAGON OWEN ATTORNEYS
MCMULLAN & BROWN
MANUFACTURING COMPANY
MOVING COMPANY
ELITE MOVERS
SOUND THE ALARM MOVING CO.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
Big River Steel redefines steelmaking with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability. The new Big River 2 mill amplifies innovation and capacity, delivering premium flat-rolled steel solutions that empower industries and drive progress from the heart of Arkansas.
Lexicon is a leading provider of steel fabrication, erection, construction, mechanical equipment installation, industrial maintenance, insulation, scaffolding and sheeting/siding. Guided by its core values — people, quality, safety and innovation — Lexicon delivers complex projects with integrity and precision, building lasting partnerships and a better tomorrow one project at a time.
PILGRIM’S
MEMORY CARE FACILITY
FOX RIDGE CHENAL
GREENBRIER NURSING & REHAB
PINNACLE PLACE MEMORY CARE
MENTAL HEALTH
SERVICES PROVIDER
ARGENTA COUNSELING + WELLNESS
COMPASS FAMILY COUNSELING
OUACHITA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS
CERTIFIED PIES
HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCY OF ARKANSAS
MARTINEZ AGENCY
MORTGAGE LENDER
ARVEST BANK
First Community Bank, which is locally owned and managed, opened Aug. 4, 1997, in Batesville and currently operates in 34 locations across Arkansas and Missouri. First Community Bank employs 650 professional bankers, and reports assets of $3.31 billion as of Sept. 30.
GUARDIAN HOME MORTGAGE CORP.
Alzheimer’s Arkansas is an independent, nonprofit organization that offers free educational and respite programs, personalized support, printed resources, support groups, and financial assistance to family caregivers across the state of Arkansas. Founded in 1984, the group’s focus is on supporting the journey caregivers face each and every day as they care for loved ones with dementia or chronic illness.
Arkansas Foodbank is the state’s largest hunger relief organization, serving 33 counties and reaching more than 280,000 people annually through programs for children, families, seniors and disaster response in partnership with more than 400 partner agencies.
The Arkansas Zoological Foundation champions wildlife conservation, education and community engagement by supporting the Little Rock Zoo. Through fundraising and advocacy, it helps create enriching animal habitats, inspire future conservationists and ensure a vibrant, world-class zoo experience for all Arkansans.
NURSING HOME
BRIARWOOD
NURSING & REHABILITATION, INC
A 120-bed facility that specializes in both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, Briarwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Little Rock has provided a trusted place where residents can feel comfortable for more than 30 years
The Nursing & Rehabilitation Center at Good Shepherd is committed to providing the highest quality of patient care, offering a qualified staff dedicated to supporting the tasks of day-to-day living.
Celebrating 60 years of service, Presbyterian Village in Little Rock offers independent living, assisted living and health care all on one welcoming campus dedicated to providing compassionate care and a vibrant lifestyle for seniors.
Cynthia Hall, Owner
From educational resources, events and respite programs to support groups and financial assistance, Alzheimer’s Arkansas works to ensure family caregivers feel supported, empowered and comforted — all at no cost to families.
Everything Alzheimer’s Arkansas does is made possible by the generous support of donors and volunteers, and there are several ways to support the comprehensive range of programs, services and assistance the group offers. In addition to donating one’s time or skills,
individuals can make one-time and recurring donations, families can set up private donations and bequests, and businesses and other organizations can sign up to sponsor events throughout the year.
In 2024 alone, donors and sponsors helped Alzheimer’s Arkansas run 22 monthly support groups, host 377 programs and activities, and complete 276 hours of community speaking engagements.
201 Markham Center Drive Little Rock alzARK.org
501-224-0021 info@alzark.org
Jeff Hatfield, owner
A Breath of Fresh Air
Pictured are Drew McCurry, director of retrofit projects; from left, Chris Besancon, director of field operations; Mark McCaslin, senior vice president; Eric Hook, director of business development; and Blake Middleton, the third generation of the Middleton family to lead the company. (Photo by Jamie Lee)
Becoming the best does not happen overnight, and staying the best is no easy feat. Yet Middleton Heat & Air has taken on that challenge, and it has paid off in many ways, including inclusion in Arkansas Money & Politics’ “Best of 2025.”
What started as a small family business run out of a garage in Bryant has now turned into a powerhouse in the heat and air service market both for residential and commercial jobs. The company is headquartered on a large facility in Bryant right off Interstate 30.The company also has offices in Little Rock, Hot Springs and Conway.
“People will pay for bottled water because they think it is healthier, but they don’t put the same consideration into the air they are breathing in their homes or offices,” said senior vice president Mark McCaslin. “The air you breathe is as or more important, and there are many ways we can improve the air quality for a healthier, safer environment for your family or team members.”
For that reason, he added, people should only trust their heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems to the best, who are on the cutting edge of technology and care about the service they give.
“For us, everything comes down to people, quality, trust and education,” said Blake Middleton, the third generation of Middleton family leaders at the company.
The team sees what they do as not just a job but a responsibility to keep customers comfortable and safe in their homes by properly installing and maintaining heating and air systems. That is what staff consider “the Middleton Way.”
“It’s how the business operates day in and day out,” Middleton said.
At Middleton, employees and customers alike are treated like family because the firm is a family company through and through.
Middleton Heat & Air
“Middleton is near and dear to our hearts,” Middleton said. “We take pride in taking care of our customers, our employees and the company we continue to build together.”
While Middleton is ushering in the future of HVAC systems and accessories, the company continues to stay grounded in the values that build its foundation.
Chuck Middleton, co-founder and Blake’s grandfather, was known for saying, “I’ll take care of that,” the longtime slogan of the company.
“We live and breathe that promise every day. We’ll take care of that,” Blake said.
Middleton Heat & Air also takes trust very seriously, requiring every employee to pass a background check. Also, when technicians come into a home, they wear coverings on their shoes to avoid tracking anything in.
“It’s a people business,” McCaslin said. “Great systems and equipment matter, but it’s people who make the difference.”
With trust also comes availability during emergencies. That is why Middleton offers 24/7 heating and air conditioning services to its maintenance customers. The company also has a team that constantly monitors the automated sensors now in many commercial and even residential buildings, which alert staff to changes or unusual things happening with the HVAC systems. That way, Middleton can get help to customers even before they may notice the issue.
“We often hear from customers who appreciate the professionalism and care our technicians bring to every job,” McCaslin said.
While technicians are well trained to correctly install systems into homes, the unexpected can still happen. That is why Middleton has a full warranty department to make sure customers are not paying for parts or repairs that they should not have to.
By Alex Hardgrave
When a call comes in, the phone is answered by one of the dedicated staff members. With the click of a few buttons, a file for the client tells the team about every service Middleton has done for that client, helping to increase continuity and make getting services done easier for both clients and technicians.
Gaining a customer’s trust also requires using quality equipment and doing quality work. Every morning, the work trucks are stocked from an on-site warehouse with the best equipment on the market that a technician may need to complete a job. That helps to minimize wait times for customers.
The high-quality, trustworthy service that customers receive from Middleton does not happen by chance or accident. It all starts at Middleton University, an HVAC education facility on-site at their headquarters. There, leaders train new employees on the Middleton Way, which includes not only how to use and fix systems but also soft skills to make sure customers are comfortable when technicians enter their homes. The education does not stop when a technician starts in the field.
“We’re always learning and finding ways to improve how we operate,” Middleton said.
To stay on the cutting edge of new HVAC technology, Middleton leaders and technicians train directly with manufacturers, deepening their expertise and strengthening the service they provide to customers.
If working with Middleton Heat & Air feels like a breath of fresh air, that is likely why the company has continually been recognized as the best by AMP and industry peers.
Nearly 50 years in, Middleton Heat & Air takes pride in what has been accomplished and remains focused on building an even stronger company in the decades ahead.
ARKANSAS’ MOST TRUSTED HVAC TEAM
Middleton Heat & Air is proud to once again be named the Best in Heating and Air by AMP thanks to your continued support! When it comes to home comfort, Middleton is the most trusted name in the state. For nearly 50 years, more Arkansans have counted on us for high-quality HVAC installation and system maintenance than anyone else. And you can, too.
Our goal is to serve clients and their families the way they need it–safely, dependably, affordably, and in the comfort of their own homes.
“Whether
OFFICE DESIGNER
The designs of workplaces that need to inspire creativity, foster collaboration and support productivity, Cromwell Architects Engineers does exactly that. The team crafts environments that reflect organizational culture while integrating functionality, sustainability and aesthetic appeal for today’s evolving workspaces.
EVO BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS
PETTUS WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS
OFFICE SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT
AMERICAN PAPER & TWINE
Datamax empowers organizations to work smarter with integrated technology that is relevant to their unique needs, including office equipment, information technology, print and communications. Datamax’s solutions streamline workflows, drive results and ultimately create raving fans through remarkable experiences that go beyond expectations.
PETTUS WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS
OVERALL COMPANY
Network Services Group offers a full range of information technology services across sectors, including managed IT services, phone systems, internet provider consulting and cloud services, as well as artificial intelligence consulting and cybersecurity.
Open 24/7, Oaklawn’s smoke-free, state-of-the-art casino has more than 1,500 slot machines, live craps, live blackjack and live music. The sportsbook area also offers fans a place to watch and wager on their favorite teams.
Founded in 1970, Sissy’s Log Cabin is a family-owned and -operated jewelry store with six locations across Arkansas and Tennessee. Well-known for its extraordinary quality jewelry and exceptional customer service, Sissy’s Log Cabin offers a spectacular selection of diamonds, jewelry, estate jewelry and fine gifts.
PAYROLL SERVICE
COMPLETE PAYROLL SERVICES
At Flexion Point in Little Rock, the mission is to build great businesses by building great relationships. The company’s simple, organic model is built around bringing the right people to the table at the right time.
PAYCHEX
PEST COMPANY
Say goodbye to pests and hello to peace of mind with Adams Pest Control. With locations in Little Rock, Hot Springs and White Hall, Adams Pest Control is the local choice for pest control needs in central Arkansas. Founded in 1957, the family-owned company is dedicated to providing the high level of satisfaction customers have come to trust.
THE BUG MAN
LEGACY TERMITE & PEST CONTROL
PET HOSPITAL
ALLPETS ANIMAL HOSPITAL
HILLCREST ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Lake Hamilton Animal Hospital proudly serves Hot Springs and the surrounding areas with compassion and expert care. The talented veterinarians and experienced animal health professionals at Lake Hamilton treat every pet as though it were their own PHARMACY
CATE’S PHARMACY AND DONUTS
MARKET PLACE PHARMACY
THE PHARMACY AT WELLINGTON
PHILANTHROPY FOUNDATION
ARKANSAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The AGFF supports the mission of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, which is to conserve and enhance Arkansas’s fish and wildlife and their habitats while promoting sustainable use, public understanding and support.
WINTHROP ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION
PLACE FOR A COFFEE MEETING
BLACKBERRY MARKET
THE CROISSANTERIE
NEXUS COFFEE & CREATIVE
PLACE FOR A LUNCH MEETING
BRAVE NEW RESTAURANT
In 1988, George Eldridge contracted with his favorite restaurant in Mississippi to bring Doe’s Eat Place to Little Rock. Now run by his daughter, Katherine, the restaurant is known for its steaks and tamales.
Situated in downtown Little Rock, Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill has 32 beer and 20 wine offerings on tap and prepares meals using fresh, locally grown ingredients and a real wood fire.
PLACE
FOR A SPECIAL EVENT
Cache Restaurant in Little Rock is an ideal venue for business dinners and combines a sophisticated atmosphere with exceptional cuisine and attentive service. Guests can choose from a menu highlighting seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
A talented hospitality team, high-quality audio/visual technology and in-house catering options make Oaklawn an event planner’s best bet. Layout options range from small settings for presentations to large areas for weddings.
RUSTY TRACTOR VINEYARDS
PLACE FOR TEAM BUILDING OR COMPANY RETREAT
Hammer & Stain Hot Springs offers an unforgettable experience for birthdays, group parties — especially team building — and more. Whether guests are creating a personalized sign, attending an engaging workshop or unleashing their inner Pollock, Hammer & Stain promises a fun time for all. The establishment provides customized gifts, as well.
Those who retreat at Oaklawn Hot Springs can find plenty to do without leaving the property. From the Forbes-recommended hotel, 24/7, smoke-free casino, Arkansas’ only Forbes-four-star-rated spa, Astral Spa, Forbes-recommended restaurants, The Bugler and The OAK room & bar to stateof-the-art meeting facilities, Oaklawn is the ideal place to host a company retreat or a team-building outing.
WINTHROP ROCKEFELLER INSTITUTE
PLACE TO MEET AFTER WORK HILL STATION
Recently renovated with Cajun flair, The Oyster Bar in Little Rock works to provide the finest seafood and more plus an energetic atmosphere featuring happy hour shows and evening performances.
PETIT & KEET
EXPERIENCE AFFORDABLY COLLEGE,
Discover a campus where opportunity meets community.
From hands-on internships to more than 800 events a year, UA Little Rock is built for students who want to get involved and get ahead.
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Expect More—in every direction.
Scan the QR code or go to ualr.edu/scholarships to learn more.
PLACE TO WORK
Providing site excavation services to central and northwest Arkansas, James A. Rogers Excavating is a locally owned company that has been moving the earth since 1962. The third-generation family-owned business brings a legacy of excellence to every project.
Network Services Group offers a full range of information technology services across sectors, including managed IT services, phone systems, internet provider consulting and cloud services, as well as artificial intelligence consulting and cybersecurity.
VIBRANT OCCASIONS CATERING
PLUMBING CONTRACTOR
MAC MECHANICAL
PASCHAL AIR, PLUMBING & ELECTRIC
VICTORY PLUMBING
POOL COMPANY
DESTIN POOLS
DIAMOND POOLS
Luxury Pool & Spa is a family-owned business that has been serving Arkansas for nearly 50 years. The company specializes in custom in-ground concrete pools with a wide range of options designed to meet every customer’s needs. Luxury Pool & Spa has two retail locations — Conway and Russellville — that sell pool and spa chemicals, pool equipment and supplies, Caldera spas, and POLYWOOD outdoor furniture.
PRESIDENT OR CEO OF A HOSPITAL/HEALTH SYSTEM
CHI ST. VINCENT — DR. WILLIAM G. JONES
MATT TROUP
As president and CEO, Matt Troup leads Conway Regional Health System with integrity, vision and faith. His leadership has guided the organization to nine consecutive Best Place to Work honors, reflecting a culture of compassion and community-centered care.
BAPTIST HEALTH — TROY WELLS PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
ARKANSAS NURSE PRACTITIONER ASSOCIATION
The Arkansas Trucking Association represents more than 300 motor carriers and supplier companies, advocating for policies that strengthen the industry, improve efficiency and profitability, and promote best practices through education, collaboration, and member-driven programs statewide and nationally.
THE POULTRY FEDERATION
PROMOTIONAL APPAREL
ARKANSAS GRAPHICS
SOUTHERN BRANDING
TRIVIA MARKETING
PUBLIC FIGURE
JOHN DALY
CHRIS JONES
TODD YAKOUBIAN
PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM
MEREDITH CORNING PR
THE PEACOCK GROUP
Stone Ward is a full-service, independent agency that believes in partnering with brands and people the company not only believes in but can bet on — because when clients grow, so does Stone Ward.
REMODEL COMPANY
HINES HOMES
MENCO CONSTRUCTION
SOUTHERN INTERIORS
RESTAURANT FOR BUSINESS DINNERS
Cache Restaurant in Little Rock is an ideal venue for business dinners and combines a sophisticated atmosphere with exceptional cuisine and attentive service. Guests can choose from a menu highlighting seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
CHENAL PINES RETIREMENT RESORT
GOOD SHEPHERD COMMUNITY
PARKWAY VILLAGE
SECURITY COMPANY
ICU PROTECTION
NATURAL STATE SECURITY
TRIPLE-S ALARM
SENIOR CARE FACILITY
THE BLAKE AT CHENAL VALLEY
FOX RIDGE LUXURY SENIOR LIVING
Superior Senior Care was founded in Hot Springs in 1985 and built from the ground up. Over the past 39 years, Superior Senior Care has grown to include 27 locations and connects thousands of care seekers with professional caregivers every day.
SIGN COMPANY
ACTION SIGN & NEON
ARCHWAY GRAPHIC DESIGNS
RACEWORLD USA SIGNS AND GRAPHICS
SOLAR COMPANY
At Central Arkansas Solar Solutions and its northwest Arkansas counterpart, owner Jeff Hatfield and his licensed, bonded and insured team provide solar solutions and an array of other services, such as seamless gutters and gutter guards.
OMEGA SOLAR ENERGY
SEAL SOLAR
SPORTING GOODS
FORT THOMPSON SPORTING GOODS
GEARHEAD OUTFITTERS
OZARK OUTDOOR SUPPLY
STAFFING AGENCY/
RECRUITMENT
ASAP PERSONNEL SERVICES
THE BUGLER
The Bugler, one of Oaklawn’s two Forbes-recommended restaurants, presents a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere with stunning views of Oaklawn’s racetrack. The menu highlights premium steaks, fresh seafood and Southern-inspired dishes crafted with high-quality ingredients. Guests can enjoy an elevated dining experience complemented by an extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails. It is the ideal setting for a business dinner or large group.
SONNY WILLIAMS’ STEAK ROOM
Arkansas Talent Group is a boutique recruiting firm specializing in connecting Arkansas businesses with top finance, accounting and operations talent through highly personalized, relationship-driven searches.
TRAVEL NURSE ACROSS AMERICA
Conway Regional brings together trusted providers, advanced technologies, and more across central Arkansas to create patient experiences that are highly intentional and refreshingly personal. As our community continues to grow, recognitions like Best of Arkansas Money and Politics’ highlights our commitment to ensuring the communities we serve receive exceptional care.
Best Exercise Facility/Fitness Center
Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center
Best Hospital
Conway Regional Health System
Best Health Care Provider
Conway Regional Health System
Best Diverse Workplace
Conway Regional Health System
Best Health Care System
Conway Regional Health System
Best Dentist
Gary Jones, DDS
Best President or CEO of a Health System
Matt Troup
Hands Down
Given its illustrious past, one would be hard-pressed to find a dull moment in the history of Oaklawn Hot Springs. Still, the latest chapter has added a particularly exciting new buzz to the renowned Spa City attraction. A $100 million expansion project completed in 2021 brought numerous upgrades and new amenities to the state’s first casino resort, including a Forbes-recommended luxury hotel, the state’s only Forbes-four-star-rated spa and an event center.
“The expansion has far exceeded our expectations,” said Oaklawn President Louis Cella. “On paper, it always looks different than the final product. We receive thanks from patrons all the time wanting to let us know how proud they are to have such a special resort in Arkansas.”
Cella added that his choice in specifying “Arkansas” rather than “Hot Springs” was a deliberate one — he said the goal with the expansion has been to create a showcase property for the entire region. Based on the tourism impact so far, it is clear that the positive effects of the project go well beyond the Oaklawn property lines.
“We did not build our Forbes-rated restaurants, The Bugler and OAK room & bar, to just increase the culinary experience at Oaklawn; we did it to raise the bar for everyone in the area,” Cella said. “Patrons come from Houston and Chicago and parts in between to experience our Forbes-four-star rated-Astral Spa. Add world-class racing to the mix, and you have a recipe for success, growth and a lot of fun for our guests.”
Any organization undertaking such a bold expansion of its capabilities runs the risk of suffering from mission creep. As the fourth generation of his family to head the century-plus-old Oaklawn Jockey Club, however, Cella has also ensured the home of the Racing Festival of the South remains true to its thoroughbred legacy. Decor and design choices all throughout
the nongaming areas nod to the track outside. The importance of Oaklawn’s heritage is also impressed upon team members through the internal OJC-U program, headed by Senior Vice President Eric Jackson.
“Department heads and managers get to learn why Oaklawn is so much more than a casino with some restaurants,” Cella said. “We have over a century of experiences and history not associated with the casino, which is very important for us to appreciate and to remind everyone why we are racing first.”
“to follow those goals, we will continue to be the envy of horse racing nation.”
Another potential hurdle for growing enterprises is the challenge of maintaining a strong company culture as the headcount rises. There are a lot of moving parts, Cella said, from any one of nine different restaurants to more than 40 different racing concession stands and three gift shops — all that before even mentioning the hotel, spa and event center. He credited General Manager Wayne Smith and Oaklawn’s senior management team with cultivating an atmosphere where “each
We will be successful in the coming years if we focus on what we do best and not become distracted. We will continue to offer the best in racing, the best in food and beverage, the best spa, and the best hotel.
— Louis Cella, president
Further investments into the racing facilities, such as the ongoing construction of a 24-stall receiving and stakes barn and 36-stall pony and outrider barn, reflect Oaklawn’s steadfast commitment to the quality of its racing chops. Upgrades and improvements certainly benefit race-day spectators, but they also make Oaklawn’s priorities clear to the riders, trainers and countless others who come together to put on some of the best spectacles in horse racing each year.
“It all starts with the horse owners willing to participate in our program,” Cella said. “We have nearly 3,000 horses that want to come to Oaklawn, but we only have 1,500 stalls for them. We have the best relationship with our local Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and with our racing commission. No one brings in an agenda. We all know what our goals are — what is best for the horses and what is best for racing. If we continue
and every person feels welcome, feels like a team member and is part of the Oaklawn family.”
With more than 900 full- and part-time employees and another 800 in the barn area, it is indeed a sizable family and one people are eager to be a part of.
“If our team members feel they are part of the family, they want to work. They have a smile on their face. They look our guests in their eyes with a twinkle,” Cella said. “When patrons comment, and they frequently do, on how we are the friendliest, safest and most fun casino in the state, now you know why.”
Away from the track, Oaklawn has been hard at work solidifying its place as a top event venue in the state, as well. The new event center boasts 18,000 square feet of space and can accommodate up to 1,500 guests. Most notably calling upon Oaklawn’s talents of late was the annual Broyles Award ceremony, which
had previously been in Little Rock every year since its 1996 inception. In moving to Hot Springs this year, the event went from a single-afternoon affair to a multiday celebration — another indication of the venue’s abilities. Oaklawn is already set to host the award’s 30th anniversary celebrations in 2026. As AMP previously reported, Smith had had his eye on the event ever since award founder David Bazzel invited him in 2022.
“[Smith] attended the awards show in Little Rock and asked the appropriate question, ‘Why is it in Little Rock? Why not at Oaklawn?’” Cella said. “Our event center is the nicest one in the state. We have an entire catering kitchen with its dedicated staff to put on those types of shows. Wayne met with the Broyles folks and asked them to give us a chance. We showed them the very high level of hospitality we offer, including our culinary options, our meeting rooms and an ability to create a national stage for everyone to be proud [of].”
Reflecting upon his own forebears, Cella sees Oaklawn’s latest evolution as a fitting next step. His great-grandfather and great-uncle had the vision to bring racing to Arkansas in 1904, while his grandfather sought to establish a racetrack that could compete in Spa City’s heyday of mobsters and illegal casino operations. Cella’s father likewise set out to establish Oaklawn as a premiere name in racing facilities. As for himself, Cella said he and his wife, Rochelle, want to create the best resort in Arkansas. A successful track record of 120 years bodes well.
“We will be successful in the coming years if we focus on what we do best and not become distracted,” Cella said. “We will continue to offer the best in racing, the best in food and beverage, the best spa, and the best hotel. We are in the hospitality business, and if we laser-focus on that and continue to be the best in each category, we will be just fine.”
Oaklawn Hot Springs
By Mak Millard
Louis Cella (Photo provided by Oaklawn)
Oaklawn
BRIARWOOD
Briarwood Nursing and Rehab is a 120-bed skilled facility located in an urban setting within the heart of Little Rock, in the neighborhood of Briarwood. We are located just minutes from downtown Little Rock and are only one block off interstate 630.
We provide long-term care and short-term rehab care. All residents are monitored throughout the day with assistance in providing daily care as is needed: bathing, dressing, feeding and providing medications. Briarwood staff also work at ensuring the best care for residents through individual care plans of residents' needs, as well as daily activities, which allow for a variety of interests and abilities.
Nearly all - 98 percent - of our rehab residents return to the community as a result of positive, caring therapists. Briarwood's approach has provided healing to many people in the community.
At Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, we are committed to ensuring that the best possible care is given to you or your loved one in an atmosphere that is calm, quiet and focused on healing. We endeavor to ensure that all aspects of your well-being — mental, physical and spiritual — are cared for in a peaceful and safe environment. Our staff strive to promote dignity, respect, and independence as much as possible, in a beautiful, soothing enviornment that was designed with our residents' comfort in mind.
Briarwood's service-rich environment is made possible by its dedicated staff, from our nursing staff and therapists, to our operations and administrative employees. At Briarwood, our residents enjoy three generations of staff and families. That is over 30 years of service to the community!
SURVEYOR
HOPE CONSULTING
For more than 60 years, McClelland Consulting Engineers has provided unprecedented service to clients by offering reliable professional design and support for their projects. The company’s mission is to provide quality design and customer service that exceeds client expectations through integrity, service and excellence.
TUCKER LAND SURVEYING
TAX SERVICES
ARC BUSINESS ADVISORS
DENMAN, HAMILTON & ASSOCIATES
FORBES & ASSOCIATES
TECH COMPANY
Network Services Group offers a full range of information technology services across sectors, including managed IT services, phone systems, internet provider consulting and cloud services, as well as artificial intelligence consulting and cybersecurity.
Pinnacle IT
A business runs better with the right information technology partner. Pinnacle IT brings big-business technology to small businesses — with secure, reliable solutions and local experts who truly care.
SMILEY TECHNOLOGIES
TECHNICAL SCHOOL
ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY
ARKANSAS WELDING ACADEMY
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-PULASKI
TECHNICAL COLLEGE
TECHNOLOGY
CONSULTING FIRM
HOGANTAYLOR
Network Services Group offers a full range of information technology services across sectors, including managed IT services, phone systems, internet provider consulting and cloud services, as well as artificial intelligence consulting and cybersecurity.
SMILEY TECHNOLOGIES
TIRE COMPANY
AUSTIN BROTHERS TIRE & SERVICE
CABOT TIRE & OFF ROAD
VAUGHAN TIRE CO.
TITLE COMPANY
ATTORNEY’S TITLE GROUP
COMMERCE TITLE & CLOSING SERVICES
FIRST NATIONAL TITLE CO.
TRAVEL AGENT
POE TRAVEL
SMALL WORLD BIG FUN
SUE SMITH VACATIONS
TREE SERVICE
C&C TREE SERVICES OF ARKANSAS
DECLERK TREE SERVICE
STUMP BUSTERS
TRUCKING COMPANY
ARCBEST
MAVERICK TRANSPORTATION
When Garland E. “Butch” Rice III began Stallion Transportation Group in 1992, he set out to create a business that would have a positive impact on his community and the entire state of Arkansas. The company is driven by dedication, passion and loyalty and prioritizes excellent customer service and a collaborative team atmosphere.
TWO-YEAR COLLEGE
Arkansas State University-Beebe is an operationally separate, two-year institution of the ASU System. With campuses located at Beebe, Heber Springs, Searcy, Little Rock Air Force Base and online, the college offers associate degrees, certificates and training for business and industry.
NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-PULASKI
TECHNICAL COLLEGE
VIDEO PRODUCTION
CWP PRODUCTIONS
SIXTYONE CELSIUS
Stone Ward is a full-service, independent agency that believes in partnering with brands and people the company not only believes in but can bet on — because when clients grow, so does Stone Ward.
WEB DESIGN FIRM
Jackpot Interactive is a boutique web agency in Little Rock serving small businesses with a time-tested strategy that covers all the online essentials companies need to get their brands to the top. Jackpot’s website design, online ads, social media and content will put clients in front of their target audiences when they are ready to buy.
SIXTYONE CELSIUS
Stone Ward is a full-service, independent agency that believes in partnering with brands and people the company not only believes in but can bet on — because when clients grow, so does Stone Ward.
WELLNESS CLINIC
Beyond Wellness is Arkansas’s premier destination for holistic health and longevity. With clinics in Little Rock, Hot Springs and soon Rogers, Beyond Wellness blends functional medicine and modern therapies to empower every client’s unique path to wellness and vitality.
INFINITY WELLNESS
RECOVER RESTORE REVIVE
WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS THE CROISSANTERIE
Hammer & Stain Hot Springs offers an unforgettable experience for birthdays, group parties — especially team building — and more. Whether guests are creating a personalized sign, attending an engaging workshop or unleashing their inner Pollock, Hammer & Stain promises a fun time for all. The establishment provides customized gifts, as well.
MCMULLAN & BROWN
LOCALLY OWNED NATIONALLY AWARDED
Paragould agency recognized for excellence by national trade group
By Dwain Hebda
For Holden Smith, being a what-you-see-is-what-youget kind of guy is more than just a personality trait; it sums up his perspective on life to always be authentic, genuine and connected to the community. As it turns out, it is also an extremely effective business strategy as evidenced by Lennox Insurance, which he founded in 2016 at the age of 25, growing the Paragould-based company from the ground up to become one of the most respected independent agencies in the country.
Smith, whose family and wife’s family have multigenerational roots in Paragould, readily gives a share of the credit for his success to local families, many of whom he has known his whole life, who were willing to be part of a hometown kid made good. He said those elements helped Lennox Insurance grow into a nationally awarded agency, the most recent of its accolades coming last month as Smith was awarded the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents’ Professional Agent of the Year, despite being just 34.
“I’m third-generation Paragould. My kids are fourth generation. My wife’s family has been here forever,” Smith said. “We had a lot of people in the community that were pulling for us and rooting for us, and a lot of those people put their money where their mouth was and supported the business, as well.
“I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’ve heard the, ‘Hey, my insurance agent should probably be older than me,’ but there were a lot of people who identified with us and who seemed to like the idea of this young and hungry guy taking his shot.
Holden Smith (Photo courtesy of Lennox Insurance)
They kind of just rallied around it and supported it.”
Even for the casual bystander, it is hard not to want to get behind someone like Smith. The son of an independent truck driver, his father died when Smith was in high school. Watching his mother, a former schoolteacher who left her career to raise her kids, have to reenter the workforce to feed the family made a distinct impression on him. He not only developed an admiration for what she did to keep the household running but an appreciation for the kinds of life scenarios he would later help clients plan for and deal with.
“It was one of those situations growing up where, one day, we had a good little business and a good thing going, and the next thing you know, the sole breadwinner had a major stroke, can’t drive, can’t work,” he said. “Today, I look at that from the standpoint of trying to make sure the client is prepared for whatever can happen. People never think it can happen to them, and so we try and educate them and say, ‘Hey, here’s what could be around the bend. It might be, it might not, but here’s how you protect yourself from these things.’”
Smith stumbled into the insurance business at age 21 after an enjoyable if unproductive period in college when he took a job with the local State Farm agent, the father of a friend. To his surprise, he found the industry appealing both for the aspect of serving others and for the growth potential it provided.
“A lot of people in insurance tell you ‘Hey, I wound up here by accident,’” he said. “Yeah, I can say I wound up back here by accident, too, but there was always an appeal to [insurance]. Growing up, I always looked at it like I thought [agents] had a really cool life, and what they had going seemed like something that would interest me, so it was just born kind of out of mutual opportunity.”
Like most entrepreneurs, opening his own agency was a real step of faith, but even from day one, he felt at home in the role of business owner.
“I think the reason why some of the lessons wasn’t as hard was my parents
were self-employed,” he said. “I got to see so much of that as a kid, you know, my dad’s an owner-operator. He’s in the truck. He’s making a delivery. He’s doing all of that stuff. My mom’s his bookkeeper. She’s keeping his bills paid, keeping the taxes done. I grew up getting to see all of the behind-the-curtain stuff.
“I mean, there were parts of it I wasn’t prepared for. We started from scratch, no policy holders, no premiums, no money, all those fun things, but as far as understanding, hey, there’s a lot more to this than selling insurance, I knew that walking in.”
Smith’s venture grew on a combination of hard work and square dealing, qualities he shared with his wife, Jordan, who would join in the firm full time in 2023, making Lennox Insurance a true family endeavor. As with all businesses, there was a bit of good luck along the way, as well as some elements were completely random. The origin of the agency’s name, for instance, is an amusing bit of company lore.
“I don’t even remember the name we picked out, but [the Arkansas Secretary of State] called and they were like, ‘Hey, the name you’ve picked, somebody somewhere in the state already has it. You can’t have that one,’” Smith said. “I asked my wife, ‘Hey, what are we going to call this thing?’ and she said, ‘Call it Len nox Insurance.’
“I never questioned where she came up with it, but years later, somebody asked her, and she said I had been sit ting in the office, doodling names, and there were scrap papers all over the floor. The top one said ‘Lennox,’ and that’s where the name came from.”
The firm’s name may have been random, but the growth strategy was not. By 2023, the agen cy expanded through Smith’s purchase of three other firms, and the following year, Smith partnered with Pinnacle Advisors in Little Rock, which led to open-
ing Lennox’s Cabot office.
Along the way, Smith actively gave back to the industry through the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents both at the state level and at the national level, where he has been on the board and served as president. He said he liked working to advance a professional association that focused on the little guy, especially as more and more mom-andpops are swallowed up by the big players.
“Mergers and acquisitions have been massive in the insurance industry,” he said. “We’re definitely seeing a generation sell and move out of the industry, but you’re also seeing that younger generation look around and go, ‘Hey, being a part of a big conglomerate is not for me. I’m going to go hang my own sign on the front door and see what happens.
“That’s the beautiful part about it, that circle of life that keeps continuing. People keep taking their shot and taking a chance and opening their own independent businesses, and I think that’s wonderful. I think that’s what our industry and the economy and everything is built on.”
TAGGART Architects hits milestone thanks to quality work, enduring relationships Excellence by Design
By Mark Carter
Brandon Ruhl, one of the managing partners at TAGGART Architects in North Little Rock, succinctly summarized the firm’s 50th anniversary, which it celebrates in 2025.
“Fifty years means we are doing it right,” he said. “It also means to me that what we are doing is sustainable for years to come.”
Doing something right, indeed. Since its founding by Burt Taggart Jr. in 1975, the firm has stamped its mark on schools, hospitals, office buildings and other iconic projects throughout its hometown, as well as across the state and even the country.
The firm has been a driving force behind the revitalization of the Argenta Arts District in downtown North Little Rock, where TAGGART now calls home after 25 years at its original location just off the city’s main retail hub.
From the roof of the firm’s building at 600 Main St. in Argenta, designed and built to serve as its new headquarters, several iconic structures that help define the area and are TAGGART projects can be seen — Argenta Plaza, the First Orion building, Simmons Bank Arena, Dickey-Stephens Park, the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub and Argenta Contemporary Theatre.
“The firm has remained successful and healthy throughout the decades thanks to the vision of our leadership, our commitment to our clients and a will for excellence in the profession,” Ruhl said. “Architectural practice is just that — it’s practice. Architects only get better the more that they practice, and with 50 years under our belt, we are very confident in our abilities.”
The firm is proud of its North Little Rock roots not only as home but as a project catalyst that propelled the company to casting a wider net. One is hard-pressed to point out a major project in Dogtown that does not bear TAGGART’s imprint, and they have all served to advance the company’s reputation and attract work in other markets in Arkansas and beyond.
“We are now licensed in 32 states thanks to repeat clients who want TAGGART to serve all their projects,” Ruhl said. “Over the years, we have strategically diversified our portfolio of project types. It is intriguing to find ways to apply lessons learned in one type of project to a completely different challenge. Change is inevitable, and we intend to evolve while staying true to our core values.”
TAGGART’s portfolio is diverse. The firm made its hay in the
TAGGART's Argenta headquarters (Photo provided by TAGGART)
realms of health care and education until landing then-Alltel Arena, now Simmons Bank Arena, a major turning point that drove the company’s stake in the realm of auditorium design.
Today, the company’s work throughout the Natural State includes design and renovation work on numerous projects for Unity Health and CHI St. Vincent Health System. On the educational front, TAGGART has done extensive work with the North Little Rock School District, as well as the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and the Little Rock and North Little Rock campuses of University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College.
“Some projects just have fun concepts,” said Bram Keahey, another managing partner. “Of my 33 years at TAGGART Architects, the [Arkansas State University] Welcome Center/Centennial Bank branch in Jonesboro may be my favorite design project. Centennial Bank made an investment in the A-State campus by designing a building to be a campus hub and reflect the spirit of the university. The concept was ‘building as logo,’ and I love that.”
Outside Arkansas, a mere sampling of projects includes the Cleveland Clinic Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Hospital in Ohio and Select Medical rehabilitation hospitals in St. Louis and Las Vegas. No matter where the company operates or in what industry sector, leadership said the fundamental approach of listening first is the same.
“Rarely are we the experts on any given project. Instead, it is our clients who bring their expertise and innovative thinking to flavor each project,” said James Meyer, managing partner. “Our job is to be creative problem solvers who shape our client’s goals and ideas into buildings and spaces. Our culture of listening embraces the challenge of solving problems in novel ways that match our clients’ individual character. “
“The firm’s size expanded and contracted over the years in response to the economy and the number of projects that we had,” he said. “The firm expanded and got larger when we gained a national hospital client and started doing projects all over the country. Many years later, we essentially outgrew our original office space and constructed a new office addition to upgrade and house more staff.”
That growth led company leadership to the then-blossoming Argenta district. The now-bustling neighborhood was just starting to come into its own when TAGGART began work at 600 Main St., but when the building opened in 2020, the project pushed the neighborhood from a place of potential to the stylish entertainment and business district it is today. Callahan said the firm considered the move for years, calling its still-sparkling three-story headquarters a “dream come true.”
The firm has remained successful and healthy throughout the decades thanks to the vision of our leadership, our commitment to our clients and a will for excellence in the profession.
— Brandon Ruhl, managing partner, TAGGART Architects
Launched as Burt Taggart and Associates, Architects, in 1975, the original office was located on Burrow Drive near the intersection of U.S. 67/167 and McCain Boulevard in North Little Rock. The firm name changed to Taggart, Foster, Currence, Gray Architects in 1991 to reflect shareholder changes, and the current TAGGART stylization was adopted in 2006.
Mike Callahan, firm partner, said the company experienced some lean years early on as it established itself, but the quality of its work stood out.
“I don’t know how many times we attempted to move, but economic conditions prohibited it from actually happening,” he said. “Things finally fell into place in 2018 and 2019 with the Argenta Plaza and First Orion building projects that really jumpstarted the Argenta development and our new office.”
Bill Gray, retired president, CEO, shareholder and still practicing as chairman emeritus, said the original plans called for a single-story building.
“We added stories to accommodate requests,” he said. “We kind of stuck our neck out a little bit and took a financial risk. We did our building, Argenta Plaza and the First Orion building at the same time. It’s cool seeing our projects have that big of an impact at one time.”
Argenta became more than just an address; it was also a palette with which the company plied its trade, helping revitalize the neighborhood while putting its best work on display.
“As architects, we are students of cities and their design,” Meyer said. “Great cities ‘breathe.’ They are flexible and react to the changes around them over time. It was amazing to see two gravel parking lots transform into Argenta Plaza, world-class public spaces and mixed-use buildings.
“Now we are working with Mayor Terry Hartwick on the next big step on Main Street with the North Little Rock Event Center. After that, we only have to look out the window to dream about what could happen next.”
By
All-Star All-Star An An Lineup Lineup
When Saracen Casino in Pine Bluff officially opened its doors in the fall of 2020, it brought with it elements previously unseen in Arkansas, not the least of which were dining options that immediately put the property at the top of must-try lists for natives and visiting high rollers alike.
Under the astute leadership of Todd Gold, Saracen Casino Resort’s director of food and beverage, the past five years have done nothing to diminish the initial splash made by the property. Now, as it prepares to bring hotel and convention services online, it has invested heavily in the culinary expertise required to continue to delight guests and exceed expectations.
Arkansas Money & Politics took the opportunity to speak with three food and beverage professionals who represent the next chapter in Saracen Casino Resort’s continuing drive to redefine the luxury experience in the Natural State.
AMP Staff // Photos provided by Saracen Casino
Saracen Casino Resort redefines the food landscape in Arkansas — again
Michael Qandah
A Man of Many Tastes
The only thing that seems to rival Chef Michael Qandah’s encyclopedic knowledge of foods is the delicious smorgasbord of experiences that have marked his storied career.
Quandah, the new executive chef at Red Oak Steakhouse at Saracen Casino Resort, first fell in love with food thanks to his family’s barbecue joints in Little Rock and Benton. Through them, he learned the restaurant business from the ground up.
“That was kind of my first step into the culinary field, just growing up in a restau-
rant,” he said. “Like, I joke with people, ‘I’m so old. I remember emptying ashtrays off of tables at the restaurant.’”
By the time he was in his 20s, Qandah had committed himself to a career in the kitchen, and he set off to learn everything he could, guided by what held his interest at the moment and taught by working artisans who were willing to take him under their wing.
“I have had no formal culinary training, and I don’t believe in ‘self-taught,’” he said. “Everything that I wanted to learn how to do, I went and did it.
“I tend to hyper focus on stuff sometimes. I’ll do something for, like, a year or
Michael Qandah
so, get really focused into it, get to a point where I feel like I’m proficient, and then I’m like, ‘All right, what’s the next thing that I can do to keep my brain happy?’”
That approach has turned Qandah into a versatile cooking savant, one equally celebrated for his vegan creations as for his mastery of butchery and one who learned to make bread and cheese at the elbow of working masters and learned seafood as a buyer for Whole Foods. His journey has taken him from Arkansas to Memphis and from restaurants specializing in ramen and pho, to gigs serving members of the Chenal and Little Rock country clubs.
Matías de Matthaeis
Home, Sweet Home
For the record, Chef Matías de Matthaeis loves both sides of the kitchen, the savory and the sweet, and he has got the success to prove it. The Argentinean master has artfully ridden herd over Red Oak Steakhouse as executive chef after serving as sous chef at ultraexclusive Alotian Club and roles at Chenal Country Club and The Capital Hotel.
That said, the bulk of his career thus far has been in pastry, so as Saracen nears completion of its hotel and banquet facilities, he has been called back to familiar territory as executive pastry chef.
“My passion [in food] is in everything, but people that know me closely have said that my heart is in pastry,” he said. “I don’t know. Maybe they’re right.”
Chefs often see savory and sweet skills as polar opposites — the savory side is where experimentation and adjustments can happen on the fly, while sweet is ruled by the laws of chemistry. Asked if he had demonstrated a flair for mathematics or sciences as a youth, fields that mimic the precision required of most pastry chefs, de Matthaeis chuckled.
“That’s a good observation. Yes, I was really good at math. I was very obsessive,” he said. “I was the kind of kid that would overdo it on the math homework. I liked
At each stop, he applied his unique perspective and restless experimental spirit to his craft in a way that brought new energy to the most conservative of menus. In time, his flair with food caught the attention of Saracen leadership, and he was invited to interview as executive chef at Red Oak. Qandah said it was a match made in heaven from his first day of work last spring, especially as the shock of getting the job has worn off.
“I came up here, and I saw the kitchen. I saw what I was going to get to work with,” he said. “They told me, ‘This is going to be yours. You get the creativity you want, and
chess. I liked logical thinking. I was a super nerd, and I still am.
“Honestly, my approach to savory is very much like pastry. I like to know the chemistry of it, and I like to know how many grams of salt consistently goes on this amount of potatoes or whatever it is. I like to have a good solid base. There are other very famous chefs that have the same approach, which is considered to be more like pastry, more like baking, than savory technique.”
you get the freedom that you want.’ I remember telling my wife after my interview, ‘Yeah, they’re going to tell me no. They’re going to be like, “Yeah, no, you’re not getting this. This is a joke.’
“When they offered me the job, I was like, ‘I don’t think this is real.’ I still don’t know if I have the full gravity of this job, but after working here the leadership, the crew, the team, everybody, they’re just phenomenal. They’re all great people. They all work hard. I haven’t worked in a job where I’ve had so much support and so much concern about me as a human being and also my work. I’m over the moon about it.”
That said, de Matthaeis was not a natural when it came to the art form, at least not initially. He said the only culinary class he failed coming up and was forced to take over was related to pastry. By the time he began serving internships, he had set his mind on savory cooking, but the culinary world disagreed.
“I did a lot of internships, and I wanted to go to this really prestigious restaurant to work with Michel Bras, who is a French chef. I wanted to learn from him,” de Matthaeis said. “The only spot they had was in pastry, so I took it. By the end of it, they told me, ‘You have a good hand. This is what you should be doing.’”
During his time at Red Oak, de Matthaeis was over the entire kitchen, and he looks forward to being able to focus on just his element, particularly as the company broadens its offerings.
“We are expanding, and we have the convention center. We’re going to have more restaurants in all these beautiful plans of expansion,” he said. “With everything that is moving forward, it’s important to have an executive pastry chef full time because banquets are going to take a lot, and we have also expanded our menu for desserts. It’s wonderful. I love eating, and I love cooking, and I love making people happy.”
Matías de Matthaeis
Kenneth Lipsmeyer
A Bottle of Red, a Bottle of White
No one can know everything there is to know about wine. That, said Kenneth Lipsmeyer, general manager and wine director at Red Oak Steakhouse, is the first and most important lesson to learn as one moves from consumer to connoisseur to professional.
Lipsmeyer should know. He has spent years of formal study on the enigmatic beverage, has credentials certifying that he knows more about wine than all but a sliver of humans on the planet, and is still not done.
“It’s a lifelong process,” he said. “It never ends, and the goal isn’t to end; it’s just to keep learning and keep growing.”
Lipsmeyer has a Diploma of Wine and Spirits from the prestigious Wine & Spirit Trust, one of only two Arkansans to hold such a credential and one of a handful worldwide. WSET is a global organization offering training at different levels geared toward people in the wine and spirits industry and covers the gamut of wine as beverage and business.
“[The WSET] is more the umbrella of the wine industry and covers everything from vineyard production, winery production, wine maturation, the chemistry of wine and the business of wine,” he said. “It covers the contemporary issues involving wine but also has a very heavy component on actual wine examination, or tasting.”
Working one’s way through the study and testing is a process measured in years and miles, as Lipsmeyer has traveled extensively in his pursuit of knowledge. The Master of Wines is a three-year program; Lipsmeyer is currently in his second year of studies and considered a candidate for Master of Wines. He is the first Arkansan to enter the Master of Wines program and when completed, he will be one of about 400 worldwide.
“I’ve been to Burgundy several times. I’ve been to Spain. I’ve been to Italy, Germany, like, four times, and I’ll be going back to Germany shortly,” he said. “I go to Napa Valley at least twice a year and other parts of California, Washington and Oregon. Last year, I spent a lot of time in South America, mostly in Mendoza, and I’m looking forward now to heading back to the southern hemisphere, where I’ll be spending time in Australia and South Africa.”
Lipsmeyer, who began working with Saracen as a consultant when the casino space opened, admitted that even for a place as upscale as Red Oak Steakhouse, the level of knowledge achieved through the Master of Wine program is excessive. He continues, he said, because of an innate desire to feed a hunger for lifelong learning and to use that knowledge in service to customers and coworkers alike.
“I think to have a fulfilling life, you’ve just got to keep growing, and for me, that’s what this is,” he said. “It’s not that I feel like I need the credential. It’s really just a desire to discover and a desire to know more. I can’t describe for you the difference in how I think and how I analyze things now.
“You also have to understand my goal here isn’t to do one thing for myself. My goal is to influence others, and for the last 20 years, I’ve been trying to develop others. I see wine, the wine industry and the service industry in fine dining as a great way for people to improve themselves. For me, that’s the joy and the value of it.”
Kenneth Lipsmeyer
By Dwain Hebda | Photos courtesy of Visit Hot Springs
LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU
Even for a guy whose overarching purpose is to generate news — albeit for his adopted home city, not himself — Steve Arrison has had quite the run of publicity this year.
Visit Hot Springs CEO redefined tourism in Spa City
In February, Arrison set off a media frenzy when he announced he would be retiring as CEO of Visit Hot Springs after 27 successful years in the position. In April, he made news again, this time after the Hot Springs Advertising & Promotion Commission asked its star to stay on for two more years. Arrison said no to that but agreed to put in an additional year of service that pushes his retirement to Dec. 31, 2026.
With all of that attention, it is little wonder why, when Arkansas Money & Politics came calling, again, for “Arkansas Visionary,” he agreed only if the interview and article did not unduly dwell on the past.
Fitting, since Arrison’s career has always been more about where he can take something moving forward versus spending (he’d say “wasting”) an excessive amount of time looking back on where it has already been.
“You can’t play it safe your whole life,” he said. “As you look at it now, it’s like, gosh, we used to have all these open weekends. We don’t have open weekends anymore. That’s the unique thing about Hot Springs — about every weekend, there’s something special going on, and a
lot of them are at no cost to the consumer. People support that, you know? That’s the reason people live in Hot Springs. That’s part of the reason why they came here, because we’ve got so much stuff going on all the time. It’s fun.”
Few people grow into a role so well suited for their personality and background, but Arrison, as Spa City’s tourism magnet and main cheerleader, is one of them. Born in Memphis, his earliest memories centered around hospitality, a byproduct of his father working for Kemmons Wilson, the entrepreneur who founded Holiday Inn. In fact, as Arrison famously likes to say, “I grew up in a hotel. First time I lived in a house, I was probably in kindergarten.”
“I went to school, played some college basketball, got out, went into the hotel business. That’s what I knew. That was my every summer, working in hotels. I’ve always worked in the hotel industry.”
Arrison ran hotels in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Lubbock, Texas, and Louisville, Kentucky, for several years before being intrigued by a job opening in Pine Bluff. Wanting to get closer to his folks, both lifelong natives of Memphis, Arrison moved to Arkansas in 1992. In 1994, he took over the Holiday Inn that was at that time connected to the Pine Bluff Convention Center. He did not know it then, but being at the crossroads of lodging and the events that came to the convention
center was an apt classroom for his later endeavors.
“It was really interesting,” he said. “When I ran the hotel connected to the convention center in Pine Bluff, I could see the events, see what they were doing.”
One of the most talked-about events that would come to be indelibly linked to Arrison’s legacy were fishing tournaments.
STEVE ARRISON ON TAKING RISKS
Don’t play it safe. To play it safe is not to play. If you try to play it safe all the time, you’re not going to try anything. Nothing is 100 percent safe, so you’ve just got to choose your risk, basically. If it’s a great idea and you think it’s going to work, you know, give it a go. You can’t win them all, so what do you lose by trying?
Steve Arrison
“Back in 1984, Rick Clunn won the Bassmaster Classic that was held in Pine Bluff on the Arkansas River,” he said. “He got, like, 75 pounds of fish. It was incredible. When I first got there, it felt like everybody was talking about these great fishing tournaments, so when I got to town, we kind of made a commitment that we’d do a major fishing tournament a year.”
The events were a big hit, which Arrison credited more to the people of the city than himself — and small wonder, given his nonexistent fishing background.
“I’ve never fished. I’ve never even put a hook in the water. At the time, I had never been to a boat ramp before. I didn’t know any of that stuff,” he said. “It was really the people of Pine Bluff who understood the impact of fishing, and the people just loved it. We packed it out for these weigh-ins at the convention center, and it was just incredible to watch.
“We could see the economic impact plus the publicity that it gave to our fishery, which was the Arkansas River. I mean, it filled our hotels, and people were excited, and we were all over the news, so it was a really great thing for Pine Bluff.”
STEVE ARRISON ON THE VALUE OF PREPARATION
You have to keep up with [customers’] tastes and trends and, in our case, the types of events that have come into vogue, so to speak. It’s actually pretty simple to do if you read and study and find these things out. We just hired a company that deals in this using artificial intelligence, and they’ve come in to do some staff training and to provide some research reports for us. I mean, I know it sounds simple, but read the local paper, read Google news feeds. Read Arkansas Money & Politics. Just pay attention.
Arrison was so captivated by the spectacle of the event that when he got to Hot Springs, he helped spearhead the effort to bring a professional fishing event to Spa City in 2000, the All-American on Lake Hamilton. A tradition was born; Arrison said counting next year, the city will have hosted 27 major fishing tournaments, including the first-ever Mr. Crappie Classic and Crappie Expo in 2019, Pan American Bass Fishing Championships in 2023 and, next year, the 2026 Bass Fishing World Championship.
The irony of a devoted landlubber developing the city into a fishing mecca is not lost on Arrison, who, as is his custom, was very quick to give the lion’s share of credit to others.
“God just handed us the lakes, but we couldn’t have done it without the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission helping us,” he said. “We couldn’t do it without
STEVE ARRISON ON OVERDELIVERING
If you’re going to do something, do it right. If we’re trying to do an event and all we have is a shoestring budget, we’re not going to do the event. We have to do it where it’s first class. For a business or an entrepreneur, my advice would be wait until you have the money, and do things correctly because you only get one shot. Don’t go in there and do it half-assed.
the local fishermen who, if you needed boat captains, if you needed anything, were all eager to volunteer to help. We couldn’t do it without the spectators who love live weigh-ins, who get excited when [the competitors] bring in these huge monsters that they’re catching.”
Such modesty cannot completely camouflage Arrison’s batting average when it comes to successful events of all shapes and sizes. On his watch came the annual Stueart Pennington’s World Championship Running of the Tubs bathtub races; Bridge Street Live concert series; Spa-Con entertainment and comic convention; Güdrun-Northwoods Mountain Bike Festival; and many others.
Arrison did not personally dream up all of them, as he was quick to point out, but as the man for whom the buck stops, his willingness to try new things seemed to know no limits. Even the few rare flops
Arrison, center, with Emmitt Smith, right, and Forrie J. Smith at the 2024 World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
have done nothing to dampen his taste for finding the next big thing in entertainment and promotions.
“Not everything we’ve done has been successful,” he said. “I can’t remember the circumstances, but one year, some buffalo got loose in town. I lived down by the golf course, and I was out on my side porch, and four buffalo came running through my front yard. I thought it was cool. The next day, we said, ‘Let’s do Buffalo Days!’ Nobody showed up.
“We did Hot Springs Hat Days, where we were going to break the world record for the most hats in one spot. We thought it was a great event. It was miserable. Nobody came. God, it was awful.”
A pause and a smile.
“So not everything has worked,” he said, “but hey, we were lucky. We’ve only had two fails.”
I think what people, especially young businesspeople, miss is they don’t ask for the order. You’ve got to ask for the order. You know, you can’t just sell, sell, sell. Sooner or later, you’ve got to close the deal. I think sometimes people forget that because they keep telling the client how great something is instead of knowing when to stop and say, ‘What can we do to make this happen?’ I have people call on me every day, trying to sell stuff, and they never really get around to it.
One of the reasons many people do not remember the unsuccessful events is because the bulk of them have been warmly received, none more so than the massive World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, an event so patently absurd it has become one of the most beloved of Arkansas traditions. First held in 2004, the 98-foot parade and associated tomfoolery has attracted mammoth media attention to the community, especially in the years when other communities attempt to challenge Spa City for the title “World’s Shortest.”
In time, celebrities would be solicited as parade grand marshals and starters, including Kevin Bacon, Bo Derek, Cheech Marin, Emmitt Smith and Arkansas’ own Justin Moore. A Blarney
Stone was added, as was the 299-foot World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Zero K foot race, complete with a beer “hydration” station in the middle.
Arrison said he was never surprised an event worked, per se, but he also could not ever have imagined the spectacle some would grow into.
“I never thought St. Patrick’s Day would get to be one of the top 10 parades in the United States. I never saw that,” he said. “I thought it would be a good local event, but I didn’t think it would be what it is today.”
With a year to go on the payroll, Arrison is looking forward to taking things in as a spectator in retirement, and when he does, he will probably smile, knowing the inside story of some of the city’s most
I have a top 10 list of my keys to success. I give it out to my employees every year, the new ones. It pretty much sums up what I’ve learned and what I know to be true:
1. Go for it. As Wayne Gretzky said, ‘You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.’
2. Promote. P.T. Barnum once said ‘Without promotion something terrible happens — nothing!’
3. Read.
4. Say thank you. Nothing has a greater impact than a hand-written thank-you note.
5. Always ask for the order. Know when to stop selling and close the deal.
6. Keep an open mind. As John Wooden said, ‘It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.’
7. Don’t confuse effort with results.
8. Don’t play it safe. To play it safe is not to play.
9. Ask questions. There is no such thing as a dumb question. If you don’t know, ask.
10. Believe in yourself. If you don’t, who will?
beloved events. Truth be told, he does not know exactly what will fill the hours, but one thing is certain: Whatever lies ahead will unfold in the city and state he has served well and loves deeply.
“I love Arkansas. I loved my time in Pine Bluff, and I just love Hot Springs,” he said. “I’ve had opportunities elsewhere in my career, but gosh, you’ll never get me out of Arkansas. I’m in Arkansas for the rest of my life, for sure.”
STEVE ARRISON ON EFFECTIVE SELLING
STEVE ARRISON ON KEYS TO SUCCESS
Arrison, left, with Gary Busey
By Doug Crise
Going All In
ADespite recent success, LR athletics is looking for more in its new conference home
Only in today’s world of college athletics — with its warp-speed changes, conditional loyalties and ever-present demands for more revenue — would the Little Rock Trojans athletics department choose to fold a winning hand.
Yet in moving away from the Ohio Valley Conference and into the United Athletic Conference, as the Trojans announced in early October, Little Rock assured itself of better opponents, easier travel schedules and more stability — at least as much as can be promised in the current climate.
“When we first went to the OVC, we were very pleased to be in that conference, but opportunity knocks,” said Christina Drale, chancellor. “We saw an opportunity, and we took it.”
In walking away from the OVC, Little Rock is walking away from some of the biggest sporting successes in its modern era. Over just a quick three-year run in the conference, Little Rock captured a conference championship and NCAA regional berth in baseball, advanced to the NCAA wrestling tournament, and won a share of the OVC Commissioner’s Cup, awarded to the top athletic program in the conference.
Drale and Frank Cuervo, director of athletics, are willing to trade all that in for a shot at something more. UAC membership represents an uptick in competition, though not so much that Little Rock will be punching above its weight class. The move will also spark a rivalry with UAC member the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. The two schools are separated by a straight 30-mile shot down Interstate 40.
“We really believe in what we’re building,” said Jeff Bacon, UAC commissioner. “The market of Little Rock is tremendous, a great addition for us geographically.”
A longtime athletic conference commissioner and former attorney, Bacon has worked to stay a step ahead of the changes currently throttling the world of Division I athletics. He took the helm of the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2023 and then remained in charge after the A-SUN’s football programs merged with the Western Athletic Conference to form the UAC.
“It’s a little new,” Bacon said. “We’re building the ship as we sail it to an extent, which is pretty exciting, quite frankly.”
Bacon said Little Rock was not necessarily a target when the new conference emerged, and Cuervo said he did not take over at Little Rock with a mandate to move, but the two bumped into each other through a mutual colleague 14 months ago and, through several conversations, realized they were in alignment.
Chief among the factors in that alignment was a desire by both to stay ahead of the curve during an era where traditional athletic conference alignments are dissolving and being rapidly remade. The Pac-12 all but crumbled a little more than a year ago, going from 12 members to two as the conference found itself on the outside looking in while schools scurried to secure more lucrative conference deals and television rights. The Big Ten, meanwhile, has reimagined itself as an 18-team coast-tocoast behemoth with designs on supplanting the alsoexpanded Southeastern Conference at the top of the competitive heap.
With rules allowing for multiple studentathlete transfers plus revenue sharing for the athletes, the power-conference chaos has trickled down to smaller Division I programs. In Bacon, Cuervo bumped into a kindred spirit who shares his drive to stay one step ahead.
“There wasn’t necessarily a specific discussion about, hey, we really want to look for a new conference partner,” Cuervo said. “However, one of the things that I made sure to mention in a proactive way was that the landscape is changing so rapidly that the footing underneath your feet is constantly moving. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t monitor the situation and look where there might be good opportunities for us to land.”
It is hard to believe that Little Rock was still a member of the Sun Belt Conference less than five years ago, withering under a football-centric culture and finding itself increasingly set apart from its athletic rivals. Moving to the OVC, where all football-playing schools compete in the Football Championship Subdivision, healed those wounds immediately.
Yet even as the Sun Belt became too big for its lone nonfootball school, it at least
felt familiar, offering a natural rival in Arkansas State and opponents with a regional flavor. The OVC, with members ranging from Missouri to Indiana to Illinois to Kentucky, felt off by comparison, even as Little Rock racked up victories at a clip rarely seen in the Sun Belt.
Plus, while there was no official pushback, student-athletes were left feeling weary after road trips as long as 6 1/2 hours to Southern Indiana and almost 10 hours to Morehead State in Kentucky. Outdoor spring sports also had to put up with weather delays and cold temps as they traveled to locations where spring had not necessarily sprung, while fall sports were traveling to spots where fall had long since given way to winter.
“We’re not going up to Illinois in October or November,” said Kelly Farrell, head soccer coach, “so overall, I think it’s a great fit for us.”
While not having to pack for cold weather is nice, it is not the change in climate that has Little Rock’s coaches excited. Three UAC schools — Tarleton State, Abilene Christian and TexasArlington, the only other nonfootball school — are located in Texas. The Lone Star State carries a reputation for high school football, but its size, climate and sports-mad culture makes it a fruitful recruiting area for any college athletic program.
Not only does UAC membership give Little Rock’s coaches more reason to mess with Texas; it hands them a ready-made and vital recruiting pitch. Recruiting out-of-state athletes can be dicey, seeing prospects seemingly ready to commit until they are faced with playing and attending school away from family and friends.
When Little Rock officially joins the UAC in July, Trojans coaches can promise there will be trips home for its Texas athletes.
“The travel is going to be a lot
easier on my players’ bodies,” said Darrell Walker, head men’s basketball coach. “There’s no doubt about that. The travel is going to be a lot less stressful. We’ll have a chance to put our foot back in Texas, which is a huge state for some recruiting.”
Though the decision to join the UAC was made above their heads, Walker and Steve Wiedower, women’s basketball coach, may be the fulcrum upon which the move succeeds or fails.
Basketball is the main draw for schools that do not offer football, and Little Rock showed its commitment when the Jack Stephens Center was built two decades ago. Even though the Stephens Center has aged gracefully — it remains one of the top facilities in the OVC — Cuervo is pushing for more, making a separate building for basketball op- erations a pillar of a far-reaching fundraising initiative unveiled in September.
Cuervo went so far as to call the UAC a “basketball conference” after announcing the change, and it is not hard to follow the breadcrumbs. Successful basketball teams that play in good facilities draw more fans and more interest, and that translates directly into more boosters and alums willing to reach for their wallets when it is time for a fundraising campaign.
Facing regional teams at a higher competitive clip can only help.
“We want to play the best competition we can,” Wiedower said. “I think playing in a conference with a little higher [rating percentage index] ranking is going to make us even better when March gets here.”
Little Rock’s basketball coaches are not the only ones with an eye on the changes. Head golf coaches Austin Eoff and Jenna Birch have seen their programs gain momentum while in the OVC, leading Cuervo to push for the construction of a 24-hour indoor golf training center. Success in the UAC will help convince donors that contributing to the training center will put both programs over the top.
I think it’s a great move. I think it’s very forward thinking by Frank and Chancellor Drale. We are dead in the center [of the conference], so either side you go, the drive is about the same for us.
— Chris Curry, head baseball coach
Perhaps nobody has more skin in the game than Chris Curry. The 12th-year head baseball coach became a household name in central Arkansas over the spring, leading the Trojans to a shock run through the OVC tournament and taking victories off No. 20 Dallas Baptist and top-ranked — and eventual national champion — Louisiana State University in NCAA regional play.
Cuervo and Nate Olson, director of athletic communications, made a hard push during that postseason run, scheduling watch parties and a welcome-back pep rally for the Trojans upon their return to campus.
Both events brought in fans by the truckload, and Cuervo took advantage, saying he wants to build an on-campus baseball facility using land on the south end of campus donated by Coleman Dairy. Curry, who has been open about the need to move on from Little Rock’s outdated off-campus baseball facilities, signed a five-year extension in October, a clear sign that he believes the funds for a new stadium will come.
The UAC brings the promise of warmer weather, better baseball and a fertile Texas recruiting scene for Curry and his staff. All that adds up to a higher profile for the baseball program and, with that, more donations for a baseball facility.
All the Trojans have to do is keep winning games.
“I think it’s a great move,” Curry said. “I think it’s very forward thinking by Frank and Chancellor Drale. We are dead in the center [of the conference], so either side you go, the drive is about the same for us, and with a third of our team being from Texas, that will increase even more. It could be a two-bid league, so that’s a good thing, and I think we’re prepared for it.”
The coming years will bear out just how prepared the Trojans truly are. If Little Rock is able to duplicate or improve its success within the OVC, the athletics department could be poised for a historic turning point in competitiveness, revenue and athletic facilities.
Nobody ever won much by standing pat.
“It’s a whole new game for sure,” Cuervo said.
ABILENE CHRISTIAN
Location: Abilene, Texas
Enrollment: 7,274
Mascot: Wildcats
Factoid: Men’s basketball coach Brette Tanner mined the Natural State for his staff, bringing on Little Rock Central and UA-Little Rock alum Ted Crass, Hall High School alum Cameron Henderson and former Arkansas Tech coach Doug Karleskint.
Distance from Little Rock: 494 miles
AUSTIN PEAY
Location: Clarksville, Tennessee
Enrollment: 11,185
Mascot: The Governor
Factoid: APSU basketball fans coined one of the best sports chants of all time in the early 70s, serenading AllAmerican basketball player James “Fly” Williams with “Fly is open, let’s go Peay” during home games.
Distance from Little Rock: 347 miles
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Location: Conway
Enrollment: 9,962
Mascot: Bears
Factoid: The Bears are not only a natural rival and Little Rock’s closest opponent; they offer a good peek at what life in the UAC will be like, having joined the conference a little more than a year ago.
Distance from Little Rock: 34 miles
EASTERN KENTUCKY
Location: Richmond, Kentucky
Enrollment: 14,565
Mascot: Colonels
Factoid: The Colonels hired one of the country’s winningest baseball coaches when they brought in Jan Weisberg in May. Weisberg, who has won more than 500 games, has the distinction of having been a head coach at the NCAA Division III, Division II and Division I levels. Distance from Little Rock: 574 miles
NORTH ALABAMA
Location: Florence, Alabama
Enrollment: 10,600
Mascot: Lions
Factoid: North Alabama had one of the nation’s top football programs at any level as a member of NCAA Division II, winning three consecutive national championships from 1993 to 1995, going 41-1 during that stretch.
Distance from Little Rock: 295 miles
SOUTHERN UTAH
Location: Cedar City, Utah
Enrollment: 15,444
Mascot: Thunderbirds
Factoid: The most geographically far-flung of the UAC members, the Thunderbirds have the conference’s longest road trips, with a 1,786-mile jaunt to Eastern Kentucky and a character-building 1,877-mile schlep to West Georgia.
Distance from Little Rock: 1,425 miles
TARLETON STATE
Location: Stephenville, Texas
Enrollment: 21,000
Mascot: Texans
Factoid: Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes Tarleton State’s brand-new 8,000-seat, two-story arena for basketball, volleyball and special events.
Distance from Little Rock: 423 miles
TEXAS-ARLINGTON
Location: Arlington, Texas
Enrollment: 42,710
Mascot: Mavericks
Factoid: UT-Arlington Director of Athletics Jon Fagg spent 14 years as an athletics administrator at the University of Arkansas before taking the Mavericks job in 2022.
Distance from Little Rock: 335 miles
UTAH TECH
Location: St. George, Utah
Enrollment: 13,167
Mascot: Trailblazers
Factoid: Utah Tech was known as Dixie State prior to 2021, when the university elected to rebrand itself with its current name.
Distance from Little Rock: 1,406 miles
WEST GEORGIA
Location: Carrollton, Georgia
Enrollment: 14,394
Mascot: Wolves
Factoid: UWG Director of Athletics Jason Carmichael is an Arkansas native and former head basketball coach at Central Baptist College, as well as Arkansas high schools. He is an alum of Harding University.
Distance from Little Rock: 486 miles
Tellin’ it Like it Is
Mark May ready to share what’s on his mind at LRTDC
By Dwain Hebda
Football standout and longtime ESPN commentator Mark May will close out the 2025 slate of guests at the Little Rock Touchdown Club, bringing his pull-no-punches style on the state of the game. May, who has become a familiar figure in the state through his regular spots on 103.7 The Buzz’s Morning Mayhem show and as emcee for the annual Broyles Award will be on hand Nov. 24.
A native New Yorker, May attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he played on the offensive line protecting future Hall of Famer Dan Marino. He was so dominant at guard that he did not allow a sack in either his junior or senior season with the Panthers, landing unanimous All-American honors and the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top collegiate interior lineman. Drafted in 1981 in the first round by the thenWashington Redskins, May would play on two Super Bowl teams and later be named one of the 80 greatest players in franchise history. He ended his career in 1993 after subsequent stints with the
San Diego Chargers and Arizona Cardinals.
Following his playing days, May enjoyed success as a broadcaster and had various business interests. Now residing in Arizona, he does public speaking and has recently entered the restaurant business.
Arkansas Money & Politics caught up with the straight-shooting May to get his take on the state of the pigskin.
ArkansasMoney&Politics: Have we seen the end of dynasties in college football?
Mark May: I think so. You look at Ohio State, everybody’s saying how good they are, just the best team money can buy, and they’ve been that way the last year or two, but true dynasties are going to be super hard to come by. Kids don’t really have that relationship with a school. Yeah, they want to play for a winner. Yeah, they want to play for a national championship, but the bottom line is if you’re at School A, and School B offers
you seven figures, what are you going to do? So I think building a dynasty is going to be tough because everybody’s got so much doggone money.
AMP: Just for fun, what would Mark May have commanded in name, image and likeness money back in the day?
May: Oh, I’d have had deep pockets, especially in Pittsburgh. Once we signed Dan Marino, we knew he was going to be a star. Well, I had two years with Marino, and they had to have somebody to protect him, so I’d have been in that seven- to eight-figure range.
AMP: This season has seen coaches such as Brian Kelly, who’s 20 games above .500 at LSU, and James Franklin, who came within a field goal of advancing to the national championship title game last year, both fired midseason after a couple of bad games. What does that tell you about the state of coaching in college football?
Mark May speaks at the Broyles Award ceremony.
(Photo by Steve Lewis)
May: The game has gone off the rails. You look at Billy Napier of Florida, he got fired after winning a game. You look at James Franklin; he took over that program when it was just coming out of the Joe Paterno era and what happened, and yeah, he didn’t win the big games. Yeah, he didn’t have a great record against top-five teams and struggled with top-10 teams, but the bottom line is he brought them back to respectability, and you can’t discount that just because he had a 3-3 record and he lost a bad game.
Major college football programs the last couple years have been complaining they don’t have enough money, they can’t compete in the NIL, they can’t go into the transfer portal because it costs them too much. Then all of a sudden, you’re seeing coaches being bought off who are good coaches with solid reputations and being paid $30 million, $40 million, $50 million, $60 million to walk away. It’s incredible.
AMP: A traditional line of demarcation between college and pro used to be that the NFL was a personality-driven league the face of the NFL and all that while college was still a programdriven league. Is that still the case?
May: I think [college] is going that way. I think that it’s basically going to be an NFL system in the next couple of years regardless. There’s going to have to be a commissioner in college football It’s got to come down to that. I’ve said this for like four or five years now because they’re going to have to go to that system. The NCAA, they don’t have the teeth anymore. One, they’re getting sued by everybody when something goes awry,
and, two, nobody really respects them. Let’s not forget this was the group that said 15, 20 years ago, if you were out there recruiting a kid and you bought that kid a pizza, that was considered an illegal benefit. I mean, how stupid is that?
Everybody says, “Well, it equates to the NFL.” No, it’s actually worse. The NFL has their free agency, but they have guardrails up, you know? The NCAA cannot handle this, and they haven’t handled this, and it’s just gotten worse and worse. College football has got to start putting some guardrails up too. Now, at least, they’re moving the transfer portal to once a year in January. That’s one step. The other step has got to be you’ve got to stay at a university, I would say, at least two years unless the head coach leaves. If the head coach leaves and you want to transfer where the head coach goes, let them out of it. Otherwise, you stay there two years.
AMP: Something else that seems to have emerged over the past couple of seasons is the parity that appears to be coming to college football. A lot of former powers Texas, the University of Southern California, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma seem to have come back to the fold, while upstarts like Indiana have asserted themselves.
May: In the past, guys would wait their time. The reason why you went to the university is because you loved the university, you loved the football team, you loved the head coach. That’s why he was in your dining room, talking to your mom and dad, and that’s why you signed there. Now it’s all about money, you know? There’s nothing that keeps a player there. There’s no allegiance to that school.
When you have a backup player that isn’t making what the starter’s making, and he thinks that he can start and he can play, he can go someplace else, sometimes for more money.
When I look at Indiana, I think Curt Cignetti has done a terrific job through the portal. He’s gone after certain players in a certain way, and those players have panned out for him, and it’s lifted Indiana from a basketball school to a football school in two years, so it can be done. You’ve just got to have a model. Cignetti’s got an NFL background, and I think that if you’re looking for a head coach, I’m looking for a head coach with an NFL background because from now on, the successful college programs will be run like an NFL franchise. I think that’s the future of it.
AMP: The likely elephant in the room during your visit to the Little Rock Touchdown Club will be Arkansas’ coaching search, assuming the matter is not settled by then. How would you rate Arkansas as far as a coaching job?
May: I think, overall, it’s a very solid job if you get the right backing. You’ve seen that with [John] Calipari going into the basketball program — the right coach with the right backing, and they’re going in the right direction. If I was the athletic director calling the shots at Arkansas, I would be living day and night at Walmart headquarters. I would be finding some kind of way to get Walmart to be my biggest donor.
In the state of Arkansas, you don’t have another major college. You don’t have a professional football team. You are the top dog. You should be treated like that, so I think if you get the right support, you’re going to be right in the mix with everybody else in the conference.
Mark May, left, with David Bazzel (Photo by DeWaine Duncan)
AMP: What is your assessment of interim head coach Bobby Petrino’s performance since taking over for Sam Pittman?
May: Well first of all, and I don’t know if this is my tin hat speaking, but when they brought Bobby Petrino in and they signed him back, the first thing I said is, “Man, it’s going to be tough for the head coach to hang on to this job,” because if [Pittman] doesn’t do a good job, they’re going to slide Bobby right back in, and they did. Take out last week against Auburn because their offensive line played horribly, and so did the quarterback — besides that, they were a little more effective on offense the prior two games. The bottom line is they’re finding ways to lose in the fourth quarter, and that can’t happen. I don’t know if it’s conditioning, I don’t know if it’s psychological, I don’t know if it’s mental toughness, but you’ve got to find a way to overcome that. Good teams don’t turn the ball over. They don’t have stupid penalties. They don’t have stupid mistakes. They find a way to win in the fourth quarter, and for some reason, this team hasn’t been able to do that.
AMP: Do you think Arkansas has to land that household name, so to speak, the big bold play this go-round, or can Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek get away with somebody who is talented but maybe the casual fan has never heard of?
May: I think they ’ve got to go big. Go big or go home. I think if you’re Arkansas and you want to be big time, you’ve got to go big time. They did that in the basketball program with Calipari. W hy not do it in the college football program? I’d go after Jon Gruden. Gruden said he wants to coach in the SEC. Well guess what? Here’s your chance, Jon. Step up to the plate. We’ll take you at Arkansas.
By the way, I’ve always had a great affiliation with the people in the state of Arkansas and had a great time being there, and for some reason the people seem to love me there, but there’s been one thing that I said on the air that got them riled up. One of the five coaches I mentioned that they should bring in, and this was like three weeks ago, was Jimbo Fisher, who won a national championship with Florida State. I don’t know what the deal is with Jimbo in Arkansas, but for some reason, that got them ticked off at me
The thing is, it’s got to be getting tough to find somebody because there’s so many openings right now. If Arkansas isn’t going to keep Bobby Petrino, they better get out there and get ahold of somebody in a hurry because as soon as the music stops, all these coaches are going to be gone because other schools are going to be looking to fill in the blanks. Just think if Lane Kiffin leaves and goes to LSU, then you’ve got to fill the Ole Miss job, and it’s going to be a domino effect. There’s not a big pool of coaches out there that aren’t coaching right now.
“Well first of all, and I don’t know if this is my tin hat speaking, but when they brought Bobby Petrino in and they signed him back, the first thing I said is, ‘Man, it’s going to be tough for the head coach to hang on to this job,’ because if [Pittman] doesn’t do a good job, they’re going to slide Bobby right back in, and they did.”
Desmond Howard, left, with Mark May (Photo by DeWaine Duncan)
May in show prep (Photo by DeWaine Duncan)
May flashing his Super Bowl and Hall of Fame rings (Photo provided by Mark May)
going for the
Money and interest are there, but D-Mac statue remains a bone of contention on Hill
By Doug Crise
Compared to similarly-sized athletic programs, some say the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville lags behind when it comes to memorializing its legacy athletes.
“We need to do a better job of honoring former players,” said David Bazzel, former Razorbacks linebacker and Little Rock Touchdown Club founder. “We really do not do a good job of it. Frankly, we’re not very good at all, maybe the worst in the SEC.”
Bazzel may have a point.
As a means of comparison, the University of Tennessee celebrated Neyland Stadium’s centennial in 2001 by adding four bronze statues of former Vols football greats Lester McClain, Jackie Walker, Condredge Holloway and Tee Martin.
Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium, meanwhile, has loaded its walk of champions with five 9-foot bronze statues of championship-winning coaches Wallace Wade, Frank Thomas, Paul “Bear” Bryant, Gene Stallings and, most recently, Nick Saban. A bronze statue of late Crimson Tide linebacker and NFL star Derrick Thomas went
Razorback Stadium is already home to Wild Band and Frank Broyles statues.
(Photos provided by Arkansas Athletics)
up this year, and lest anyone forget where they are, a 7-ton bronze elephant greets visitors at the corner of Wallace Wade Avenue and University Boulevard.
Oklahoma has a similar corridor of sculpted bronze, with five statues of Heisman Trophy winners — Billy Vessels, Steve Owens, Billy Sims, Jason White and Sam Bradford — lining the east side of OU’s Memorial Stadium. In 2022, the Sooners unveiled a statue honoring brothers and legendary OU defensive stars Lee Roy, Dewey and Lucious Selmon. Nothing like that exists at Fayetteville’s Razorback Stadium. There is a monument at the south end of the stadium of
“I just think [McFadden] really, really deserves it. He’s been vocal about his sobriety and his growth as a person. He’s grown up here. He’s stayed here.
— Andrew Meadors, booster
a pack of razorbacks commemorating the 16-0 victory over Louisiana State University in 1909, a game that prompted Arkansas coach Hugo Bezdek to praise his team for playing “like a wild band of razorback hogs” and prompting the introduction of the razorback as the mascot one year later.
The Wild Band statue was commissioned and paid for by UA alumnus and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a member of the Hogs’ 1964 national title team.
A statue of longtime coach and athletic director Frank Broyles was added in 2014, although the monument is not considered part of the actual stadium.
In 2025, already a turbulent year for Razorbacks football, a group of deeppocketed fans have begun to demand more. Specifically, the call has gone out for a statue of former Hog running back Darren McFadden, known across the state simply as D-Mac.
Attempts from Arkansas athletics director Hunter Yurachek to compromise and ameliorate the situation have been received with mixed emotions at best.
“If you look at how schools in the SEC and prominent schools in the country honor their greatest athletes and coaches, that’s how they do it,” said Bazzel, who said he would also like to see a monument for former Hogs basketball coach Nolan Richardson, who already has a street named for him on campus.
“Hunter’s up there, and people are trying to raise money for the university,” Bazzel said, “but part of that is growing pride
in your program by highlighting the stars that you have.”
Instead, the university honored McFadden during its Oct. 18 game against Texas A&M. McFadden was feted on the field during halftime and presented with a replica of his famed No. 5 cardinal-red jersey. In addition, the two players presently wearing McFadden’s number — Cam Ball and Ja’Kayden Ferguson — sported “DM” patches on the front of their jerseys.
McFadden would later take to social media, calling the moment “the honor of a lifetime.”
For many, that was not good enough, and they point to both the lack of a statue and how the athletic department stopped short of actually retiring McFadden’s jersey number.
Yurachek did not respond to a request for comment, but associate athletic director and spokesperson Kyle Parkinson said, “As of right now, I’m not aware of any plans for a statue for Darren. We were excited to have him here to honor his jersey and install his No. 5 on the video board in the stadium during the halftime ceremony.”
McFadden’s ample Arkansas legacy begs a question: If not him, then who? The Little Rock native endured a hardscrabble childhood before starring for the nowdefunct Oak Grove High School in North Little Rock. Despite heavy recruiting interest from established college football programs across the country, especially in the Southeastern Conference, McFadden elected to stay home and sign early with the Razorbacks.
Once ensconced in Fayetteville, McFadden quickly lived up to the hype and then some. He ran for more than 1,000 yards as a freshman — only the seventh to do so in the history of the SEC — and bagged SEC Freshman of the Year honors. He ran for a school-record 1,647 yards as a sophomore and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
As a junior, McFadden solidified himself as a first-round NFL prospect, rolling up 1,829 yards and finishing second in Heisman voting to Florida quarterback Tim Tebow while earning consensus AllAmerican honors. McFadden was awarded the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back following his sophomore and junior seasons.
From there, McFadden was selected fourth overall by the then-Oakland Raiders in the 2008 NFL draft and played for both the Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys until retiring in 2017.
In recent years, McFadden has upped his public profile in his home state and home city, appearing in television commercials and sharing his journey from alcohol addiction to what is now more than two years of sobriety.
Part of McFadden’s reconnection with his home state was a Sept. 8 packed-house appearance before the Little Rock Touchdown Club. McFadden spoke warmly about his time in Arkansas and revealed how his life has changed for the better since becoming sober.
All that was enough for Andrew Meadors. The amiable Little Rock insurance executive and sports fanatic has presided over the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and for a decade kept the stats for legendary Hogs broadcaster Paul Eells, establishing himself as a prominent Razorbacks fan and booster despite having attended college at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
Meadors was taken by McFadden’s talk at the Touchdown Club and overall abundance of good will toward his home state, so much so that the following week, he approached close friend Bazzel about pushing for a statue.
“I’ll go by, and I’ll do a fist bump with Coach Broyles’ statue each time before I go in the stadium,” Meadors said.
Meadors said both Bazzel and another friend, Little Rock insurance magnate Greg Hatcher, agreed that McFadden needed to be memorialized, and that is when all three approached Yurachek after his Sept. 15 appearance at the club.
Meadors said he told Yurachek: “You know, Hunter, Busch Stadium, baseball, the Cardinals, there’s a statue out there of Bob Gibson, Dizzy Dean, Ozzie Smith. Why don’t we have one of Darren McFadden? And before you say money, I’ll raise the money in one day for it, man. Don’t worry about that.”
Meadors added that he had five guys lined up who would give him $100,000 right now to build a statue of McFadden — it would only take five phone calls.
“Hunter said, ‘Give me your card,’ and that is it to my knowledge,” Bazzel said.
Through his experience with the Touchdown Club, as well as with the Broyles Award and Cliff Harris Award, Bazzel knows what a bronze monument would cost. Even if the lone interested parties were Meadors, Bazzel and Hatcher, all financially successful, fronting the expense would not be a problem.
“I deal with guys who do statues,” Bazzel said. “You could easily do a statue of Darren McFadden for $100,000.”
Meadors said his pitch to Yurachek was and remains low pressure, acknowledging what has been a rough few months for the athletic director. Yurachek triggered a miniature firestorm at his Touchdown Club appearance, claiming Arkansas was “not set up to win a national championship” in football due primarily to less financial commitment when compared to the program’s well-heeled SEC peers.
Yurachek’s comments so amply ruffled Razorbacks fans’ feathers that he ended up explaining his statement to the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. Yurachek then fired Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman on Sept. 28 and has since been neck deep in a coaching search that has fans divided over who should take over the program.
All that is to say that Yurachek has a lot on his mind and a lot on his calendar, something both Bazzel and Meadors readily acknowledged. But
the noncommittal stance from Fayetteville since Meadors handed his card to Yurachek has not sat well with either man, especially since McFadden’s onfield ceremony has come and gone.
“I do think there’s value in recognizing the fact, because nobody’s going to bring this up, that a month ago, you had somebody from the Touchdown Club offer $100,000 to do it,” Bazzel said.
For now, the matter remains in a holding pattern. Combined with Yurachek’s comments to the Touchdown Club, Pittman’s firing and the possibility of Arkansas dissolving its relationship with Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium, the statue adds a dollop of contention to a season that has already been defined by unmet expectations and lingering resentments.
“I just think [McFadden] really, really deserves it,” Meadors said. “I’d be happy to put my head down and raise the money, especially because Darren has been involved with things around here in Arkansas, especially the last couple of years. He’s been vocal about his sobriety and his growth as a person. He’s grown up here. He’s stayed here. He is a real good guy and loves being around people.”
Darren McFadden holds the LRTDC trophy named for him. (Photo provided by LRTDC)
By Mark Carter
by DeWaine Duncan
Reviving the Past to Reshape the Future
In downtown Pine Bluff, the Saenger waits to sing again
The Saenger Theatre in downtown Pine Bluff looks its age of 101 years old. As is the case with many historic buildings that once captured the spirit of the communities they served, it still rings with the lifeblood of a city that once buzzed with activity as arguably the state’s most prominent in the early 20th century.
For the Saenger, which hosted Broadway shows and acts such as Will Rogers, Judy Garland and Harry Houdini in its heyday, its days were numbered once Americans’ appetite for entertainment
began to shift toward the silver screen.
The theater, built with an Ancient Egyptian interior motif, was converted to a movie house — or a “picture show house,” as it was referenced in an old newspaper clipping — in the 1950s but eventually gave way to big multiscreen cineplexes and was closed in 1975.
Kathy Majewska, who has championed the theater — in which she performed as a child — through her Old Town Theatres Centre nonprofit, even hosted the Pine Bluff Film Festival from 1995 to 2008 before fundraising began to stall. Like the
theater itself, downtown Pine Bluff was withering on the vine, and city leaders were pulled to other priorities.
Today, Majewska is leading efforts to have the 1,700-seat venue, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, restored to its past glory.
“One of my most urgent goals is still the simplest — making people aware that the Saenger Theatre exists,” she said. “Too many Arkansans don’t know it’s here or why it matters.”
Majewska believes restoration of the Saenger is its own top priority. The rebirth
Photos
Kathy Majewska, who performed on the Saenger stage as a child, is leading efforts to have the 1,700-seat venue restored to its past glory.
of the former “Showplace of the South” would help spark the downtown revitalization that city leaders have sought for decades — but the negative stigma attached to the city does not help, she said.
“That perception has held us back for too long, but I believe the Saenger can help change the narrative,” she said. “Its beauty, symbolism and economic promise could become a turning point — not just for this city, but for the region.”
Paul Siemborski, principal architect at the Cleveland firm DLR, which specializes in restoring historic properties, was eventually hired by the city to consult on restoration of the theater after voters approved a 5/8 cent sales tax to fund Go Forward Pine Bluff in 2017.
However, efforts fizzled as Go Forward’s momentum was placed toward projects outside of downtown. He told KUAR earlier this year that any revitalization efforts in the city had to start downtown.
“Many of these theaters, these historic theaters, were vaudeville houses with very shallow stages, [but] the Saenger had an expansive stage,” he said. “These buildings need to continue to be the living rooms or the family rooms of our communities.”
Over the decades, just enough money has been found to keep the Saenger from caving in on itself. In 2012, the same year Majewska’s nonprofit gifted the theater to the city, city leaders found $15,000 in grant money for repairs. In 2023, the city dedicated $47,000 to secure the roof and pump out the water that had accumulated in the basement.
This May, the city was awarded a federal grant of $500,000 to restore 19 downtown properties, including the Saenger.
Majewska still waits for that one crucial benefactor to step forward, but in the meantime, enough funding has trickled in to keep her dream alive and at least partly nourished.
In addition to bringing the venue back to its former glory, Majewska wants to open a theater museum in the adjoining building.
“The Saenger isn’t just a historic theatre; it’s a cultural and economic asset with untapped potential,” she said. “Its architecture alone tells a powerful story, rich with Egyptian and African iconography that could spark a renaissance for Pine Bluff if we can help people see its worth.”
The theater’s original blueprints are lost to history, she noted, but 3-D scans costing roughly $10,000 could essentially create new ones. The city has committed $12,000 to pay for the scans.
“Then we pay $47,000 for them to do a four-concept plan,” she said.
Majewska wants to see today’s generation exposed to the arts the way she had been growing up in Pine Bluff, which once served as the cultural hub — agri and otherwise — of the Delta. Beyond that, the Saenger’s architecture and the symbolism found in its bones are culturally and historically significant, she said.
“I’ve been coming to this theater for years, and it is only now that I’m able to see the motifs and symbols that were hidden for over 50 years,” she said. “The mystery is finally being revealed to me, and
I want to share these insights. Imagine walking through the lobby, foyer, then into the magnificent auditorium, ablaze in color — rich red, green, yellow and blue, gold leaf everywhere, the motifs everywhere.”
As architecture grew more utilitarian over the years, the significance — and simple aesthetic joy — of built-in motifs was lost. In any of her Saenger tours, Majewska points out the abundant Egyptian symbolism that includes but is not limited to the green Tannis leaves representing rebirth and divine vitality; the red garlands, celebrating beauty, harmony and joy; the winged seraphines, messengers of intense love and divine fire; and her personal favorite, the sword, a powerful symbol of divine and royal authority.
Majewska believes the iconography flawlessly suits the rebirth of the theater and, by extension, downtown Pine Bluff.
“The Saenger’s Egyptian symbols are more than just decoration,” she said. “They are part of a centuries-long tradition of using art to inspire, teach and connect. In their original setting, they spoke of gods, heroes and eternal life. Here in Pine Bluff, they speak of our community’s resilience, creativity and belief in a future worthy of the past.”
Majewska continues to work closely with the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission and the city’s economic development team to realize her vision. One day soon, she believes, the tide will turn, and the Saenger will rise, phoenix like, from the past.
“We’re all committed to moving beyond the old image of Pine Bluff,” she said. “I truly believe things are beginning to shift. For a long time, I felt like walking with shadows — pushing forward without being seen. But now, there’s a sense that light is breaking through.”
Patrons who want to help ensure that it does can contact Majewska at kathymajewska@gmail.com.
Majewska believes the iconography flawlessly suits the rebirth of the theater and, by extension, downtown Pine Bluff.
THE GRUMPY OLD MAN CLUB
By Mark Carter
Life recently provided a stark reminder of my geriatric station. One can cradle a 16-year-old mindset till the bitter end, but the fact remains — if the Predator were to choose Little Rock as its next hunting ground, that “killer” tech of his would identify me as elderly and quite possibly infirmed and move on to another target.
Despite the decades-long stasis in which my tastes for music and bathroom-related humor have loitered, it is time for me to officially acknowledge my membership in the Grumpy Old Man Club. After all, I just used the word killer and assumed a male identity for said Predator. (See what I did there? That Predator tech is killer, and it is also killer.)
In my defense, the Predator movies I have seen have yet to reveal a female version of the apex alien hunter, and back in the day, “killer” — as adjective and noun, in a nonliteral sense, of course — was a good thing.
As in, “Dude, those brownies your older brother made were killer,” or “You got a date with the head cheerleader? Go get ‘em, Killer.”
The guys who gave us “Mr. Brightside” a couple of decades ago did not name themselves for perpetrators of death, after all. (I think they didn’t, anyway. On a side note, you know you’re old when you can stop and ponder where the last “couple of decades” have gone.)
(OK, I had to google what the graphic overlay is called that provides the score and other relevant information. Turns out, it’s a scorebug. I’ll concede one to progress here. I often tell my sons they should be grateful they’re not forced to wait until one team scores to actually know the score.)
So, the grumpy old man thing. It seems to influence every form of media I absorb; everything I take in is impacted by it. The other night while walking Gertie, our sweet black Lab, who resides firmly in our hearts and on the canine spectrum, I wondered to myself when Halloween changed its colors from traditional orange and black to neon purple and green.
Why, after all, should I care that Coke or Reese’s can’t be satisfied with producing the world’s two greatest refreshments and insist on making flavors such as orange vanilla or peanut butter cups with pretzels. Orange vanilla? Pretzels? We should be getting down on our knees every day and thanking the good Lord for Coke and Reese’s. Good ol’ regular Coke and Reese’s. (Whatever you do, don’t try to tell me it’s not pronounced Rees-ies.)
And is it too much to ask our sporting teams to pick a uniform and stick with it for an entire season at least? Seems like Nike could feed west Africa for what it must cost to outfit Oregon and its slough of uni wanna-be’s. It would be nice to flip on a random game and know immediately who’s playing without having to look at the scorebug.
Some of the NFL throwback unis are fantastic, by the way (and should be made permanent), and I’m not against alternates if they’re used sparingly, but the Bengals’ all-whites, for example — if they wore those against the Dolphins in their own allwhites, one could be forgiven for thinking the Siegfried & Roy backup dancers were playing a troupe of ballerinas. There was a time when that would not have been considered optimal.
And don’t get me started on the in-game sideline interviews of coaches. Holly Rowe’s professional excellence aside, 99 percent of the time, all we get is an annoyed coach and useless to no info.
Of course, the tradeoff for losing one’s vitality, if not mind, is allegedly wisdom. If only. My wisdom fell between the cracks of the delivery driver’s seat a la Clark Griswold’s bonus. It most likely resides there still, waiting to be discovered by the next driver and dropped off late one Christmas Eve for the family who buys the house after I croak.
May it serve them well.
DESIGN AWARDS | 2025
TODD S. WELCH, AIA PRESIDENT, AIA ARKANSAS
2025 | FROM THE PRESIDENT
As the 2025 President of AIA Arkansas, I am honored to present this year’s AIA Design Awards publication which highlights AIA Arkansas’s Chapter achievements though our Design and Chapter Awards Programs. These extraordinary individuals and projects represent accomplishments highlighting the significant work of architects, consultants, contractors, building owners and clients. We are very proud of the high quality of work the state of Arkansas produces. We feel like the great state of Arkansas produces exceptional work at a high rate for a smaller populated state. These awards were recently highlighted in AIA Arkansas’s 2025 state convention held in Hot Springs. Arkansas AIA has continuously held an outstanding convention that, compared to surrounding states, is highly attended by architect members, design professionals, allied members, clients and other friends of the architectural community to celebrate and award these accomplishments.
40 entries were submitted by member firms in the Design Awards Program. The jury identified 12 finalists in the categories of Merit, Honor, and Citation awards. We are grateful for the time and effort of our superb jury. The jurors, from Phoenix, included Michael Kolejka, AIA, Senior Living Practice Leader at Grace Design Studios, Betsy Lynch, AIA, Associate Principal and Sustainable Strategist at Multistudio, and Omar H. Bailey, AIA, Senior Architect/Associate at Shepley Bulfinch. These jurors were very complimentary of the State of Arkansas’ body of work and mentioned that they would like to come visit our state to see these projects in person.
In addition to jury selected recipients, our Chapter honors two additional recipients through the Member’s Choice Award and the People’s Choice Award. The People’s Choice Award is an award that allows the public to view all entries and choose their favorite project.
The cover of this year’s publication highlights the 2024 Member’s Choice Award winner, Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center designed by Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects. This project was selected for this honor by AIA Arkansas attendees at last year’s convention.
The Michael Lejong Leadership Award is AIA Arkansas’s recognition of a member who illustrates outstanding efforts to contribute to the success of AIA Arkansas through their leadership and mentoring. The honor of this year’s award goes to Craig Boone, AIA. Craig has represented AIA Arkansas at all levels of leadership, served the organization on many committees and continues to further our profession and the advocacy of our membership through joint committees and outreach programs. Craig’s leadership and mentorship have been evident in many facets of his career since graduating from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design in 1986.
The Emerging Professional Award is intended to recognize a young professional, practicing for 10 years or less, who has expanded the role of the architect through civic participation and professional mentorship. The recipient of this year’s award is Kiara Gilmore, AIA. Kiara has used her talents to serve our organization and to work through various committees and advocacy groups around the state. The AIA board of directors are proud to recognize her and are excited to see what she accomplishes in the future.
AIA Arkansas’ Diversity Award was established to recognize an individual, public agency, organization or company for exemplary commitment and contributions to inclusiveness within the architectural profession and education in the state of Arkansas. This year’s recipient is Yume Rudzinski of Architects 226, who has been a powerful influence on many architects throughout the state, females in particular. Empowered by her own experience as a minority architect, she has become a driving force for equity and inclusion in the profession. She has served on various AIA committees and was the 2021 design awards chair for that year’s convention.
The Fay Jones Gold Medal Award recognizes an individual architect who has demonstrated touchstones of excellence through artistic vision and design, leadership and service to the State of Arkansas and the AIA Arkansas Chapter. This year’s award recipient is Reese Rowland, FAIA of Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects. Reese’s accomplishments within the practice of architecture have been monumental for the state of Arkansas. Reese is a particularly creative architect who has been an exceptional leader, innovator and community builder throughout the duration of his decorated career. The AIA Arkansas Board of Directors are proud to recognize Reese for his high achievement within the architectural community in the state.
I sincerely hope that you enjoy this publication, but moreover, hope that you can find time to visit these wonderful works here in the great state of Arkansas and beyond. Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you for celebrating with us to honor the great achievements of the talented practitioners in our state.
CRAIG BOONE, AIA ARCHITECTURE
A native of Fort Smith, AR, Craig started his college career at Westark Community College (now the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith). He transferred to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and entered the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. Upon graduation he returned to Fort Smith to start his Architectural career in 1986 and later joined Architecture Plus, Inc. in 1990. Craig has worked on several building types including large scale multi-family housing, national and local government facilities, and both University and K-12 educational facilities during his 30-plus year career. DESIGN
CITATION AWARD | PROVIDENCE PARK CHAPEL
FIRM: JENNINGS + SANTA-RITA ARCHITECTS
LOCATION: LITTLE ROCK, AR
OWNER/CLIENT: PROVIDENCE PARK
PROJECT TEAM:
WALTER JENNINGS, AIA
LORI SANTA-RITA, AIA
CJ BLACK, ASSOC. AIA
COURTNEY EWIN, ASSOC. AIA
Inspired by Austin’s Community First! Village, Providence Park was founded in North Little Rock, Arkansas in partnership with Pulaski County. The 50 acre master planned community provides “affordable, permanent housing and supportive community for individuals coming out of chronic homelessness.” The plan proposes 400 tiny homes and full support services with access to healthcare and community that “fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.”
The Providence Park Chapel offers the residents a space to hold ceremonies and a place to remember loved ones they have lost. The Chapel is centered in the neighborhood and screened with trees to create a private atmosphere separate from the surrounding homes. The Chapel functions as a small indoor space for intimate ceremonies but can be opened towards the Remembrance Lawn to facilitate larger events. The gabion wall of the Chapel functions as a privacy element separating the Memorial Sculpture from the remaining program while encouraging views to and from the landscape on the remaining facades. The Memorial Sculpture displays plaques with the names of residents who have passed, and the Scatter Garden is a space for their ashes to be laid to rest.
CITATION AWARD | HARBOR SCHOOL PS680 TIMBER CONCEPT
FIRM:
MODUS STUDIO
LOCATION:
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
OWNER/CLIENT:
CURBED / NEW YORK MAGAZINE / NEW YORK CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PROJECT TEAM:
CHRIS M. BARIBEAU, AIA, JOSH SIEBERT, ASSOC. AIA, JASON WRIGHT, ASSOC. AIA, LEANNE BARIBEAU, AIA, MICHAEL POPE, AIA, SARAH BARTZ, ASSOC. AIA, TARA BRAY, AIA, CHRIS LANKFORD
The inherent warmth and biophilic qualities of mass timber construction offer compelling advantages for K-12 educational environments. While the material’s sustainable attributes are well-documented, its capacity to foster spaces that resonate with users is also significant. This project demonstrates how mass timber can create an educational facility that not only embodies sustainable principles but also enhances the daily experience of students and educators.
This conceptual design for a new school in Red Hook, Brooklyn, establishes a strong connection to the surrounding community, extending the adjacent wooded park onto the site. This integration is immediately evident in the prominent timber arcade that defines the building’s street frontage. This welcoming threshold serves multiple functions: a protective entry, a transitional space, a community gathering point, a potential venue for events like farmers’ markets, and a recognizable neighborhood landmark.
The arcade’s rhythm is thoughtfully organized to respond to the existing context, incorporating a preserved section of a low-slung brick warehouse facade along the southeastern edge of the site. This adaptive reuse strategy creates a dialogue between the neighborhood’s industrial heritage and the contemporary expression of the new mass timber structure. Behind this preserved facade lies the natatorium, a key programmatic element for this public school. Situated on one side of a central courtyard, the natatorium is visually connected to the classroom wing, which forms the opposite edge.
The western facade, with its masonry detailing, echoes the area’s warehouse typology, maintaining a contextual link. In contrast, the southern and eastern elevations of the mass timber structure feature expansive openings that maximize natural light, offer views of the park and surrounding streetscape, and create a lighter, more transparent presence. This considered approach to fenestration and massing underscores the project’s commitment to creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment that seamlessly integrates with its urban context while showcasing the inherent benefits of mass timber construction.
HONOR AWARD | THE LAMPLIGHTER SCHOOL STUDENT SERVICES
FIRM:
MARLON BLACKWELL ARCHITECTS
LOCATION: DALLAS, TX
OWNER/CLIENT: THE LAMPLIGHTER SCHOOL
PROJECT TEAM:
MARLON BLACKWELL, FAIA
ATI BLACKWELL, AIA
RYAN CAMP, AIA
MARI MCLEOD, AIA
BRAFORD PAYNE, AIA
SPENCER CURTIS, AIA
ETHAN KAPLAN, AIA
PAUL MOSLEY, ASSOC. AIA
ANNA MORRISON, AIA
GARETT COKER
CHRISTY HENDRICK
CONSULTANTS:
RLG CONSULTING ENGINEERS
REED, WELLS, BENSON & COMPANY
TALLEY ASSOCIATES
TM LIGHT
TERRACON CONSULTANTS
SSTL CODES, INC.
ACCESS BY DESIGN, INC.
THRESHOLD ACOUSTICS
The Lamplighter School’s Student Services building is a key component in the campus master plan which seeks to revitalize the school’s campus and numerous existing buildings, many of which have been in service since the 1950’s.
The complexity of the challenge at the Lamplighter School demanded robust and ongoing engagement of the stakeholders at every level, from the students and their families to the teachers, administration, and staff. Ultimately, a range of possibilities were presented, empowering the stakeholders to be invested in the design and decision-making process.
The Student Services building specifically arose from the need to relocate and consolidate a scattering of administrative offices that once occupied various corners of the existing buildings from the 1950’s. This new administrative hub consolidates administrative offices in narrow bar parallel to but offset from the existing school to create two small courtyards. Facing southeast towards the main public entry to campus, the building is attuned to the Texas climate and reduces solar heat gain. Offices are organized along the south façade to face the public entry and to provide views to the campus landscape.
Like the Innovation Lab and the Drama addition constructed recently in Phase 1, the main exterior material used in the Student Services building is copper whose initial acquisition cost and environmental impact are offset by its lifespan of more than a hundred years, virtually maintenance free, and ready recycling. Complementing the rich tones of the copper is an entry porch lined second growth cypress, sourced locally in Texas.
Inside the entry, an elegant and generous new lobby connects the building to the existing school through a gallery that celebrates the school’s history. The gallery features display cabinets suspended above the floor with windows above and below the cabinets that provide generous natural light. These exhibits showcase elements from the Lamplighter School archives so visitors can discover the school’s traditions and the spirit of its students and alumni.
PHOTOGRAPHER TIMOTHY HURSLEY
HONOR AWARD | ONYX SPRINGDALE
FIRM:
OZARK MODERN
CONTRACTOR:
HEART & SOULE BUILDERS
LOCATION: SPRINGDALE, AR
OWNER/CLIENT:
ONYX COFFEE LAB
PROJECT TEAM:
BRADLEY EDWARDS, PRINCIPAL
SARAH WOOD, DESIGNER
LUCKY MCMAHON, ARCHITECT
CAMILA SALGUERO, DESIGNER
JON ALLEN, DESIGNER
CONSULTANTS:
OMNI ENGINEERS, MEP
CROMWELL ENGINEERS, STRUCTURAL
Onyx Springdale is a tenant finish-out for a multi-use café, chocolate shop, and coworking space located in a mid-century modern bank building in downtown Springdale, Arkansas. The design embraces the building’s original character while introducing new material and spatial systems that are both respectful and transformative.
The granite cladding from the exterior is brought inward, the terrazzo floor restored, and the steel deck left exposed; gestures that establish continuity with the past and form the infrastructural bones of a new spatial syntax. Walnut is introduced as a warm counterpoint, tuning the atmosphere without overwhelming the existing tectonic narrative. Rather than contrast the original structure, the new work speaks in its language.
The defining intervention is a system of custom glass block massings that operate as both form and infrastructure. Their organization produces a layered field of occupation: a centrally placed “glass box” defines privatized dining zones, queuing corridors, and a merchandised procession toward the bar. Along the back wall the glass block fragments into a zone surrounding the walnut bar counter. The north wall becomes the primary backdrop upon entry anchoring the space and holding the fragments in compositional tension.
These glass block elements are at once mass, screen, and artifact. Through mitered joints and fused edges, the blocks create solid and void conditions that catch and diffuse light while remaining materially luminous. Their transparency allows for visual layering, revealing the building’s exposed steel deck and structure behind, offering views not just across the room but into the building’s past. Serving as multiplicitous actors, the glass block system also serves as a framework for housing HVAC systems and merchandise displays.
Each level of the building performs a distinct programmatic identity: the ground floor operates as a public-facing coffee shop, the upper story as a curated coworking studio wrapped in white oak study carols, and the basement reveals the back of house as an accessible chocolate factory, rendered in a deeper register of walnut, soft lighting, and exposed infrastructure. Across all floors, material consistency ties the spaces together.
Onyx Springdale creates atmosphere through form, material, and light, layering contemporary intervention over inherited structure to yield a space that feels at once curated, improvised, and quietly transformative. The result is a space that is richly layered but never overdetermined, allowing old and new to speak together fluently.
PHOTOGRAPHER
HONOR AWARD | PINNACLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK VISITOR CENTER
FIRM:
POLK STANLEY WILCOX ARCHITECTS
CONTRACTOR:
CDI CONTRACTORS
LOCATION:
LITTLE ROCK, AR
OWNER/CLIENT: STATE PARKS OF ARKANSAS
PROJECT TEAM:
REESE ROWLAND FAIA, PRINCIPAL FOR DESIGN
AMANDA STURGELL AIA, PROJECT ARCHITECT
WENDELL KINZLER AIA, PROJECT DESIGN
JIM THACKER, CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
ALEX LONGLEY ASID, INTERIOR DESIGN
CONSULTANTS:
EDG, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
MCCLELLAND ENGINEERING, CIVIL ENGINEERS
ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS INC., STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
PETTIT & PETTIT, MEP ENGINEERS
Of the 52 State Parks that grace the state of Arkansas, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is unique in that it sits adjacent to the capital city of Little Rock, which has grown to border the park. With over 750,000 people living in the metro area, Pinnacle Mountain may be for many their only experience with visiting a State Park; 600,000 people visit this park each year. While the park offers geographic characteristics found in the state from steep cliffs to wetlands, the park’s most prominent feature, and one of the state’s as well, is the mountain itself. Climbing to the summit is a rite of passage for many children with their parents, and its trails are covered with people each day.
While other state parks in the Ozark and Ouachita mountains have a variety of historic lodges and structures from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) period that set their architectural style, Pinnacle Mountain did not have a precedent; its urban connection and the younger city patrons that canoe, kayak, hike, climb and bike the mountain said it should connect in a different way. State Parks desired a building that fit seamlessly with the mountain, as part of the mountain. For those that have not ventured past this park, this Visitor Center needed to be not only a gateway to Pinnacle, but to all of State Parks.
In studying the site as long time patrons, the most striking feature is a vein of rocks that runs from the peak down the mountain to a clearing that became the perfect location for access to trails, lower park amenities, and highway 300. The design solution creates three rock “outcroppings” of functional spaces spread along the grade at this vein, all under one undulating roof canopy that reacts to the terrain and weaves through the actual tree canopy. Under that roof canopy, two buildings form a gateway for the trail opening to the mountain and the lobby. Reception, gifts, and exhibits all view the mountain through a continuous glass wall enclosure where education occurs inside/out to connect visitors visually, physically, and spiritually to the mountain. The Loblolly Outpost sits free under the canopy, offering visitors an outdoor café setting to celebrate conquering the summit. The roof is lifted to match the mountain’s slope to open the view up, direct water to the downward slope, and limit the view of the roof from above and below the mountain. Glass reflects nature by day but creates a dynamic open pavilion at night for returning hikers. Balancing security with dark skies principals, the deck is softly up lit to create even lighting below with cutoffs staying within roof boundaries. The glulam beam structural bracing pattern at the roof emulates the organic order seen in nature.
The Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Center blends perfectly into the mountain as both gateway and destination with a progressive language that bridges the urban and natural environments.
PHOTOGRAPHER TIMOTHY HURSLEY
MERIT AWARD | PS1200
FIRM:
MARLON BLACKWELL ARCHITECTS
LOCATION:
FORT WORTH, TEXAS
OWNER/CLIENT:
PRINCE CONCEPTS
PROJECT TEAM:
MARLON BLACKWELL, FAIA
ATI BLACKWELL, AIA
SPENCER CURTIS, AIA
ETHAN KAPLAN, AIA
SCOTT KERVIN, ASSOC. AIA
JOSH MATTHEWS, AIA
BRADFORD PAYNE, AIA
CONSULTANTS:
ROOT ENGINEERING SERVICES
DATUM ENGINEERS
THE SADLER GROUP
SALCEDO GROUP, INC.
D.I.R.T. STUDIO
STUDIO OUTSIDE
PS1200 embodies the vibrant, eclectic nature of Magnolia Village, a centrally located, mixed-use neighborhood in Ft. Worth, Texas. Slowly brought back to life over the last 30 years, Magnolia Village has a small-town Main Street appeal with a wide range of dining, retail, and other businesses that contribute to a thriving community now recognized as one of the ‘Great Places in America’ by the American Planning Association.
Where so many new developments fill their entire site, PS1200 is restrained, turning nearly half of the busy corner site over to public space that is generously filled with an array of native tree species, especially Pond Cypress. Providing shade throughout the plaza that connects the restaurant, gallery, and retail at the ground level, trees fill in the gaps between locally sourced stone paving that has a decidedly ancient character. Evocative of the ancient geology of the site, the ground is porous, carefully collecting and returning rainwater to the aquifer and the watershed of the Trinity River nearby.
Building on several of Prince Concepts’ past projects, PS1200 uses the venerable Quonset hut whose structure and strength come from the corrugation of its metal skin. The potential and beauty of these simple structures have often been overlooked and relegated to industrial use, but through deliberate care and design, an inspiring new life and dignity are introduced, elevating something prosaic and humble into something noble.
The public face of PS1200 includes a new restaurant in one freestanding building and grab and go café and exhibit gallery in another. As a generous single story, these spaces are wrapped with the same corrugated ‘galvalume’ metal skin of the live-work units but turned on their side. Deep overhangs provide generous entries and protection from the often-intense Texas climate. The durable, industrial character is softened and complemented by gently curved corners and banks of glass that face the tree-filled park.
Behind the restaurant and gallery, the live-work units rise to a generous three stories, the rolling rhythm of the roofline evoking the shape of the Kimbell Art Museum nearby in Fort Worth. The central space of the plaza expands into a pedestrian alley leading to office and retail bays, each separated by stone walls. With discreet entries from the west, the apartments all overlook the tree-filled public park to the east. Abundant daylight fills the vaulted space of the lofts, each two and a half stories with custom plywood enclosures for the kitchen, restroom, and storage. The combination of ancient and modern materials gives PS1200 a timeless character, one that remembers a powerful past and imagines an exciting future. PS1200 embodies the benefits of contemporary city life — working, living, and relaxing in one beautiful, convenient, and central location. At once exuberant and restrained, PS1200 is a generous addition to the already vivid fabric of Magnolia Village. Serving an intensely diverse and growing community through its inventive approach to balancing public and private, PS1200 is a prototype for thoughtful and inclusive development nationally.
PHOTOGRAPHER TIMOTHY HURSLEY
MERIT AWARD | CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART CAMPUS PARKING
FIRM:
MARLON BLACKWELL
ARCHITECTS
LOCATION: BENTONVILLE, AR
OWNER/CLIENT:
CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
PROJECT TEAM:
MARLON BLACKWELL, FAIA
ATI BLACKWELL, AIA
SCOTT KERVIN, ASSOC AIA
CALEB REED, AIA
JUSTIN HERSHBERGER, AIA
ARI SOGIN, ASSOC. AIA
HANNAH BOTH, ASSOC. AIA
ANNA MORRISON, AIA
STEPHEN REYENGA, ASSOC. AIA
NICK THORN, AIA
JOSH MATTHEWS, AIA
CARLEY CHASTAIN, AIA
CONSULTANTS:
CESO
MICHAEL BOUCHER
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
STUDIO NYL
HAS ENGINEERING
TM LIGHT
CODE SOLUTIONS GROUP
BATES & ASSOCIATES
GRUBBS, HOSKYN, BARTON, & WYATT
THRESHOLD ACCOUSTICS
The CBMAA Campus Parking structure is a six-story, 800-space parking deck that redefines the typology as a multipurpose gateway to the broader Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art campus in Bentonville, Arkansas. Situated along Museum Way near the museum’s main entrance, the building serves as a threshold to a campus that blends art, wellness, and nature across indoor and outdoor environments. What more can a parking garage offer?
More than a utilitarian structure, the parking deck integrates café and retail spaces at ground level and an elevated art and event venue—the Sky Terrace—on the second floor. Approached from the south, the building’s sculptural geometry is expressed through vertical fins clad in aqua azure metal panels, a nostalgic nod to the 1965 Pontiac Tempest paint finish. These fins, mirrored on the north side, frame the guest entry and contribute to the building’s distinct identity. At night, color-changing LED lights animate the structure with firefly-like patterns, adding an ethereal quality to the experience.
Constructed of post-tensioned concrete, the garage is organized in three long bays with a single ramp system and multiple vertical circulation points for direct access to the museum and the nearby Scott Family Amazeum. The Sky Terrace offers views into the surrounding forest and onto Convergence Plaza below, linking visitors with nature and public gathering spaces. Altogether, CBMAA Campus Parking is both a functional solution and a civic gesture—an architectural front porch that reflects the museum’s mission to enrich the community through art, environment, and experience.
PHOTOGRAPHER TIMOTHY HURSLEY
MERIT AWARD | UNITED STATES MARSHALS MUSEUM
FIRM:
POLK STANLEY WILCOX ARCHITECTS
CONTRACTOR:
CDI CONTACTORS
LOCATION: FORT SMITH, AR
OWNER/CLIENT: UNITED STATES MARSHALS MUSEUM
PROJECT TEAM:
REESE ROWLAND FAIA, PRINCIPAL FOR DESIGN
LAURA STANLEY AIA, PROJECT ARCHITECT
CRAIG CURZON AIA, MANAGEMENT PRINCIPAL
CINDY PRUITT AIA, ARCHITECT
LAURA LYON ASID, INTERIOR DESIGN
CONSULTANTS:
EDG, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
MICKLE GRIFFIN, CIVIL ENGINEERING
BERNHARD TME, MEP ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS INC., STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
THINKWELL GROUP, EXHIBIT DESIGN
Fort Smith, Arkansas has a rich frontier history, once the United States’ farthest expanse where the US Army guarded the border while Judge Isaac Parker, “The Hanging Judge” from 1875 to 1896, sentenced 160 people to death, hanging 79 on the gallows. His court also enforced law in the “Indian Territory” (Oklahoma), known for lawlessness. Fort Smith is sacred ground among U.S. Marshals; more died leaving from this frontier post than any other in U.S. history. Legends were made like Bass Reeves, a former slave turned deputy marshal who brought countless outlaws to justice. Fort Smith’s frontier legacy also inspired fictional Marshal Rooster Cogburn of True Grit fame.
When selecting a site for a national museum telling the U.S. Marshals’ story, Fort Smith was a natural choice. The challenge was telling the entire story, not just its frontier chapter. Founded on September 24, 1789, by George Washington, the U.S. Marshals Service is the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency. Its duties encompass fugitive apprehension, witness protection, and extradition through a mission guided by justice, integrity, and service.
To reflect that mission’s breadth, the architecture could not simply pay homage to one era. Historic Fort Smith buildings/museums fill that role. Instead, the design sought to create a modern, iconic national landmark through symbolism, specifically drawing from the film High Noon, where at its climax Gary Cooper’s Marshal throws his badge into the dirt— his duty completed, sacrifice made. The ending of “High Noon” is not a simple triumph of good over evil, but a complex and poignant commentary on the nature of courage, civic responsibility, and consequences of moral choices.... all relevant in stories told in the museum. Throughout any era, the lasting image of US Marshals is that five-point badge.
Like that badge stuck in earth, the US Marshals Museum rises as abstract points of the Marshals’ badge from the banks of the same Arkansas River Marshals crossed, pointing toward the Oklahoma Territory. Each point shelters key functions at appropriate heights. Zinc clad roofs symbolize modern Marshals, while rusted Corten steel soffits evoke the past, as if a long-buried badge was unearthed. Inside, the Great Hall soars 40 feet, offering similar sweeping river views marshals witnessed in pursuing justice. Thousands of lit stars in rusted soffits honor all who served. Key public spaces radiate from the Great Hall, while a second entrance serves the National Learning Center, combining museum with education focused on the Constitution, Rule of Law, and civic literacy. Galleries follow an interactive timeline: To Be a Marshal, Frontier Marshals, A Changing Nation, and Modern Marshals. 2,000 artifacts include Frontier, Civil Rights era, Domestic Terrorism items, and badges and guns used across eras.
While design began in 2009 with a $25m budget plus $10m exhibits, the 100% privately funded project faced 15 years of challenges, ultimately completed in 2024 for less at $19m and the same $10m exhibits, true to the grit and resolve of the U.S. Marshals themselves. The museum stands as a powerful tribute to their legacy—illuminating a story many are only beginning to fully understand.
PHOTOGRAPHER TIMOTHY HURSLEY
FIRM:
STOKE ARCHITECTURE
CONTRACTOR:
STONE HARBOR
CUSTOM HOMES
LOCATION:
FAYETTEVILLE, AR
OWNER/CLIENT:
JOHN MUSSER, NELL MUSSER, CLAUDIA SMITH
PROJECT TEAM: MATT POE, AIA
CONSULTANTS: CUSTOM ELECTRONICS INC.
Settled on the southern edge of Fayetteville, the Musser Home reimagines a traditional vernacular through a contemporary lens. The single family home extends an existing cottage, once occupied by the grandmother, who now resides in a tiny house in the garden. Both structures are placed back in the property allowing the mature front yard trees to filter the sunset view each evening.
The existing gable form serves as the architectural inspiration and anchor; its timeless silhouette is duplicated and then connected by spaces to gather. These open public spaces serve as the connective tissue that binds the old and the new while inviting the outdoors in, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior living. Filtered by the expansive front porch, the floor to ceiling glass wall allows the living room beyond to extend into the landscape creating a front porch experience throughout all of Arkansas’ four seasons. The immense natural light allows the owner’s automated window shades and highly controlled lighting package to manage the mood and connectivity of the spaces.
Detached from the main structure, a 580 SF tiny house occupies the garden space once tended by the owner’s late husband. At its core, this minimalist dwelling embodies a profound sense of restraint, stripping away excess to reveal the inherent beauty of simple living. It is intended to be approached by foot and ideally, showers are taken outside. The all too common TV location is replaced by an oversized picture window becoming the interior focal point that allows the landscape to occupy your time. Opposing operable windows provide passive cooling while the wood stove heats the space during the winter.
PHOTOGRAPHER DANIEL MOODY
MERIT AWARD | LIFEHOUSE CRISIS MATERNITY HOME
FIRM:
MODUS STUDIO
CONTRACTOR:
RIHC CONTRACTING
LOCATION:
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO
OWNER/CLIENT:
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTHERN MISSOURI
PROJECT TEAM:
CHRIS M. BARIBEAU, AIA
KIARA GILMORE, AIA
AARON SPEAKS, AIA
AMANDA BURCHAM, ASID
CONSULTANTS: GROUND CONTROL
KOEHLER ENGINEERS
TATUM SMITH WELCHER ENGINEERS
LifeHouse presented a unique challenge: creating a secure residential facility for pregnant women experiencing homelessness that would also feel warm, non-institutional, and nurturing. Balancing heightened security with a welcoming environment required a design that could ensure safety without compromising on aesthetics or dignity for this vulnerable population.The design utilized a courtyard typology to provide secure outdoor space, fostering openness while maintaining privacy. This form was thoughtfully adjusted to preserve an existing walnut tree, with an administration wing integrated through an extruded courtyard. To strengthen the building’s connection with its surroundings, a second story was added, providing views of the nearby Mississippi River. Security was a primary consideration, particularly in the main living space, where large windows were protected by a brick screen that allowed natural light while safeguarding residents’ privacy. LifeHouse has had a transformative impact on the community, offering an architecturally significant, safe, and supportive home for women navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. This 18,000-square-foot facility includes 16 residential units, classrooms, a kitchen, community rooms, caseworkers’ offices, a nurses’ office, and an administration wing. LifeHouse sets a new standard for facilities of its kind, embodying dignity, hope, and a nurturing environment for its residents and the broader community it serves.
PHOTOGRAPHER BRADLEY PHILLIPS
MERIT AWARD | FALLING LEAVES PAVILION GARVAN
WOODLAND
GARDENS
FIRM:
JENNINGS + SANTA-RITA ARCHITECTS
CONTRACTOR: NABHOLZ CONSTRUCTION
LOCATION: HOT SPRINGS, AR
OWNER/CLIENT:
GARVAN WOODLAND GARDENS
PROJECT TEAM:
WALTER JENNINGS, AIA
LORI SANTA-RITA, AIA
CJ BLACK, ASSOC. AIA
COURTNEY EWIN, ASSOC. AIA
CONSULTANTS:
TATUM SMITH WELCHER STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
The Falling Leaves Pavilion at Garvan Woodland Gardens integrates itself with the richly forested site of the Old Brick Hill Trail. Repetitive steel bents mark the intersection between two footpaths, creating a place of pause and respite for visitors to interact with and observe nature. The angled steel members are held in place by tension cables, tying to the brick walls and to the tops of the vertical steel posts. The form produced by this structural play lends itself to that of a tree, enhancing the visual connection between the natural and the man-made. Horizontal wood framing provides lateral stability while enhancing sight lines through the major axis. Linear artificial lighting emphasizes the wood members and becomes an integrated part of the design.
Despite being new construction, the project is treated as a ruin; something that once existed in a more solid state yet gained richness and retained a sense of wholeness through time and weathering. Conventional steel tubes, bars, and angles are used in an atypical, delicate composition to create a rich and airy structure which enforces the idea of ruin. In addition to the arrangement of structural elements, the project’s finishes contribute to this idea. Steel is intentionally rusted, and the inevitable aging of wood is encouraged. In addition to simply allowing for visibility at nighttime, artificial lighting puts the project on display like contemporary treatments of ancient Greek ruins.
PHOTOGRAPHER WALTER JENNINGS
MERIT AWARD | 360 NORTH RIDGE ROAD
FIRM:
FENNELL PURIFOY ARCHITECTS
CONTRACTOR:
JACOB WHITE CONSTRUCTION
LOCATION:
LITTLE ROCK, AR
OWNER/CLIENT:
PHIL & MICHELE PURIFOY
PROJECT TEAM:
PHIL PURIFOY, AIA
CONSULTANTS:
GRANT JORDAN, ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, INC., STRUCTURAL
TANNER WEEKS, ECOLOGICAL DESIGN GROUP, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
KRISTA LEWIS, K. LEWIS DESIGN, INTERIOR DESIGNER
The original house was a ranch style home built in 1955. It had a simple hipped roof form with 8-foot ceilings throughout. We had remodeled the kitchen and the upstairs bathrooms recently and had no plans to move. The house is located on a cul-de-sac in a great neighborhood in the middle of the city.
After living in the house for 12 years, my wife and I had a good idea of how we would rebuild if we ever had the opportunity. We have a love for mid-century modern and the expression of structure, daylighting, and simple clean lines. Our intent was to not expand the footprint of the proposed home and only build within the rectangular shape of the existing house. For two reasons, cost, and the fact that my wife and I are minimalist by nature.
Our intent was to salvage as much of the existing structural framing as possible. After demolishing the badly damaged upper level, we were left with a very sound platform from which to build. The original house had 2 small bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and very little closet space upstairs. The decision was made early to design a large primary suite. Locating the primary bedroom with a view of the valley, and creating a spacious, daylit primary bath and closet were a priority.
The proposed living room, dining, kitchen, and office were kept in a similar location to the original house. A larger, covered deck was created as an extension of the living room to the outdoors and to the view. All spaces downstairs were completely renovated; 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 baths, a home gym, and lots of storage!
The primary roof structure of the upper floor consists of 6 – 3ply 16” deep LVL beams of various lengths bearing on the perimeter walls. One center ridge beam is set at 14’ above the floor and the others sloping to the north and south forming a gentle A frame. This creates vaulted ceilings for all spaces on the upper floor. Trapezoidal windows located just below the roof create daylit spaces and provide views of the sky.
The house was rebuilt in 10 months, and we have been living in it for almost a year. We were very fortunate to have good insurance, a competent contractor, and many friends and neighbors to help us along the way!
PHOTOGRAPHER KEN WEST
2024 MEMBERS’ CHOICE AWARD | PINNACLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
FIRM:
POLK STANLEY WILCOX ARCHITECTS
CONTRACTOR:
CDI CONTRACTORS
PROJECT TEAM:
REESE ROWLAND, FAIA
AMANDA STURGELL, AIA
WENDELL KINZLER, AIA
DIAN BARTLETT, AIA
DAVID ROGERS, AIA
ALEX WARD, ASID NCIDQ
JIM THACKER
LOCATION:
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS
A new visitor center at Pinnacle Mountain State Park weaves through the trees as a structured, undulating canopy, lightly rooted into the sloping site and forming a gateway to not only Pinnacle Mountain, but all Arkansas State Parks.
2025 | CHAPTER AWARDS
YUME RUDZINSKI, AIA | DIVERSITY AWARD
Yume Rudzinski is a licensed architect in practice for the past 25 years. She has worked on a range of public and private projects including schools, museums, hospitals, nursing homes, multi-family, and commercial buildings. As a visiting professor, she taught design studios for five years in the School of Architecture at Kansas State University and the University of Arkansas. In 2006 she founded the architectural practice, Architects 226, a collaborative practice focused on architecture as a mediator between people and the natural world. As a consultant in commercial and residential development, Yume actively contributes to building the public life of Northwest Arkansas by creating great places to live and work in a collaborative and community-focused spirit.
Yume is on the NWA ULI Management Committee and also volunteers for Canopy Northwest Arkansas and for the Rotary International Student Exchange Program. She also embraces her role as a mentor to young female professionals in the design, construction, and development fields throughout the region.
KIARA GILMORE, AIA | EMERGING PROFESSIONALS
Kiara Gilmore, AIA is an Associate and Director of Emerging Professionals at Modus Studio in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she has contributed to the firm’s creative and cultural fabric for nearly a decade. She leads award-winning projects, mentors emerging architects, and advances professional development initiatives. Kiara serves as Vice Chair of the AIA Young Architects Forum, SecretaryElect for AIA Arkansas, and is active in ULI’s Young Leaders Group. Her work, such as the LifeHouse residential facility for expecting women experiencing homelessness, reflects her belief that architecture should be inclusive, purposeful, and grounded in community.
CRAIG BOONE, AIA | MICHAEL LEJONG LEADERSHIP AWARD
I would like to thank the AIA Arkansas Board of Directors for awarding me with the Michel Lejong Leadership Award. It is truly a great honor. My architecture career started in 1987 after graduating from the School of Architecture at the University of Arkansas, now the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. I joined AIA Arkansas that same year. My early work centered around large-scale multi-family housing in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas. In 1990 I joined Architecture Plus, Inc. as an intern architect. I am now the President of the firm and have gained experience in many building types. My work in the educational field has ranged from small rural school districts to universities. My work ranges from simple classroom additions to large venue sports arenas.
I still remember the first AIA AR convention I attended. It was in Eureka Springs at the Inn of the Ozarks. We had no vendor booths, no design awards presentation, and barley banquet. That year marked a high in attendance with 40 people. We now have over 400 people attend our convention, 100 vendors or more, Bikeatecture, a golf outing and a banquet that showcases the talent of Arkansas Architects. I am proud of the growth that AIA Arkansas has achieved.
2025 | CHAPTER AWARDS
REESE ROWLAND,
FAIA | FAY JONES GOLD MEDAL
Reese Rowland, FAIA, principal at Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects, has built his career around creating spaces that connect people, place, and environment. His work—recognized with 80 awards, including over 35 national, regional, and state design awards from the AIA—demonstrates how a single idea can ripple outward to shape cities, foster community, and honor the natural world. His projects have been featured in 12 books and 25 national journals, noted for seamlessly integrating building and landscape.
Among his most acclaimed works is the Heifer International Headquarters, the South’s first LEED Platinum building, honored with a National AIA Honor Award and designation as a National AIA Top Ten Green Project. His vision for civic spaces is also reflected in the Arkansas Studies Institute and the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library, both recipients of the National AIA/ALA Library Award. He is currently leading the transformation of Little Rock’s CALS Main Library into Library Square, a connected, community-focused campus.
Reese’s leadership has earned some of the profession’s highest distinctions: elevation to the AIA College of Fellows (2014), the Governor’s Arts Award from the Arkansas Arts Council (2018), and induction into the AGC Arkansas Construction Hall of Fame. His portfolio includes many of Arkansas’s landmark projects— such as the U.S. Marshals Museum, Bank OZK Headquarters, Pine Bluff Main Library, and state park visitor centers at Pinnacle Mountain and Jacksonport—as well as national commissions for Rayonier, Florida Public Utility, and Orlando’s Evermore Resort.
Known for humility and collaboration, Reese approaches each project as an open dialogue, building trust with clients, design teams, and communities. His architecture—defined by clean lines, authentic materials, and a deep sensitivity to place—translates a client’s vision into lasting, meaningful stories.
Rooted in the Arkansas landscape where he grew up, Reese continues to draw inspiration from nature, family, and community. He and his wife, Jenny, live on a small lake in Conway, Arkansas, where their children can gather, grounding his work in the same values that have shaped his life.
2025 | REMAINING PROJECTS
PROJECT: ELEVEN EAST PLEASANT
FIRM: MODUS STUDIO
CONTRACTOR: WESTERN BUILDERS, INC.
LOCATION: AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS
PROJECT: 1ST CHOICE HEALTHCARE
FIRM: DEMX ARCHITECTURE
CONTRACTOR: BALDWIN & SHELL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
LOCATION: POCAHONTAS, AR
2025 | REMAINING PROJECTS
PROJECT: 8TH & PLATE: ASSOCIATE FOOD HALL
FIRM: MBL ARCHITECTURE
CONTRACTOR: FLINTCO CONSTRUCTION
LOCATION: BENTONVILLE, AR
PROJECT: ARGENTA PARKLETS
FIRM: AMR ARCHITECTS
CONTRACTOR: ALESSI KEYES
LOCATION: NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR
PROJECT: BLOCK 7
FIRM: MODUS STUDIO
CONTRACTOR: MODERN BUILDING, INC. + K2
DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES
LOCATION: REDDING, CALIFORNIA
PROJECT: AIRSHIP COFFEE
FIRM: JENNINGS + SANTA-RITA ARCHITECTS, PLLC
CONTRACTOR: MILESTONE CONSTRUCTION
LOCATION: BENTONVILLE, AR
PROJECT: ARKANSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
STELLA BOYLE SMITH MUSIC EDUCATION CENTER
FIRM: WER ARCHITECTS
CONTRACTOR: BAILEY CONSTRUCTION
LOCATION: LITTLE ROCK, AR
PROJECT: CARTI SURGERY CENTER
FIRM: CROMWELL ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS
CONTRACTOR: KINCO CONSTRUCTORS
LOCATION: LITTLE ROCK, AR
2025 | REMAINING PROJECTS
PROJECT: DR. MARIAN G. LACEY K-8 ACADEMY
FIRM: CROMWELL ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS
CONTRACTOR: CLARK CONTRACTORS
LOCATION: LITTLE ROCK, AR
PROJECT: EDEN’S BLUFF
FIRM: JENNINGS + SANTA-RITA ARCHITECTS
CONTRACTOR: STRONGHOLD CONSTRUCTION
LOCATION: ROGERS, AR
PROJECT: JASPER FEMA SHELTER
FIRM: MODUS STUDIO
CONTRACTOR: CIRCLE M CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, INC.
LOCATION: JASPER, AR
PROJECT: ECLIPSE RIDGE
FIRM: DEMX ARCHITECTS
CONTRACTOR: TIM EMERSON CONSTRUCTION
LOCATION: NEWTON COUNTY, AR
PROJECT: EVERMORE BOATHOUSE
FIRM: POLK STANLEY WILCOX ARCHITECT
CONTRACTOR: MEC GENERAL CONTRACTORS
LOCATION: ORLANDO, FLORIDA
PROJECT: MENYA KITAKARA
FIRM: OZARK MODERN
CONTRACTOR: ORIGINS CONSTRUCTION, LLC
LOCATION: SPRINGDALE, AR
2025 | REMAINING PROJECTS
PROJECT: LITTLE SQUIGGLES CHILDREN’S ENRICHMENT CENTER
FIRM: PAGE
CONTRACTOR: CADDELL CONSTRUCTION
LOCATION: BENTONVILLE, AR
PROJECT: SAM WALTON HALL
FIRM: MBL ARCHITECTURE
CONTRACTOR: MCCOWNGORDON CONSTRUCTION
LOCATION: BENTONVILLE, AR
PROJECT: SIMMONS BANK
FIRM: POLK STANLEY WILCOX ARCHITECTS
CONTRACTOR: FLYNCO INC.
LOCATION: PINE BLUFF, AR
PROJECT: ROCK REGION METRO HEADQUARTERS ADDITION
FIRM: AMR ARCHITECTS
CONTRACTOR: BELL CONSTRUCTION CO. INC.
LOCATION: NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR
PROJECT: SEARCY HIGH SCHOOL LION ARENA
FIRM: CROMWELL ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS
CONTRACTOR: BALDWIN & SHELL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
LOCATION: SEARCY, AR
PROJECT: SIXTH AVENUE PLAZA
FIRM: TAGGART ARCHITECTS
CONTRACTOR: NABHOLZ
LOCATION: PINE BLUFF, AR
2025 | REMAINING PROJECTS
PROJECT: SPRINGDALE SOUTHWEST JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
FIRM: WDD ARCHITECTS
CONTRACTOR: BALDWIN & SHELL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
LOCATION: SPRINGDALE, AR
PROJECT: THE EDGE: AFROFUTURIST CREATIVE SPACE IN THE BLACK HISTORIC DISTRICT
FIRM: NOB A+D, PLC
CONTRACTOR: N/A
LOCATION: FAYETTEVILLE, AR
PROJECT: WOLFE RESIDENCE FIRM: DEMX ARCHITECTURE
CONTRACTOR: GB GROUP CONSTRUCTION
LOCATION: FAYETTEVILLE, AR
PROJECT: SUE COWAN WILLIAMS LIBRARY RENOVATION & ADDITION FIRM: AMR ARCHITECTS
CONTRACTOR: CLARK CONTRACTORS
LOCATION: LITTLE ROCK, AR
PROJECT: TROUT FARM ADU FIRM: OZARK MODERN
CONTRACTOR: JON ALLEN
LOCATION: SPRINGDALE, AR
PROJECT: WORLDSPRINGS FIRM: HFA ARCHITECTURE+ENGINEERING
CONTRACTOR: ARCO/MURRAY
LOCATION: THE COLONY, TEXAS
2025 | AIA AWARD JUDGES
OMAR BAILEY, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA SHEPLEY BULFINCH
Omar Bailey is a senior architect with over 25 years of experience leading impactful design across a wide spectrum of project types, including K–12 education, higher education, non-profit community spaces, and large-scale urban developments. His career has taken him through dynamic design communities in San Francisco and Chicago, and he now practices out of Shepley Bulfinch’s Phoenix studio. Most recently, Omar completed two transformative multi-family high-rise projects in downtown Phoenix, totaling more than 1 million square feet and 715 market-rate units.
A passionate advocate for equity and representation in the built environment, Omar serves as the current president of NOMA Arizona. He is a founding member behind the NOMA Arizona Project Pipeline camp. A program that introduces middle school students to architecture and design.
Omar is also deeply engaged with AIA Arizona and AIA Phoenix Metro and frequently contributes as a guest lecturer and studio critic at Arizona State University. His work is grounded in a belief in the power of community engagement and the importance of diversity in design.
Outside the studio, Omar enjoys mountain biking, swimming, and hiking in the Arizona mountains.
MIKE KOLEJKA, AIA ORCUTT | WINSLOW
AND GHC
As Managing Partner and Senior Living Practice Leader, Mike supports our nation’s seniors by overseeing the design and construction of over $5 Billion in long term projects across the county. With nearly 22 years of experience at Grace Design Studios, Mike and his team are currently designing the latest innovative senior living for all continuums of care in the ever-growing senior living market. His unique approach to design integrates the latest technology and AI into the design of his team’s projects.
Licensed in 32 states, Mike’s practice spans from Hawaii to Virginia and from northern Idaho to south Florida…and every place in between.
Post Occupancy Evaluation is another area that Mike is passionate about since they help his team continue to enhance and improve their designs. Mike has presented over a dozen times to numerous senior living associations on a range of topics focused on making great homes for our seniors. His passion and thoughtful designs are also focused on providing the staff who who care for our veterans with a great place to work and amenities to improve quality of care.
BETSY LYNCH, AIA MULTISTUDIO PHOENIX
Betsy Lynch is an Associate Principal in Multistudio’s Phoenix office and the firm’s first Sustainability Strategist. With more than 30 years of experience focused on work in the both the private and public sector, she leads an inclusive, cross-disciplinary process to address diverse community needs. Passionate about creating sustainable building solutions with a focus on water resources and water quality, Betsy advances firmwide initiatives for carbon reduction, energy and water conservation, and equity in the built environment. She is also an active member of the Phoenix community, involved with Rio Reimagined Partnership in Arizona, AIA Arizona COTE Committee, Carbon Leadership Forum, and Down Syndrome Network of Arizona. She was also the 2021 AIA Arizona State President.
MORNING COMPETITIVE HUNT
• 4 hunters per team on private land
• Teams will be randomly paired with landowners and hunting locations
• Winning team members and landowner will share equally in grand prize
• Each hunter will receive a gift package
EVENING BANQUET
• Dinner and Drinks
• Silent and Live Auctions
• Gun Raffles
• Men’s and Women’s Raffles
• 50/50 Raffle
• Other Big Ticket Raffle Items