This special feature honors men who have distinguished themselves through talent, dedication, and service.
From attorneys to insurance executives, to leaders in the community, healthcare, the arts, and real estate, these men embody the strengths that enrich the River Valley.
Their stories reflect not just success in their chosen fields, but a lasting impact on the people and communities they serve. We are proud to recognize our 2025 Men of Merit.
This special feature honors men who have distinguished themselves through talent, dedication, and service.
From attorneys to insurance executives, to leaders in the community, healthcare, the arts, and real estate, these men embody the strengths that enrich the River Valley.
Their stories reflect not just success in their chosen fields, but a lasting impact on the people and communities they serve. We are proud to recognize our 2025 Men of Merit.
Dr. Varant Arzoumanian
Oncologist
Hematologist
Baptist Cancer Center
Chuck King
Executive Director Alma Education & Arts Foundation
Skokos Performing Arts
Shannon Schmidly
Executive Vice President
Commercial Insurance
BHC Insurance
Chuck Fawcett
Owner
Caddell Reynolds
Caddell Reynolds
Senior VP-Chief of Staff
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
Principal Broker
Chuck Fawcett Realty
Ryan
State Representative
Kendall Wagner, MD
Physician – Owner
Chaffee Crossing Clinic
Aspire Aesthetics
For Fred Caddell, the law is about far more than winning cases, it’s about standing firm for what’s right. As a partner at Caddell Reynolds, he approaches each challenge with determination and a deep respect for the people he serves. Fred’s generosity of time, resources, and spirit reaches far beyond the office, touching countless lives, a reflection of his steadfast faith and servant-hearted leadership.
HOMETOWN
Paris, AR
HOBBIES
Hunting, fishing, travel, scuba diving
DREAM TRIP
Anywhere with my children or grandchildren
FAVORITES
Music: Led Zeppelin
Movie: Napoleon Dynamite
Local Restaurant: George’s Restaurant
Snack: Candy bars
Beverage: Coca-Cola
What's something others would be surprised to learn about you?
I am an Eagle Scout. During Covid, when everything was closed, we opened our property to local Scout troops for summer camps, a tradition that continues to this day.
What is the most underrated secret ingredient to success? Putting the time in.
What book, quote, or philosophy do you return to often? "It’s never wrong to do the right thing," Robert De Niro, The Intern
What keeps you coming back to your job every day? It’s the people. Those I work with and for. They give me a sense of purpose.
To whom do you credit your moral or ethical code? My mother.
What is the secret to overcoming adversity? Never quit. Continue to work the problem.
What is your proudest accomplishment? My children.
What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps?
Understand there are no 40-hour weeks.
What’s your hidden talent? Abundant energy.
How would your family describe you?
Hardworking, funny and mischievous, according to my 8-year-old granddaughter.
What do you love most about what you do?
Working with very talented people while helping others in need.
Attorney
Caddell Reynolds Law Firm | 5 years
Kirby McDonald’s approach to law blends sharp expertise with a genuine interest in people’s lives. At Caddell Reynolds, he’s known for making clients feel heard and understood, especially when facing life’s hardest moments. Away from the firm, you’re just as likely to find him enjoying time outdoors with his family as you are seeing him in the community, giving his time and energy to others.
HOMETOWN
Valley Springs, AR
HOBBIES
Hiking, hunting, floating, lake time
DREAM TRIP
Argentina
What motivates you to lead?
Music: Rock, Blues, and a little John Prine
TV Series/Movie: Arrested Development / Cool Hand Luke
Local Restaurant: Atlas for date night; La Huerta for comfort food
I want my family to be proud of who I am, and my community to feel I’m a worthy return on their investment in me.
How do you stay engaged in the community?
Supporting local events! I serve on the Valley Springs Foundation, where we fund scholarships for graduates entering trades and support local projects like park improvements, lighting, and resources for youth programs. It’s a way to keep investing in the next generation, just as others once invested in me.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
“Keep your nose to the grindstone.” My dad lived it, and it’s guided me in everything.
What book or philosophy do you return to?
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! It’s a reminder of optimism despite life’s challenges.
What’s the hardest way you’ve learned a lesson?
Failure, it’s tough, but often the best teacher.
What’s something you’d relive if you could?
My first long date with my wife, when I knew I wanted to marry her.
Who shaped your moral code?
My dad, grandpa, and mentors Jeff Slaton and Bill Reynolds. They exemplify hard work and always doing your job to the best of your ability in an ethical and moral fashion.
What would you tell your 18-year-old self?
Live up to your own expectations, travel while you can, and enjoy the moment.
What’s your proudest community contribution?
Helping launch and grow the Technical School Scholarship for Valley Springs students; opening doors to careers and futures they may have never imagined.
Senior Pastor, Victory Church Fort Smith | 2 Years
State Representative, District 48 | 2nd Term
Ryan Rose’s life and work are grounded in faith, service, and the belief that perseverance shapes leaders. As both a pastor and state representative, he’s committed to strengthening families, guiding the next generation, and standing up for the values he believes in. Whether speaking from the pulpit, shaping policy, or mentoring youth, Ryan strives to leave things better than he found them.
HOMETOWN
Van Buren, AR
HOBBIES
Playing sports with my kids, camping, reading, John Bell Jr. Art
DREAM TRIP
The Maldives
Music: Live worship & contemporary Christian
TV Show: Band of Brothers
Local Restaurant: JC’s BBQ
Snack: Twizzlers
Sport: Basketball
How do you support the community?
I see serving my community as a calling. From supporting Leadership Crawford County to the Fort Smith and Van Buren Chambers, I work to strengthen small businesses and future leaders. I back first responders, coach youth basketball, and support local events. To me, leadership means showing up; in offices, on courts, and alongside neighbors in Crawford and Sebastian counties.
What is the best decision you've ever made?
Accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and marrying Tiffany, my college sweetheart; she’s my hero and love of my life.
What makes a good man, in your opinion?
Surround yourself with people who will be honest, encouraging, and help you grow. Pass on what you’ve learned to others.
What's your best advice for others wanting to follow your path?
Start with faith, invest in your family, and make church a priority. Success at work means little if your home life is falling apart.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?
For my children: faith in Christ, belief that hard work makes anything possible, and a deep value for family and friends. I hope our lives show that perfection isn’t the goal, faithfulness, resilience, and love are, and that they dream big, serve well, and go further than we ever could.
What experiences shaped you into the man you are today?
Marriage, raising three kids, ministry, public office, and walking with Tiffany through two cancer battles have strengthened my faith and resolve to lead with integrity.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I taught myself to juggle. I've even juggled $300,000 in a vault once.
What is the most underrated ingredient to success?
Never quit. As my dad said, “Inch by inch, it’s a cinch. Yard by yard, it’s kind of hard.”
After nearly three decades with BHC Insurance, Shannon Schmidly shows up daily with the same drive and heart that first led him into the business. He’s built lasting relationships on a foundation of trust, service, and a willingness to go the extra mile. Outside of the office, Shannon’s love for the outdoors and commitment to give back keep him connected to the people and places he values most.
Fort Smith, AR
HOBBIES
Spending time with my family, cycling, bowhunting, duck hunting, and crappie fishing
DREAM TRIP
Anywhere with my family
Music: Country
TV Series/Movie: The Diplomat/ Lonesome Dove
Local Restaurant: Uncork’d and George's
Snack: Venison summer sausage
How do you stay engaged with our community, outside of work?
Community Bible Church member, past Trustee at Church, Leader of young adults fellowship group, past C.A.S.A Board President and board member, past Lincoln Childcare board member, past Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame Board Member.
What keeps you coming back to your job every day?
Serving our customers, our great employees, and mentoring new producers.
What is the best advice you ever received?
It’s never wrong to do the right thing.
What is something you cannot live without?
Sweets!
What do you love most about what you do?
Serving clients, building relationships, and creating employment that attracts young people.
What is one thing you would tell your 18-year-old self?
Don’t be afraid to start a career in a field you have never considered.
What's the most important life lesson that time has taught you?
You will never regret time invested in your family and others.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Marrying my wife, Heidi, and my children.
What's something others would be surprised to learn about you?
I make pepper jelly every year with peppers out of my garden!
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?
One that shows I invested more time in people and how I treated them, than worldly things or achievements.
How would your family and close friends describe you?
Loyal and trustworthy.
Physician / Owner: Chaffee Crossing Clinic
Aspire Medical Aesthetics & Wellness | 15 years
Medicine is as much about building trust as it is science. At Chaffee Crossing Clinic and Aspire Aesthetics, Dr. Kendall Wagner blends advanced, evidence-based care with genuine connection, helping patients feel healthier, more confident, and more empowered in their daily lives. Guided by faith and a lifelong dedication to learning, he strives to inspire hope and purpose in every person he serves.
HOMETOWN
Waldron, AR
HOBBIES
Traveling, golf
DREAM TRIP
Mediterranean Cruise
FAVORITES
Music: Modern
Contemporary Christian
Beverage: Sparkling water
Local Restaurant: Piatto
What motivates you to lead in business, life, or in our community?
I’ve always believed in hard work. Since sixth grade, I’ve chased knowledge, back then reading the New England Journal of Medicine for fun, and I’ve never stopped learning.
What values guide your decisions the most?
As a Physician, first, do no harm. Then, ask how I can bring the greatest good to my patients.
What is one professional challenge you’ve faced, and how did it shape your approach to success?
Not being selected for a surgical internship in college. It taught me to pivot, explore new paths, and never let rejection define me.
What keeps you coming back to your job every day?
Seeing patients and clients gain the health, confidence, and energy to pursue their purpose.
Are you involved with any nonprofits?
I’ve served as President of the Board for Harvest Time Academy since 2019, helping grow it from 20 preschoolers to 300 students.
To whom do you credit your moral or ethical code?
My father. He led with hard work, high expectations, and unwavering integrity.
What is the secret to overcoming adversity?
Faith, relentless effort, and refusing to quit.
What makes a good man?
Faithful, truthful, and generous—in his family, work, and community.
What’s something you can’t live without?
Coffee! Hot or iced, all day long.
What’s the most underrated ingredient to success? Tenacity.
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Oncologist / Hematologist
Baptist Health Cancer Center | 17 years
Dr. Varant Arzoumanian’s life and work are anchored in faith, compassion, and a relentless commitment to his patients. Whether navigating the latest advances in cancer treatment or offering comfort in life’s most difficult moments, he leads with integrity and heart. Inspired daily by the courage of those he serves, Dr. Arzoumanian finds joy in walking beside them, celebrating victories, and offering strength through the storms.
HOMETOWN
Beirut, Lebanon
HOBBIES
Running, biking, and skiing
DREAM TRIP Road trip across Italy
FAVORITES
Music: Classic Rock
Movie: The Notebook
Beverage: Fresh-pressed carrot juice
Local Restaurant: BluPoint
Sport: Soccer
What keeps you coming back to your job every day?
My patients. They are the greatest part of what I do, teaching me faith, sacrifice, and dignity in the face of pain. Walking with them through treatment is an honor, and telling someone, “You’re in remission,” is pure joy.
What do you love most about what you do?
The closeness with my community and the science. Watching cancer treatment evolve from having no tools to, in some cases, finding cures.
What makes a good man, in your opinion?
A man who knows how to love. Love of God, family, neighbor, and community leaves no room for harm.
What is the best decision you have ever made?
This one is easy - marrying my wife! And moving to Fort Smith.
What role does faith play in your life?
It’s my compass and anchor. No matter how dark or uncertain the path, faith keeps me steady.
What is the secret to overcoming adversity?
Perseverance, staying positive, and refusing to doubt yourself.
What book, quote, or philosophy do you return to often?
The Bible, it answers my questions, gives me wisdom, and brings me joy.
What is the most underrated secret ingredient to success?
Engaging fully, being fearless and all in.
Something you would tell your 18-year-old self?
Keep going. It’s like Bob Marley’s song says, “‘Cos ev’ry little thing ‘Sgonna be alright."
What values guide your decisions the most? Integrity and compassion, always.
Chuck Fawcett’s roots in real estate run deep, but it’s his commitment to building relationships that has earned him the trust of clients and colleagues. As the face behind Chuck Fawcett Realty, he treats every interaction as more than just business, it’s a chance to help someone move forward. His passion for the River Valley is evident in both his professional success and dedication to supporting local causes.
HOMETOWN
Fort Smith, AR
HOBBIES
Floating in my pool listening to my audiobooks
DREAM TRIP
Revisit Africa
FAVORITES
Music: Country
Movie: Hallmark Christmas movies
Beverage: Sonic Route 44
Cherry Dr. Pepper
Sport: Razorback Football
What motivates you to lead?
The chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives in our community. Seeing someone achieve a goal or find hope again keeps me going every day.
What values guide your decisions the most?
Faith and love. If you lead with both, the rest will follow.
What is one professional challenge you’ve faced?
Finding balance between my career and family. I learned to be intentional with my time, delegate, and be present when I’m with my loved ones.
How do you stay engaged with our community outside of work?
Through years of work with nonprofits like the Children’s Emergency Shelter, Bost, and Habitat for Humanity. Helping build the shelter alongside my friend Charlie Mock is one of my proudest memories.
What book, quote, or philosophy do you return to often?
The Holy Bible. It guides how I live, lead, and treat others.
What keeps you coming back to your job every day?
A deep sense of responsibility, and the desire to make a positive difference in every interaction.
What is something you cannot live without?
My family. They are my reason, my legacy, and the heart behind everything I do.
What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you?
Patience. The right things come together when they’re meant to.
What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?
I watch Hallmark Christmas movies year-round. They’re a perfect reminder that happy endings still exist.
What’s the most underrated secret ingredient to success?
A happy home life. Peace and love at home make everything else possible.
Executive Director, Alma Education and Arts
Foundation/Skokos Performing Arts | 4 Years
Charles “Chuck” King believes the arts can transform communities. At the Skokos Performing Arts Center, his leadership is driven by a desire to create opportunities for others to enjoy the magic of live performance and inspire young people toward higher education through Foundation Scholarships. With a warm presence and collaborative spirit, Chuck turns big visions into reality, enriching the community in culture and connection.
HOMETOWN
Del City, OK
HOBBIES
Watercolor, gardening, being Pappy to my 4 grandchildren
DREAM TRIP
An Amtrack trip across the Northwest
FAVORITES
Music: Israeli Artist
Yonatan Razel
Movie: Dances with Wolves
Local Restaurant: AJ’s Oyster House
Snack: Popcorn
What book, quote, or philosophy do you return to often?
2 Corinthians 12:9. My grace is sufficient for thee… for my power is made perfect in weakness.
What keeps you coming back to your job every day?
Knowing our work benefits countless young people who will one day be our leaders, and the joy of working alongside creative, likeminded people.
What is the best advice you ever received?
Stop wishing for a “normal” life, you’ll never have one!
Are you involved with any nonprofits?
I serve on the Board of Hometown Alma, working to beautify our historic downtown and host events that draw people to our city.
What do you love most about what you do?
The chance to inspire people through art, in any form.
What is the best decision you have ever made?
Moving my family to Jerusalem in 1997 to work in the arts. It changed the course of our lives.
What is the secret to overcoming adversity?
Surround yourself with strong, capable, praying people, and marry a woman who always has your back.
What's the most important life lesson that time has taught you?
Calm down. Rest. Things look better after a nap.
What makes a good man, in your opinion?
A strong work ethic, a person of honesty, respect and integrity.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Directing The Diary of Anne Frank for the Jerusalem English Speaking Theatre Company.
What is the most underrated secret ingredient to success? Be a servant to those you lead.
Senior Vice President / Chief of Staff
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education | 5.5 years
Les Smith’s career has been defined by his ability to see both the big picture and the human side of every decision. Whether in business or in service, he approaches his work with humility and a desire to help others succeed. Known for his steady leadership and approachable manner, he continues to make an impact that’s felt far beyond boardrooms and project plans.
HOMETOWN
Roland, OK
HOBBIES
Traveling, Real Estate
DREAM TRIP
The Holy Land
FAVORITES
Music: Country
TV Series: Suits
Local Restaurant: Rolando's
Snack: Chips and Salsa
Sport: College Baseball
What book, quote, or philosophy do you return to often?
The Bible and books from John Maxwell.
What is the best advice you ever received?
A mentor gave me a picture of a small, weathered jon boat with the caption, “Captains of great ships start here.” It taught me humility; I still keep it on my desk.
Are you involved with any nonprofits?
I serve on the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club Board, the Mercy Community Board, and have long supported United Way.
What is the hardest way you have learned an important lesson?
Trusting people who lacked the skill or integrity to act in my best interest.
What is the best decision you have ever made?
Marrying my wife.
To whom do you credit your moral or ethical code?
My parents. They instilled honesty, integrity, and accountability.
What is the secret to overcoming adversity?
Keep perspective, focus on what you can control, and keep moving forward.
What's the most important life lesson that time has taught you?
Everyone has a story, and things aren’t always as they appear— be kind.
What makes a good man, in your opinion?
Integrity, loyalty and humility.
How have your experiences shaped you into the man you are today?
They’ve made me more understanding and open to trying new things.
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) is dedicated to improving healthcare in our commun Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM), the Master of Science in Biomedicine, the Mas Therapy, and the School of Occupational Therapy ACHE is actively pursuing innovative ways to increase access to both the prevention and treatment of prevalent health conditions in Arkansas and neighboring states. In addition, ACHE established the ACHE Research Institute Health and Wellness Center one of the largest biomedical research facilities in the U S affiliated with osteopathic medicine
