Business Leaders
William T. Dillard (1914-2002) - The founder of one of the nation's most successful retail chains, Dillards Department Stores. He was born in Mineral Springs, the son of a country store owner. After graduating from the University of Arkansas and earning an M.A. from Columbia, Dillard gained experience in retail at Sears before opening his own department store in 1938. In 1960 he began his growth with the purchase of Tulsa's financially troubled Brown-Dunkin. Today headquartered in Little Rock, Dillards is one of the largest major department store chains in the country.
J. B. Hunt (1927-2006) - J. B. Hunt (1927-2006) - Born near Heber Springs, he and his wife founded J.B. Hunt Transport at Lowell in 1961. The company has grown into one of America's largest and most successful transportation logistics companies. Named Arkansan of the Year in 1990, this trucking tycoon was inducted into the American Academy of Achievement in 1983.
John H. Johnson (1918-2005) - Arkansas City native and publisher who founded Negro Digest in 1942, followed by Ebony and Jet magazines. These became the most powerful African-American owned media company in the United States. He also created Fashion Fair Cosmetics. Johnson was the frist African-American to be named to the Forbes list of the 400 Richest Americans. He was awarded the "Medal of Freedom" by President Clinton on September 9, 1996.
Paul Klipsch (1904-2002) - A resident of Hope for his adult life, he was the inventor of Klipsch speakers, which are regarded among the tops in the field by audio buffs. He is considered one of America's most celebrated audio pioneers because he revolutionized the way the world listens to recorded music. The Klipschorn®, which today is still manufactured and sold worldwide, proved it was possible to reproduce the sound of a live orchestra inside a home. Member of the Audio Hall of Fame, the Engineering and Science Hall of Fame.
Jack Stephens (1923-2005) - Born on a farm near Prattsville during the Great Depression, he became of the country's major power brokers through Stephens, Inc., the largest trading company outside of Wall Street, located in Little Rock. A quiet, unassuming man, he donated millions of dollars to worthy causes, including the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences campus, the Delta Project, the U.S. Naval Academy, First Tee of Arkansas, and others. His personal art collection, of which he donated a portion of to the Arkansas Arts Center, has been recognized as one of the most important art collections in the country. He served as chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club, overseeing The Masters golf tournament.
Don Tyson (b. 1930) - Former chairman of the board of Tyson Foods, Inc., based in Springdale, the largest poultry processing company in the country. He also served as CEO for Eagle Distributing Inc. and several other businesses. Tyson now devides his time between his home in Springdale and one in Florida.
Sam Walton (1918-1992) - Newport native who founded Wal-Mart Stores. Once listed as the richest man in America by Forbes Magazine, Walton opened his first Wal-Mart in 1962 in Rogers. When he died in April 1992, the chain of stores numbered more than 1,600 in 32 states and annual sales surpassed $44 billion. The Wal-Mart chain is the fastest growing retailer in the country.
Kemmons Wilson (1913-2003) - This Osceola native founded and opened the first Holiday Inn in 1952 in Memphis. In 1953 he formed Holiday Inns of America and served as chairman and chief executive officer until 1979. After retiring, he developed the world's largest time-share establishment, Orange Lake Country Club, which is located near Disney World. He is credited with revolutionizing the lodging industry by bringing affordable and comfortable lodging to millions.
Forrest Wood (b. 1933) - Born and raised in Flippin, he founded Wood Manufacturing Company and designed the Ranger Boat, America's No. 1 bass boat. He produced his first custom-built boat in 1968. Among his many accomplishments in the bass-boat manufacturing industry are the use of steel conduit to encase electrical wiring, level flotation -- now required in all small outboard boats by the Coast Guard -- aerated live wells to allow catch and release without harming fish and the use of powerful engines. The bass tournament arm of Wood Manufacturing -- the FLW Tour -- is named after him.
The only World War I Sopwith Camel aircraft remaining in the nation, and one of only seven still existing in the world -- is displayed at the Aerospace ...
