17 minute read
NOTABLE ARKANSANS
A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion
Serving in both their industries and in their communities, these leaders are making the Natural State a better place to live
STATEWIDE
Bill and Sharri Jones
CEO and Executive Secretary, Sissy’s Log Cabin
“Our goal at Sissy’s Log Cabin is to make each person who walks through our doors feel like family,” says CEO Bill Jones. This is a virtue he and his mother, founder Sissy Jones, have held tightly since their days of renting a log cabin in Pine Bluff to sell her treasured antique furniture and jewelry pieces. While the business has evolved over the past 51 years to now become Arkansas’s largest independently owned jeweler, Bill and his wife, Sharri, continue the legacy of both customer and community service.
One way Bill and Sharri keep the spirit of Sissy’s Log Cabin growing is to encourage staff at each of the five locations to find ways to connect with their communities. For example, in addition to helping multiple local causes, the company partnered with the Salvation Army Central Arkansas Area Command to sponsor the 2021 Angel Tree program, a cause close to the Jones family’s heart. By adopting the first angel, promoting the program in stores, and donating to ensure every child in Arkansas has a wonderful Christmas, the Jones family helped the Angel Tree program serve thousands of children in need. “For us, owning and operating Sissy’s Log Cabin is not just a job, but also a way of life. The clients we serve, the service we give, and the milestones we celebrate make each day special. We are honored to be a part of so many lives,” Bill says.
LITTLE ROCK
Shelby Meyer
Owner, Drape & Design Co.
When Shelby Meyer graduated with a degree in interior design, she had no idea she’d be running her own business five short years later. However, that’s what happened earlier this year when she purchased Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, a well-known custom soft goods studio, and rebranded it as Drape & Design Co. Shelby began her career at one of the largest fabric showrooms in Little Rock before moving to Dallas and gaining valuable experience with luxury studio Culp Associates. In 2017, she returned to Little Rock to work for Laura’s Draperies. “Laura Bass has built a successful brand and honed in on such a specific niche in our industry. When she wanted to take a step back, I was honored she passed the torch to me,” Shelby says, noting Drape & Design Co. continues to offer the same level of expertise and experience in custom draperies, bedding, upholstery, and pillows as well as blinds and shades. “I’m lucky to follow in Laura’s footsteps while bringing fresh, new ideas to our clients and community.”
Dominic Maggio, MD
The foundation of Legacy Spine and Neurological Specialists was laid in 1992 when Scott Schlesinger, MD, joined Ronald N. Williams, MD, and W. Ray Jouett upon completion of his Neurosurgery training at UT Southwestern, Dallas. This team evolved into the current Legacy Neuro practice and Legacy Surgery Center that provides minimally invasive spine surgery and care. In 2020, Dr. Dominic Maggio joined the practice after training at the University of Virginia and completing a fellowship in spinal surgery at Ohio State University. Dr. Maggio is proud to join a team of medical professionals who are active in their community as well, offering support to local schools and ALS research efforts. Members of the Legacy team are also advocates for their patients in the realm of policy. “We actively engage with our legislative leaders to ensure access to healthcare in general and for patient advocacy for the people of our state,” Dr. Maggio says. “Legacy is committed to helping Arkansans live a healthy and pain-free life. We work diligently every day to continue learning and implementing the most progressive, sophisticated, and successful techniques in order to do so.”
LITTLE ROCK
Amanda Patterson
For more than a decade, Amanda Patterson has been bettering the lives of young Arkansas women—and now, those around the nation. In 2007, she founded the Miss Arkansas High School pageant. Two years later, she took the program to the next level by launching the Miss High School America Organization as a national scholarship pageant system focused on academic achievement and community service with an adherence to high moral values. “Unlike other scholarship pageants, the Miss High School America Pageant does not have a swimsuit or talent competition. Our pageant focuses on academic achievement and community service involvement,” Amanda says. While national contestants are required to volunteer in their local communities, Miss High School America as a whole also partners with a different organization every year. In 2021, the pageant organized a toy drive for Operation Christmas Child. Now, the organization has grown to include the Miss Collegiate America and Miss Junior High School America pageants.
While the pageants have expanded to a national stage, Amanda has kept true to her roots, working to name Little Rock as the pageant’s host city since 2017. “The first year the event exceeded projected revenue for the state and had #lovelittlerock trending. Our attendees have always been impressed with Arkansas’s Southern hospitality and beauty,” she says.
LITTLE ROCK
Catherine & Dr. Brian Barron, DVM
Owners, Shackleford Road Veterinary Clinic
Husband and wife team Catherine and Dr. Brian Barron have a passion for animal care. Catherine, who runs the business side of the clinic, and Dr. Barron have invested in numerous technological and space upgrades (including a new 4,500-square-foot hospital) to provide first-rate care for pets. “We want to be the leader in not just central Arkansas, but in the state,” Catherine says. “The best way to lead is by example, and that is what we have done from day one when it comes to investing in the business and continuing education.” With this level of dedication, it comes as no surprise they give their time to a number of animal-care causes. Dr. Barron is on the board for Central Arkansas Rescue Efforts (CARE), and the two also volunteer with the Pulaski County Humane Society and Friends of the Little Rock Animal Village, where they help to microchip pets. In addition, they sponsor numerous adopt-a-pet events. Dr. Barron also serves on the Catholic High Alumni Board, an organization dear to his heart.
LITTLE ROCK
Lee Ann Bradbury, Lydia Penick, and Grace Hoffman
Gift and Tabletop Consultants, Tipton & Hurst
Founded in 1886, Tipton & Hurst has a long history of providing Arkansans with exquisite floral design for every occasion and helping create beautiful homes. Their Heights location is a full-service, high-end retail experience for shoppers, offering gifts, tabletop items, décor, and more. This aspect of the business is helmed by Grace Hoffman, Lydia Penick, and Lee Ann Bradbury. The consultants not only serve Arkansas brides and grooms during one of the happiest times of their lives, but also help turn their houses into homes over the years with thoughtful entertaining pieces and decorative accents.
“Recently, we’ve seen a strong resurgence in fine tabletop wares, with many shoppers selecting dinner and salad plates to coordinate with inherited patterns,” Grace says. She specifically worked with Tipton & Hurst to create the finest gift registry, offering beautiful tablewares. Lee Ann and Lydia joined the team after many years of combined retail experience. “We have a plethora of items for the entire home, including picture frames, candles, vases, and home accessories,” Lydia adds. This knowledgeable and helpful team of women are a resource for anyone who wants to add to a tabletop collection, update their home accents, or excel when it comes to gift giving. “We pride ourselves on our experience, and we strongly believe we have the most knowledgeable team in Arkansas,” Lee Ann says.
EL DORADO Pam Griffin
President & CEO, Murphy Arts District
As leader of Murphy Arts District, Pam Griffin is playing an integral role in the renewed interest in South Arkansas as a travel destination. “We are located in the heart of downtown El Dorado, surrounded by a beautiful historic district which includes restaurants, shopping, and boutique hotels— all within walking distance,” the Hope native says. While the Murphy Arts District opened in 2017, Pam has been involved with groups fostering community enrichment and economic development since before the organization’s official formation; she served as chairman and treasurer of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, and has also been involved with the South Arkansas Arts Center and Main Street El Dorado. Now, the Murphy Arts District collaborates with these fellow nonprofits and others to present a calendar of quality entertainment events yearround, including concerts, outdoor movies, food and wine festivals, and even a holiday outdoor skating rink—all enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. “Come enjoy a concert and a wonderful weekend get-away in El Dorado,” Pam says.
101 E. Locust St. | 870.444.3007 | eldomad.com | @eldomad
BENTONVILLE
Sandi Macklom
Baker, Sandi Sue’s Gluten Free Bakery
Having transitioned to a glutenfree diet nearly a decade ago, Sandi Macklom knew first-hand the lack of options in Northwest Arkansas for tasty treats without gluten. In 2020, she had more time than ever at home to experiment with different confections. “After lots of trial and error, I had some delicious recipes on my hands,” she says. With 25 years of experience in retail, she launched Sandi Sue’s Gluten Free Bakery—first from her home kitchen, then at a storefront in Bentonville’s 8th Street Market in September 2021. “The response to the bakery has been overwhelming. Time and time again I hear from people who haven’t had apple pie, brownies, or muffins in so long because they had been diagnosed with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance,” she says. “Too many gluten-free people eat different food than their families because of the taste. I want to change that. Just because it’s gluten free doesn’t mean it has to taste like it!”
801 SE 8th St. | sandisuegfb.com | @sandisuegfb
LITTLE ROCK
Larry West
Owner and Lead Designer, L West Jr. Designs
Ask Larry West’s mother, and she would tell you his eye for design began at the age of 3 when he started rearranging the furniture in his bedroom and later moved on to a complete renovation of his sister’s Barbie Dream House. This passion led him to launch his own business in 1995, where he helps both residential and commercial clients achieve their design goals.
While Larry loves his day job, he says he gets the most joy from giving back to his community. “My business has been successful in large part because this community has embraced me and, in turn, my team,” he says. “We all care deeply for this city and we want to help it grow. It feels good to be a part of making that happen.” For the past 24 years, Larry has donated his time and energy to the Arkansas Symphony Designer House, which benefits the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Guild’s efforts to raise money for youth music education programs.
BENTONVILLE
Julie R. Rodriguez, CLIPP
Founder and lead designer, éLAN Creative
Julie Rodriguez’s intention had always been to work in the medical field; however, life had other plans for her. After she began a career in interior design, she found she was right where she needed to be to make a difference. “I began to embrace how good design changes lives—in ways both big and small— and started noticing what an impact my expertise had on my clients,” she says. To expand on this, she launched éLAN Creative, an interior design-build firm specializing in high-end design and turnkey construction. “We design functional solutions to improve our clients’ quality of life, work, and play,” Julie says. “It’s extremely important to me to design through the lens of how it will be to live in a space and what is needed for people to flourish mentally, emotionally, and physically.” In addition, Julie supports Habitat for Humanity and serves as president of the Ozarks chapter of Savvy Giving by Design, where she designs for area children who have been diagnosed with lifethreatening conditions. “I also enjoy sharing my experience with new designers,” she says.”I believe fostering community makes us all better!”
LITTLE ROCK
Dustin McDaniel
Partner, McDaniel Wolff & Benca, PLLC
From his early days as a member of The Arkansas House of Representatives to his two terms as Arkansas Attorney General, Dustin McDaniel has lived a life dedicated to public service. Based in Little Rock and licensed in Washington D.C., he now uses his expertise to manage matters involving Attorney General investigations, administrative law issues, and multistate litigation with his firm McDaniel Wolff & Benca. His firm specializes in advocating for business clients of all sizes, and they have been consistently recognized as one of the most successful State Attorney General practices in the U.S. On a more personal level, Dustin recently co-chaired the 45th Annual Barrister Gala for the William H. Bowen School of Law where he also serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board. In January 2022, he begins his role as an adjunct professor of law teaching a course on State Attorneys General. His wife, Bobbi McDaniel, works for the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.
WILSON
Andrew Podoll
Head of School, The Delta School
The Delta School was founded in 2014 with a mission of “nourishing every child’s strengths so they are able to form healthy relationships, discover meaningful work, and make unique contributions to the world.” At the helm of this unconventional elementary, intermediate, and high school program is Andrew Podoll. “My passion for rural education runs deep, and my philosophy on reimagining education is one that guides my approach in leading our school,” he says. “We move the ‘schooling’ beyond the classroom. Our students are encouraged to question everything, be brave in their thinking, and dream boldly in how they solve problems they encounter.” The Delta School draws from its location on acres of farmland to create student experiences based around agriculture as well as art, design, and entertainment through partnerships around the state. Andrew hopes the school will inspire a greater trend in creative schooling throughout the country. “It is time for bigger educational change, and we are proud to say this innovative shift is happening here in northeast Arkansas.”
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Kayla Norris
Owner, Marketing Main Street
With more than a decade of experience in media, Kayla Norris knows the industry inside and out. That’s why, when she moved back to Northwest Arkansas in 2019, she recognized a void she had the capability to fill: helping small, local businesses market themselves. “Arkansas is full of business owners with incredible ideas and fantastic products or services. However, the challenge for them is spreading the word,” she says. With this in mind, Kayla founded Marketing Main Street to guide small businesses through branding, public relations, digital strategies, and traditional media buying. “I’m here to uncomplicate the challenges that advertising your business can present,” she says. Kayla and her team help clients—who include home professionals, doctors, gift shops, and bakeries, among others— stand out in their industries. “Our services give business owners the time to do what they love,” she says. “Local businesses are the life of our state, and empowering them to do what they’re great at every day is how we’re making our mark.”
479.420.6699 | marketing-mainstreet.com | @marketingmainst
LITTLE ROCK
Derek Brown, PhD, LPC
By creating safe, healthy environments, Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries is invested in the future of our state’s most vulnerable children. At the helm is Derek Brown, PhD, LPC, who started out as a professional counselor for the organization. “I saw the brokenness and healing that occurs within families, and this fueled a passion to help make a greater impact for future generations,” he says. Founded in 1894, the nonprofit has expanded to encompass five ministries serving children and families through foster care and adoption, counseling, and advocacy. All Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries caseworkers are trained in traumainformed care, place a high priority on keeping sibling groups together, and work toward a goal of reunification with biological families when possible. “Our vision is for a better Arkansas,” Derek says. “We are on a mission to cultivate healthy families for the next generation to experience healthy futures.”
10 Remington Drive | 501.410.1567 | arkansasfamilies.org | @arkansas_families
LITTLE ROCK
Chris H. Olsen
Owner, Botanica Gardens Landscape
Chris H. Olsen’s name is synonymous with two of central Arkansas’s most beloved retail nurseries, Botanica Gardens and Plantopia Home & Garden Center, and a historic home venue, The Edgemont House. But he is probably best known as the leading designer behind Botanica Gardens Landscape.
Born in Connecticut and raised in San Diego, Chris has called Arkansas home for 30 years. He is inspired by the natural colors and landscapes found in the state. His eclectic experience and personality show through his projects both residential and commercial. Botanica Gardens Landscape strives to lead the market with inspired outdoor living spaces and gardens. “It’s all about cool, different designs. Rest assured that when working with me, your design won’t be ‘cookie-cutter,’” Chris says. “My ultimate goal is to make your neighbors jealous—in a good way, of course!”
Botanica Gardens Landscape is also known for its complex hardscape designs and installations, from pools, water features, and spas to patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens, and entertainment areas. For the final layer, Chris will oversee installation of the perfect plantings, lighting, irrigation, and drainage for your project, too.
1601 Rebsamen Park Road | 501.614.3000 botanicagardens.com | chrisholsen.com | @chrisbotanicagardens
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CENTRAL & NW ARKANSAS
Ray Ellen
Founder, Pixel Properties Realty
Having worked as a Realtor since 2007, Ray Ellen became tired of what he refers to as the “old model” of real estate where agents work for brokerage companies & received very little in return. He envisioned a better way to help agents provide exceptional service for clients buying or selling one of their largest assets. “What good is knowing what to say to convince someone to work with you if you cannot provide the quality of service they deserve?” Ray says. “I wanted to create a brokerage that helped agents perfect their craft while also operating like a media company; telling the story of our sellers, buyers, agents, and our communities.” From this idea, Pixel Properties was created in 2018.
“We are trusted professionals who are backed by an innovative, active real estate brokerage that is resetting the standard across the nation and the world,” Ray says. Both the idea and brand have grown rapidly, giving Ray the opportunity to represent the state by sharing his model at conferences with other top agents around the world. In addition to providing their clients with first-rate service, Pixel Properties loves giving back to the community & supporting causes their agents are involved with such as the Arkansas Foodbank, the Summit Church, and Project Zero.
