40 Under 40: The State’s Top Challenges and the Path Forward

Daveante Jones, Caleb Ingram and Adrian Harris

What’s the top challenge facing Arkansas? And how can the state become more attractive to young professionals?

How the 2025 class of 40 Under 40 honorees answers those questions could shape the state’s future.

Here’s what they had to say.

The top challenge facing Arkansas

Daveante Jones, Partner, Wright Lindsey Jennings

“The refusal to lead with empathy and embrace people who think differently than you.”

Caleb Ingram, Owner & Founder, Iron-Vac

“For us, it has been the rising cost of skilled labor.”

Adrian Harris, Compliance Adviser-Industry Engagement, Midcontinent Independent System Operator

“Arkansas is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather, including tornadoes and flooding. Recent events have caused widespread damage, power outages and fatalities, highlighting the need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies.”

Will Ford, Chief Operating Officer, Westrock Coffee Co.

“Education and safety.”

Jess Westbrook, Founder & Executive Director, The Mayfly Project

“There are approximately 3,500 children in Arkansas in the foster care system currently. In my experience, Arkansas has many wonderful case workers and foster families who stand in the gap for these kids. But the more support we can give the kids and their foster families, the better. That’s exactly what we hope to do at The Mayfly Project.”

Stephanie Sharp, Senior Communications & External Affairs Strategist, Summit Utilities Inc.

“I believe one of Arkansas’s greatest opportunities is expanding equal access to quality jobs, education and health care, especially in regions like the Delta. There’s incredible potential across the state, and when all communities have the tools to thrive, Arkansas becomes stronger and more connected.”

Andre Bernard, Asset Manager, BSR Real Estate Investment Trust

“Continuing to narrow the gaps in the significant socioeconomic disparities throughout.”

Kyle Reynolds, Managing Member, RBG Permian

“Not having enough money. If we are going to compete in the SEC, we simply have to build a more robust NIL collective to support our student athletes. While we have had success in other sports, football simply doesn’t have the resources it needs to field a competitive team. As you can tell, I think the state of Arkansas is in pretty good shape if my mind goes straight to football when I read the question. WPS!”

Hunter Smith, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, GPS Dental

“Mosquitoes and tornadoes.”

Bourgon Reynolds, Managing Member – Northwest Arkansas, Rose Law Firm

“Housing. In northwest Arkansas, housing prices are astronomically high, and the housing market is struggling to keep up with the rapidly expanding population.”

Making Arkansas more attractive to young professionals

Abtin Mehdizadegan, Equity Partner, Hall Booth Smith PC

“A well-funded public education system with affordable child care options.”

William Little, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, GPS Dental

“No state income tax.”

Will Ford, Chief Operating Officer, Westrock Coffee Co.

“More walkability.”

Ashley Wheeler, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Arkansas

“More opportunities to own a home in the places they desire to work.”

Abigail Stoll, Owner & Founder, Cross Hope by RestAura

“A younger community network and more available mentorship opportunities.”