Arkansas Business Icons

Twenty of Arkansas' young leaders show the energy and ambition and adventurous spirit that is obvious in our state’s business legends, even decades after they were in their 20s. We’re proud to introduce these New Influentials and to consider all the potential they offer our state in the decades to come. read more >

Arkansas Business presents these ten Arkansas business icons as a way to acquaint readers with the personalities behind some of the most familiar names in our state’s business community. read more >

Like her father, Alice Walton has a vision for Arkansas and faith in Arkansans. She is an icon because she has made her vision a reality that is shaping Arkansas just as Wal-Mart shaped the state and, later, the world. read more >

Warren Stephens has done more than just safeguard the fortunes of a company birthed during the Depression and founded on entrepreneurial moxie. The second-generation CEO and stakeholder took it to another level and solidified his status as a billionaire along the way. read more >

Bob Shell has not only become a leader in the Little Rock business community, but also the state’s construction industry. He is credited with pioneering construction management in the state, leading Baldwin & Shell away from the bid market to focus on landing negotiated contracts. read more >

Reynie Rutledge is president of the privately held First Security Bancorp in Searcy, the holding company for First Security Bank and its more than 70 branches across Arkansas, as well as the Little Rock bond brokerage Crews & Associates. read more >

An initial investment from money made playing football led to a real estate career that spawned a development conglomerate — made up of such companies as Lindsey & Associates and Lindsey Management — that oversees 145 apartment complexes throughout the mid-South. read more >

Hunt Ventures has thrived under Johnelle Hunt’s leadership — which she said is because she has such a talented team supporting her. Hunt Ventures owns and manages more than 1 million SF of space in northwest Arkansas and recently built the 10-story Hunt Tower in Rogers. read more >

In July, after completing two major acquisitions, Bank of the Ozarks Inc. had nearly $18 billion in total assets, making it the largest bank chartered in Arkansas. And Gleason, who has been the chairman and CEO of the company since 1979, aims to be among the largest banks in the country. read more >

Wallace Fowler, who grew up in northeast Arkansas and became one of the state’s wealthiest businessmen and bankers, says his success came from hiring the right people and making sure customers are satisfied. read more >