Best of the Best Magazine 2019 by Times Record

best Readers Choice Awards | Sunday, October 6, 2019

The River Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

A special publication of the

2 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

Categories

Welcome note:

6-14 beauty & health

16-31

food & drink

35-43

home & finance

ach year, the Times Record staff is amazed at the outpouring of public feedback when we ask for nominations, and then votes, for the best businesses in the River Valley area. This year was no different. We saw participation from almost 19,000 people who cast more than 500,000 votes in one or more of the 200+ possible categories. This very special publication represents the culmination of this participation, which started back in May with open nominations. After several weeks of writeins from the public, we compiled the highest number of nominations to get the top five businesses for each category. These were then voted on by the general public in August to create the top-three businesses readers will see in this publication. Even in this great diversity of business types and sizes, we typically see some commonalities. To be in the top three, typically you’ll see: great customer service, a passion for what they do and a commitment to their word. It’s those qualities we see, that make the staff at the Times Record proud to be part of this growing celebration. We thank local businesses throughout the region for their hard work and for making this region a better place to live, play and work. We’re pretty sure we echo the sentiments of thousands throughout our region. They already said as much with their vote. –RJ Benner, Publisher | rbenner@swtimes.com

76-79

travel & entertainment

45-48

kids & education

52-61 Services

50-51

people and places

63-72

shopping & commerce

80-83

vehicle dealers & service

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 3

stories Gina Washburn, Assurance Realty ��11 Center for Hearing �� 15 Clean Cookin’ ��20 Kevin Clifton Real Estate ��22 O’Neal Real Estate ��26 Jody’s Auto Center ��32 Beau Sparkman, DDS, PA ��37

Cambered Customs ��42 Lyons Plumbing & Customer Designs ��49 Papa’s Pub ��54 Shirley’s Tax Service ��65 Elite Roofing �� 69 Studio Platinum Salon & Spa ��82 Harry Robinson Buick GMC �� 90

sub categories Allergist ��6 Audiologist ��6 Barber ��6 Chiropractor ��6 Cosmetic Surgeon ��6 Counseling Services ��7 Dentist ��7 Dermatologist ��7 Emergency Room ��7 ENT Doctor ��7 Family Physician ��8 Fitness Center/Gym ��8 Hair Salon ��8 Hearing Aid Center ��8 Heart Doctor ��8 Home Health Care ��9 Hospital ��9 Manicure/Pedicure ��9 Massage Therapist ��9 Medical Supply ��9 OB/GYN Doctor �� 10 Ophthalmologist �� 10 Optometrist �� 10 Orthodontist �� 10 Orthopedic Doctor �� 10 Pediatric Dentist ��12 Pediatrician ��12 Pharmacy/Drug Store ��12 Physical Therapist ��12 Place to Have a Baby ��12 Skin Care ��13 Spa/Medical Spa ��13 Tanning Salon ��13 Walk-in Medical Clinic ��13 Weight Loss Services ��13 Women’s Health Center ��14 Asian Restaurant �� 16 Bakery �� 16 Bar �� 16 BBQ �� 16 Breakfast �� 16 Brew Pub/Craft Beer ��21 Brunch ��21 Buffet/Salad Bar ��21 Burgers ��21 Carry Out ��21 Catering �� 23 Catfish �� 23 Chicken Wings �� 23 Coffee Shop �� 23 Country Cooking �� 23 Dessert Shop ��24 Dining Experience ��24 Donuts ��24 Fine Dining ��24

Food Truck ��24 French Fries ��25 Fried Chicken ��25 Frozen Treats ��25 International Cuisine ��25 Italian Restaurant ��25 Liquor Store ��28 Margarita ��28 Mexican Restaurant ��28 New Restaurant ��28 Outdoor Dining ��28 Pizza Restaurant ��29 Place to go for happy hour ��29 Romantic Restaurant ��29 Sandwich Shop ��29 Seafood Restaurant ��29 Sports Bar ��31 Steaks ��31 Sushi ��31 Wine List ��31 Accountant ��35 Apartment Complex ��35 Assisted Living Center ��35 Bank ��35 Credit Union ��35 Electrician ��38 Home Builder ��38 Home Contractor/Remodeling ��38 Home Security ��38 Insurance Agent ��38 Investment Firm ��40 Mortgage Lender ��40 Moving Services ��40 Nursing Home ��40 Pools/Spas ��40 Real Estate Agent ��41 Real Estate Company ��41 Restoration Services ��41 Retirement Community ��41 Roofing Company ��41 Siding/Windows Company ��43 Tree Service ��43 College ��45 Dance School ��45 Day Care ��45 Gymnastics ��45 Learning Center/Tutor ��45 Martial Arts School ��48 Pre-school ��48 Private School ��48 Public School ��48 Citizen of the Year ��50 Elected Official ��50 Green Business ��50

4 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

Local Tourist Attraction ��50 New Business ��50 Non-Profit Organization ��51 Park ��51 Place to Work ��51 Place to Worship ��51 Volunteer ��51 Attorney/Law Firm ��52 Auction Company ��52 Bail Bond Company ��52 Body Piercing ��52 Car Wash/Detail ��52 Carpet Cleaning ��53 Custom Upholstery ��53 Customer Service ��53 Divorce Attorney ��53 Dry Cleaner ��53 Employment Agency ��56 Florist ��56 Funeral Home ��56 Heating & Air Service Company ��56 House Cleaning Service ��56 Insurance Agency ��57 Lawncare Service Company ��57 Locksmith ��57 Pest Control ��57 Pet Groomer ��57 Pet Services or Training ��59 Photographer ��59 Plumber ��59 Recording Studio ��59 Satellite/Cable Service or Internet Provider ��59 Self Storage Company �� 61 Tattoo Parlour �� 61 Tax Services �� 61 Towing Services �� 61 Veterinarian �� 61 Antique Store ��63 Backyard Furniture ��63 Bookstore ��63 Boutique ��63 Bridal Store ��63 Cell Phone Repair Service �� 66 Cell Phone Service �� 66 Children’s Clothing �� 66 Clothing Store �� 66 Coins & Collectible �� 66 Consignment Shop �� 68 Custom T-shirt Shop �� 68 Department Store �� 68 Floor Covering Store �� 68 Fresh produce �� 68 Furniture Store ��70

Gift Shop ��70 Hardware Store ��70 Health Food Store ��70 Home Accessories Store ��70 Home Improvement Store ��71 Jewelry Store ��71 Lawn Equipment Store ��71 Local Grocery Store ��71 Mattress Store ��71 Meat/Seafood Market �� 72 Nursery/Garden Store �� 72 Outdoor/Sporting Goods Store �� 72 Pawn Shop �� 72 Shoe Store �� 72 Art Gallery ��76 Bowling ��76 Casino ��76 Concert Venue ��76 DJ ��76 Family Amusement ��77 Festival/Fair ��77 Golf Course ��77 Hotel or Resort ��77 Karaoke Bar ��77 Live Theatre ��78 Local Annual Event ��78 Museum ��78 Place for a Birthday Party ��78 Place to go Dancing ��78 Place to listen to live music ��79 Seasonal Attraction ��79 Special Event Venue ��79 Travel Agency ��79 Wedding Venue ��79 Auto Customizing Shop �� 80 Auto Glass Repair �� 80 Auto Service & Repair - Dealer �� 80 Auto Service & Repair - Independent �� 80 Boat/Marine Dealer �� 80 Car Salesman �� 81 Collision/Body Shop - Dealer �� 81 Collision/Body Shop - Independent �� 81 Large Used Auto Dealer �� 81 Motorcycle Dealer �� 81 New Auto Dealer ��83 Powersports Dealer ��83 RV Dealer ��83 Small Used Auto Dealer ��83 Tire Center ��83

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 5

BEAUTY & HEALTH

ALLERGIST

AUDIOLOGIST

BARBER

CHIROPRACTOR

COSMETIC SURGEON

- FIRST PLACE -

Dr. Aubrey Ziegler 9101 Jenny Lind Rd, Ft. Smith 479.274.5600

Center for Hearing 4300 Rogers Ave #15, Ft. Smith 479.785.3277

Primetime Barber Shop 4620 Rogers Ave., Suite 104, Ft. Smith 479.424.2539

Seubold Chiropractic Clinic 5600 Euper Ln, Ft. Smith 479.484.7200

Dr. Ann Passmore 2717 S 74th St, Ft. Smith 479.573.3799

- WINNERS Dr. Michael Gwartney 6801 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.274.3900

- WINNERS Dr. Jason Johnson 6801 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.274.3900

- WINNERS Balkman Chiropractic 3444 Old Greenwood Rd., Ft. Smith 479.646.3984

- WINNERS Dr. James E. Kelley III 8101 McClure Drive, Ft. Smith 479.709.8300

Dr. Gary Highfill 520 Towson Ave. Suite A, Ft. Smith 479.573.7985

Dr. Christine Goulet, ACENTA 7805 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.209.7470

- WINNERS Towne Square Barbershop 2925 Alma Hwy B7, Van Buren 479.474.8987 Blake Webb, The Cottage At Town Square 38 Town Square St, Ft. Smith 479.252.6155

6 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

Clark Family Chiropractic 8000 Dallas St, Ft. Smith 479.484.0805

Dr. Stephanie Koonce 2717 S 74th St., Ft. Smith 479.573.3799

BEAUTY & HEALTH

COUNSELING SERVICES

DENTIST

DERMATOLOGIST

EMERGENCY ROOM

ENT DOCTOR

- FIRST PLACE -

Bost CARES 5812 Remington Circle Ft. Smith 479.478.5600

River Valley Smile Center 8309 Phoenix Ave., Ft. Smith 479.646.0706

Johnson Dermatology 5921 Riley Park Dr., Ft. Smith 479.649.3376

Baptist Health 1001 Towson Ave., Ft. Smith 479.441.4000

Dr. Michael Gwartney 6801 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.274.3900

- WINNERS Criswell Clinic Family Dentistry 2411 Fayetteville Rd, Suite C, Van Buren 479.474.2828

- WINNERS Dr. Craig Stites The Dermatology Center 1500 Dodson Ave # 270 Ft. Smith 479.709.7340

- WINNERS Mercy 7301 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.314.6000

- WINNERS Dr. Gary Highfill 520 Towson Ave. Suite A Ft. Smith 479.573.7985

- WINNERS Relationship Solutions 4019 Massard Rd, Ft. Smith 479.424.3200 The Guidance Center 3111 S 70th St, Ft. Smith 479.452.6650

Roland Family Dental & Braces Beau Sparkman, DDS, PA 307 E W Ray Fine Blvd Roland 918.503.6262

MedExpress Urgent Care 4600 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.494.7443

Dr. Michael Marsh 7805 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.242.4220

Less Time Waiting. More Time Amazing.

BAPTIST HEALTH EMERGENCY CARE You're born amazing. But sometimes life can bring the unexpected. That's why the emergency departments at Baptist Health Fort Smith and Van Buren are dedicated to providing the most trusted care when it matters most – with a thirty-minute or less wait time promise. And it’s all backed by the region’s most comprehensive healthcare system. For the care that keeps you amazing, visit

Baptist-Health.com

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 7

BEAUTY & HEALTH

FAMILY PHYSICIAN

FITNESS CENTER/GYM

HAIR SALON

HEARING AID CENTER

HEART DOCTOR

- FIRST PLACE -

Dr. Margaret Cox 7800 Dallas St., Ft. Smith 479.314.4940

Planet Fitness 5825 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.755.9888

Studio Platinum Salon and Spa 7910 South Zero St , Ste C, Ft. Smith 479.222.3801

Center for Hearing 4300 Rogers Ave #15, Ft. Smith 479.785.3277

Dr. Abdul-Nasser Adjei 1500 Dodson Ave. #60, Ft. Smith 479.709.7325

- WINNERS Dr. Stephanie Frisbie 620 Broadway, Van Buren 479.474.5061

- WINNERS River Valley Crossfit 2707 S 4th St, Van Buren 479.871.6972

Dr. Michael Callaway 9101 Jenny Lind Rd, Ft. Smith 479.484.4630

Mercy Fitness 7600 Dallas St., Ft. Smith 479.314.7400

- WINNERS Nikkiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beauty Lounge 1920 Fayetteville Rd, Van Buren 479.922.4247 The Cottage at Town Square 38 Town Square St, Greenwood 479.252.6155

8 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

- WINNERS Graham Hearing 1005 Lexington Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.5250 Beltone 1100 Lexington Ave, Ft. Smith 479.782.5858

- WINNERS Dr. Andre Nolewajka 7301 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.314.4650 Dr. Jeffry Blackwell 7001 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.314.4650

BEAUTY & HEALTH

HOME HEALTH CARE

HOSPITAL

MANICURE/PEDICURE

MASSAGE THERAPIST

MEDICAL SUPPLY

- FIRST PLACE -

Mercy Home Health 3300 S 70th St., Ft. Smith 479.484.5511

Mercy 7301 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.314.6000

Helenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beaute Bar Suite A 12300, US-71, Ft. Smith 479.247.8142

Fort Smith Wellness Center 6108 S 31st St, Ft. Smith 479.648.1107

Medisav 8820 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.452.0278

- WINNERS Elite Home Health 4019 Massard Rd., Ft. Smith 479.494.7273

- WINNERS Baptist Health 1001 Towson Ave., Ft. Smith 479.441.4000

- WINNERS Nails by Andy 1405 Fayetteville Rd, Van Buren 479.474.0272

- WINNERS Inner Peace 9000 Rogers Ave, Ft Smith 479.452.7977

- WINNERS Walgreens Multiple locations in the Ft. Smith area 479.783.4782

Kindred at Home 2120 So Waldron Rd, Ft Smith 479.452.0424

Valley Behavioral Health System 10301 Mayo Dr., Barling 479.689.4811

Adore Nails Spa 9304 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.452.6666

Radiant Wellness 1612 N. 7th St. Suite C, Van Buren 479.279.0106

Lincare 5811 S 28th St, Ft. Smith 479.646.7720

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 9

BEAUTY & HEALTH

OB/GYN DOCTOR

OPHTHALMOLOGIST

OPTOMETRIST

ORTHODONTIST

ORTHOPEDIC DOCTOR

- FIRST PLACE -

Dr. Timothy Bell 7001 Rogers Ave. #502, Ft. Smith 479.484.5901

Dr. Randy Ennen 3312 S 70th St, Ft. Smith 479.452.7800

Dr. Joseph Followell 825 Fayetteville Rd, Van Buren 479.474.2532

Udouj Orthontics 2101 Dallas St, Ft. Smith 479.782.3021

Dr. Jody Bradshaw 3501 W E Knight Dr., Ft. Smith 479.709.6700

- WINNERS Dr. Claire Price 7901 Dallas St, Ft. Smith 479.782.8892

- WINNERS Dr. Shane Laster 9001 Jenny Lind Rd, Ft. Smith 479.242.2020

- WINNERS Beau Sparkman, DDS, PA 307 E W Ray Fine Blvd, Roland 918.503.6262

- WINNERS Dr. Greg Jones 3501 W E Knight Dr., Ft. Smith 479.709.6700

Dr. Christopher Greer 6801 Rogers Ave. #4, Ft. Smith 479.452.2077

Dr. Adam Schluterman 3312 S 70th St, Fort Smith 479.452.7800

Westrock Orthodontics 4605 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.231.3223

Dr. Timothy Garlow 3501 W E Knight Dr., Ft. Smith 479.709.6700

- WINNERS Dr. David McClanahan 7001 Rogers Ave., #403 Ft. Smith 479.785.2229 Dr. JeanMarie Householder 1500 Dodson Ave. #230, Ft. Smith 479.709.7490

10 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

top REAL ESTATE AGENT

Gina Washburn has the golden touch in real estate

a real estate agent in 2014. After interviewing with several agencies, she hired on at Assurance Realty in September that year. “This is just like a small family,” she said. “We’re a local family-owned agency. We’re not a big franchise. They’re always there to help me.” Assurance Realty was started by Linda Spradlin in 1988 and is now overseen by her son Adam. Linda is still involved, particularly in running the agency’s online real estate school. The main philosophy of the agency is that the customer comes first, according to Adam Spradlin. “We like to build relationships with our clients,” Adam said. “They’re not just another transaction. We’re trying to find them exactly what they want and to make a good financial decision. We want people to come back to us for years to come.” Part of that dedication involves problem-solving the agency hopes the client never has to see: Adam prefers to tell the client that there was

By Scott Cutlip

“I

don’t feel like we’re salesmen,” Gina Washburn said. “I would say we’re more like matchmakers.” It’s a saying, the real estate agent admitted, that would fit well on a coffee mug. Regardless, it is something she believes: that she is there to help clients find the house or building that is right for them. “I really love helping people,” she said. “It’s a rewarding career to have, helping someone get into their first home or sell their home, or to build their dreams.” Washburn, who was raised in Northwest Arkansas and moved to Fort Smith six years ago, has always been interested in helping people. Originally attending college in pursuit of a dental hygienist career, she left for jobs in banking and insurance before deciding to become

a problem, but the agency had already taken care of it. Assurance’s client loyalty is what makes it and Washburn a perfect match. “I’m very responsive,” Washburn said. “I attend to my clients, whether it’s 11 o’clock at night or six in the morning. I’m very flexible when it comes to my client schedules. I can work on the weekends, if they need to look at houses. I’m very passionate when it comes to my job. I love what I do.” Her persistence and drive led Washburn to earn prestigious honors from the Arkansas Realtors Association: three silver level awards (more than $2 million in sales) and one gold (more than $3.5 million in sales) in a career that began five years ago (in her first year, she worked little more than three months of the calendar year). This year, she’s already passed gold status and is likely to attain platinum status (more than $5 million).

More than awards, Washburn said, she loves to help people, whether it’s buying a first home or a dream home or a dream business location, as she did for her friend Cassie Cass and her business, Studio Platinum, a Best of the Best favorite. Washburn’s enthusiasm for real estate is contagious. Both her mother and her brother started selling real estate after she did. She does credit her family’s entrepreneurial spirit for guiding her, as well as her significant other, Brian Tallant, sales and operation manager at 2M Roofing and Renovations, for supporting her. She is active on her Facebook page, facebook.com/ ginawashburnrealestate/, where she posts listings and also provides tips and tricks for buyers and sellers. It was also on Facebook she made her very first sale. Washburn can be reached at Assurance Realty at its new location, 3401 Rogers Ave. in Fort Smith.

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBERFS-SPAD0917145028 2019 | 11

BEAUTY & HEALTH

PEDIATRIC DENTIST

PEDIATRICIAN

PHARMACY/DRUG STORE

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

PLACE TO HAVE A BABY

- FIRST PLACE -

River Valley Pediatric Dentistry 3421 Old Greenwood Rd, Ft. Smith 479.783.4182

Dr. Kendall Wagner 7003 Chad Colley Blvd., Ft. Smith 479.431.3500

Medisav 8820 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.452.0278

Mercy Physical Therapy 7610 Dallas St., Ft. Smith 479.314.6186

Mercy 7301 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.314.6000

- WINNERS Kidz Choice Dental, Dr. James Lee 7801 Phoenix Ave., Ft. Smith 479.452.8650

- WINNERS Dr. Joshua Wilkinson 5901B Riley Park Dr., Ft. Smith 479.763.3050

- WINNERS Walgreens Multiple locations in the Ft. Smith area 479.783.4782

- WINNERS Van Buren Physical Therapy 619 Fayetteville Rd., Van Buren 479.474.0041

- WINNERS Baptist Health 1001 Towson Ave., Ft. Smith 479.441.4000

Dr. James Cheshier 3222 S 70th St., Ft. Smith 479.785.2825

Coleman Pharmacy 3610 Grand Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.5171

Criswell Clinic Family Dentistry 2411 Fayetteville Rd, Suite C Van Buren 479.474.2828

12 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center 3304 S M St, Ft. Smith 479.785.4677

BEAUTY & HEALTH

SKIN CARE

SPA/MEDICAL SPA

TANNING SALON

WALK-IN MEDICAL CLINIC

WEIGHT LOSS SERVICES

- FIRST PLACE -

Twilla MedSpa 9220 Hwy 71 S., Suite 5, Ft. Smith 479.652.0399

Affinity Day Spa 4034 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.242.2710

Fort Smith Tan Company 5209 Rogers Avenue, Ft. Smith 479.452.4466

MedExpress Urgent Care 4600 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.494.7443

Metabolic Research Center 3321 S 74th St., Ft. Smith 479.484.7070

- WINNERS Twilla Medspa 9220 Hwy 71 S., Suite 5, Ft. Smith 479.652.0399

- WINNERS Beach Bum Tan & CryoSpa 2501 Market Trace 479.649.9000

- WINNERS Mercy Convenient Care 3505 S. 79th St., Ft. Smith 479.709.8686

- WINNERS Roller Weight Loss 12112 Old Hwy 71 S, Ft. Smith 479.434.6222

Tan Unique 4516 Rogers Avenue, Ft. Smith 479.785.1185

Baptist Health Urgent Care Serving the River Valley (888) BAPTIST

BodyTailors 4900 Rogers Ave Suite 101-D, Ft. Smith 479.226.3545

- WINNERS Studio Platinum Salon and Spa 7910 South Zero St , Ste C, Ft. Smith 479.222.3801 Brittney Courter, The Cottage at Town Square 38 Town Square St, Ft. Smith 479.252.6155

Studio Platinum Salon and Spa 7910 South Zero St , Ste C, Ft. Smith 479.222.3801

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 13

BEAUTY & HEALTH

WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER

- FIRST PLACE Eastside OB/GYN 7001 Rogers Ave. #502, Ft. Smith 479.484.5901

FS-SPAD0918162545

- WINNERS Mercy Women’s Center 7001 Rogers Ave. #403, Ft. Smith 479.785.2229

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

Baptist Health Women’s Center 1500 Dodson Ave. #140, Ft. Smith 479.709.1913

14 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

BUSINESSES

best AUDIOLOGIST & Center for Hearing puts HEARING AID CENTER

the patient first

to musicians and businesses that require OSHA compliance. With few exceptions, everyone loses their hearing, Linton said. The sooner someone gets a baseline hearing test, the better. The Center for Hearing works closely with the client’s primary doctors and helps them with whatever it is needed, whether it is hearing aids or a referral for surgery. “We’re going to look at the whole medical situation and direct that person to where they need to go,” she said. One thing Linton said people might not realize is that hearing aids are not a one-time thing. “Your ears continue to change,” she said. “So you have to come back and have a hearing test regularly. And those hearing aids need to be readjusted and retuned just like your glasses. And we

have a full staff to do that. It’s very easy to get in and get an appointment.” If hearing aids are required, the Center for Hearing prides itself on focusing on the patient’s lifestyle. There are hearing aids that can be used in environments such as loud restaurants or others that would need to adapt to huge changes in volume or in business environments. “Hearing loss is an invisible disability,” Linton said. “People are going to hide it, because you don’t see anything. They don’t want to admit it. And it’s a very big step to come in and have a hearing test. We really try to make it a comfortable, non-threatening, no-pressure process.” “Our favorite stories,” Leanne Harrison, office manager, said, “are people who have lost their hearing, and gradually they didn’t hear birds. And then they’ll

By Scott Cutlip

he Center for Hearing, 4300 Rogers Ave., was opened by Kelly Linton and the late Kelly Spradlin-Johnson in 1998 so they could spend more time with patients and provide them service in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. “The insurance companies were dictating a lot of how appointments had to run, and how much time you could spend,” Linton said. “And we just didn’t want to practice that way. We wanted to have our own place where we could design the patients’ experience the way we wanted to design it, and we would have time to educate the patient on the test we do, what the results are, and the best options for them.” The Center for Hearing accepts most insurance, including Humana Tricare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United Healthcare and Medicaid. Among the services the Center for Hearing offers are hearing evaluations, video otoscopy, ear wax removal, hearing aid adjustments and others. The Center for Hearing has three doctors on staff: Linton, Dr. Trace Cash, and Dr. Lori Boyd. Additionally, their staff is on hand to work hand-in-hand with clients. According to Linton, the center’s patients include everyone from newborns to geriatrics

have gone outside and heard the birds in the trees and bushes, and they’ll come back and cry because they didn’t know they hadn’t heard birds. Those are the stories that touch your heart. You really want to make a difference and help people communicate and be able to keep their relationships close” Linton is a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve and serves six to eight weeks as an audiologist working in the hearing conservation program. Linton lives in Van Buren with her husband Kevin and has five children.

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 15

FS-SPAD0918155523

FOOD & DRINK

ASIAN RESTAURANT

BAKERY

BAR

BBQ

BREAKFAST

- FIRST PLACE -

Fried Rice 2 Locations in Ft. Smith 479.783.7500

Paul’s Bakery 1800 Main St., Van Buren 479.474.7044

Papa’s Pub & Pizzaria 508 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.9941

Ralph’s Pink Flamingo BBQ 2801 Old Greenwood Rd., Ft. Smith 479.649.7427

Benson’s Grill 2515 Rogers Ave, Ft Smith 479.782.8181

- WINNERS Fuji Japanese Steakhouse 3600 Massard Rd., Ft. Smith 479.478.1088

- WINNERS Confectionately Yours 5215 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.478.7223

- WINNERS JJ’s Grill 5400 Phoenix Ave, Suite 1, Ft. Smith 479.484.4555

- WINNERS Neumeier’s Rib Room 424 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.494.7427

Green Papaya 6301 US-271, Ft. Smith 479.646.8884

Sweet Boutique 46 Cloverleaf Pl., Van Buren 479.474.2767

Harry’s Downtown 509 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.308.3662

Al’s BBQ 3956 N O St, Ft. Smith 479.783.6984

16 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

- WINNERS Calico County 2401 S 56th St, Ft. Smith 479.452.3299 The Egg and I 3801 Planters Rd, Ft. Smith 479.242.3447

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 17

19 20

No Shopping.

No Planning.

BEST BEST

No Cooking.

4 Convenient Locations

Van Buren

Clean Cookin’ VB 1405 Fayetteville Rd.

Fort Smith

Clean Cookin’ FS 7320 Rogers Ave. #29

River Valley & NWA

Bentonville

Clean Cookin’ B’ville 2308 SE 28th St. #7

Fayetteville

Clean Cookin’ Faytown 2907 East Joyce Blvd.

For Full Menu, Store Hours & More Information Visit Cleancookin.com

18 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

FS-SPAD0910152744

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 19

Owner’s lifestyle change leads to Clean Cookin’

best HEALTH FOOD STORE By Scott Cutlip

fter years of being overweight, Stuart Rowland decided to do something about it. Rowland was at his heaviest in 2012, when he hit 310 pounds, and hovered around 300 pounds afterward. At that point, he said, he did what he had done often in his job as a mechanic looking for a solution: He went to Youtube. “My body was starting to fall apart,” he said. “I found myself on different medications, not liking the way I looked, not liking the way I felt. I got on Youtube and started researching nutrition, diets, weight loss, weightlifting, and then started formulating a plan, seeing the common threads of unprocessed foods, equal portion, on a regular basis. So I just started trying it out and finally came up with a ratio that worked.” He lost more than 90 pounds. When friends asked for the food, too, Rowland told them to give him $5, an arbitrary number he chose on the spot, and he would make them the meal. Rowland started his business in 2016 by first opening a food truck. It didn’t take him long to realize that the demand far

outweighed the room he the food Clean Cookin’ had, so he opened a store. prepares is frozen, which Eventually, he opened means there is no food the Clean Cookin’ kitchen, that needs to be tossed which is where the food is away at the end of the prepared and frozen. day. Clean Cookin’ has Rowland said because locations in Fort Smith, Clean Cookin’ smokes its Van Buren, Fayetteville meat, they don’t need to and Bentonville, with worry about adding sugar another in Springdale to or salt to enhance the come. Clean Cookin’ has flavors. He said the most roughly 30 employees popular item currently Clean Cookin’ currently is the Number 2, which consists of smoked offers 16 meals, a number chicken, roasted broccoli Rowland prefers to and sweet potatoes. stick with. Occasionally, “It’s affordable, delicious, Rowland will remove ready to go,” Rowland said. some meals and replace “We make it simple, make them with others, based it cheap, make it good.” on their sales. Of the 16 Rowland and Clean meals, Cookin’ are involved 11 are $5, while the rest in many community are $7, mostly because activities, such as hosting they contain brisket people know they’re not hopeless, they’re not lost,” Rowland said. “I can’t give any a barbeque for flood or more ingredients. good advice, but I can get you to the people that can.” Rowland has been meeting assistance, but closest to Rowland says there are with organizations such as Valley Behavioral to provide assistance. his heart is Elisa Smiles, several reasons he is able Customers can go to cleancookin.com for location addresses. Bulk purchases in the which was started after a to keep the price that low: store will save from $10 for purchases over $70 up to $30 for purchases over $170. Clean Cookin’ employee lack of competition for Meals can also be ordered through Waitr, which includes a higher cost. took her own life. the type of food he offers, Stuart is married to Stefanie Rowland, co-owner of the Sweet Boutique bakery, which and lack of waste, because “The idea is just to let may or may not have had anything to do with Stuart’s weight gain. 20 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 FS-SPAD0917145431

FOOD & DRINK

BREW PUB/CRAFT BEER

BRUNCH

BUFFET/SALAD BAR

BURGERS

CARRY OUT

- FIRST PLACE -

Bricktown Brewery 318 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.434.2739

Jeff’s Clubhouse 2801 Old Greenwood Rd. #16, Ft. Smith 479.308.9123

Pizza Parlour 8901 Rogers Ave 479.452.2228

Patrick’s Burgers 4300 Rogers Ave #10, Ft. Smith 479.763.7287

Ed Walker’s Drive-In 1500 Towson Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.3352

- WINNERS Golden Corral 1801 S Waldron Rd, Ft. Smith 479.484.1040

- WINNERS George’s Restaurant 2120 Grand Ave, Ft. Smith 479.785.1199

- WINNERS Chili’s 6720 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.452.6800

Western Sizzlin 5720 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.452.9050

Ed Walker’s Drive-In 1500 Towson Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.3352

Asian Kitchen Express 3842 Midland Blvd, Ft. Smith 479.308.9050

- WINNERS Papa’s Pub & Pizzaria 508 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.9941 Fort Smith Brewing Co. 7500 Fort Chaffee Blvd., Ft. Smith 479.242.3722

- WINNERS River City Bistro 7320 Rogers Ave #7, Ft. Smith 479.434.6474 Taliano’s Italian Restaurant 201 N 14th St, Ft. Smith 479.785.2292

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Local experience key to success at Kevin Clifton Real Estate

top REAL ESTATE COMPANY By Scott Cutlip

n 1997, Kevin Clifton came home after serving five years in the Marine Corps.

Deciding what to do next wasn’t a difficult decision. Real estate was in his blood. His aunt, grandmother and mother had been in the real estate business. His parents own Gold Key Realty in Van Buren – at one point it was actually where Kevin Clifton Real Estate is now – and Clifton started to work for them, which he did until 2008, when he decided to make his own name, first by working with a different realty company and then, in 2013, opening his own company. Since then, his real estate company has been the volume leader in Crawford County, he said. After starting out as the company’s only agent, Clifton now has 13 agents employed at Kevin Clifton Real Estate. Clifton had not sought out other agents; they came to talk to him about working in his company. While the bulk of Clifton’s business is in Crawford County, particularly Van Buren, he has sold property in Washington, Sebastian, Sequoyah and other counties. His general rule is to only do business within a 45-minute drive from his office. To do otherwise, he said, would mean doing a disservice to customers, because he wouldn’t

be able to give them the attention they deserve. “Our primary listing and sales volume is residential real estate,” Clifton said. “But at the same time, we do everything from commercial sales and listing to land-package deals.” Something Clifton preaches to his agents is that being a Realtor is one thing, but actually having the experience of owning real estate, whether it is keeping rentals or flipping houses, is key to success. “Because once you’ve gone through that,” he said, “it is easier for you to help another individual going through the same thing.” More than anything, Clifton said, what sets his agency apart is the knowledge and local experience. His agents do not go onto any property with a preset assumption of its value based on what a computer might tell them it’s

worth. They do not assign any value until they have been on the property, inside the house, seeing it as a seller or potential buyer might see it. Because Clifton and his team are from the local area, the local experience is another thing they are able to pass on. “Consumers have a lot of questions,” Clifton said. “How old is my house? What used to be here? What is its true history from storms, fires, etc. They will love to get as much information as they can about the property, and that’s something that we can offer.” In addition to his real estate company, Clifton is a proud supporter of the Special Olympics, an organization he said is near and dear to him. As is the Wounded Warrior Project. “I’ll continue to support that, regardless of whether I have this business in the future,” he said. “Everybody knows where

my heart les, and it’s definitely with those who helped serve us to do what we do today.” Clifton lives in Van Buren with his wife. He has two children, Courtney Kaye and Dilon Clifton, and a granddaughter, Cassidy. Kevin Clifton Real Estate is at 11 Pointer Trail, Suite E, in Van Buren. Their telephone number is (479) 252-5100.

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FOOD & DRINK

CATERING

CATFISH

CHICKEN WINGS

COFFEE SHOP

COUNTRY COOKING

- FIRST PLACE -

Bruce Terri Catering 1102 Fort St., Barling 479.452.8171

Catfish Hole 24 Collum Lane W, Alma 479.632.9718

Buffalo Wild Wings 6550 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.222.6700

Sweet Bay Coffee Co 3400 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.785.0685

Calico County 2401 S 56th St, Ft. Smith 479.452.3299

- WINNERS Calico County 2401 S 56th St, Ft. Smith 479.452.3299

- WINNERS The Barn Catfish Buffet 22563 132nd Ave., Cameron 918.654.3626

- WINNERS Wing Stop 8624 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.484.9100

- WINNERS Fort Smith Coffee Co 1101 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.226.2437

- WINNERS Bob & Wanda’s Wagon Wheel Cafe Ft. Smith & Barling 479.478.8298

Stirred Catering And Coffee 710 Fayetteville Rd., Van Buren 479.831.7847

Sam’s Southern Eatery 9709 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.308.9091

Slim Chickens 7501 Phoenix Ave., Ft. Smith 479.434.6500

Chapters on Main 816 Main St, Van Buren 479.474.9315

Miss Anna’s on Towson 5001 Towson Ave, Ft. Smith 479.649.6300

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FOOD & DRINK

DESSERT SHOP

DINING EXPERIENCE

DONUTS

FINE DINING

FOOD TRUCK

- FIRST PLACE -

Confectionately Yours 5215 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.478.7223

Texas Roadhouse 3805 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.646.5104

Donut Palace 4101 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.763.1600

21 West End 21 N 2nd St, Ft. Smith 479.434.4213

Truckin’ Delicious Serving the River Valley Area 479.926.8785

- WINNERS Sweet Boutique 46 Cloverleaf Pl., Van Buren 479.474.2767

- WINNERS 21 West End 21 N 2nd St, Ft. Smith 479.434.4213

- WINNERS Paul’s Bakery 1800 Main St., Van Buren 479.474.7044

- WINNERS Doe’s Eat Place 422 N 3rd St, Ft. Smith 479.784.9111

- WINNERS Paizi’s Gyros 4900 Rogers Ave, Suite 103 J, Ft. Smith 479.434.5808

Miss Anna’s on Towson 5001 Towson Ave, Ft. Smith 479.649.6300

Larry B’s Rhythm Room 715 Main St., Van Buren 479.689.5252

Irish Maid Donuts 4600 Towson Ave, Ft. Smith 479.646.5337

Rolando’s Restaurante 917 N A St, Ft. Smith 479.573.0404

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24 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

Molly’s Eggrolls & Smoothies 218 N. 66th, Ft. Smith 479.226.0263

FOOD & DRINK

FRENCH FRIES

FRIED CHICKEN

FROZEN TREATS

INTERNATIONAL CUISINE

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

- FIRST PLACE -

George’s Restaurant 2120 Grand Ave, Ft. Smith 479.784.9111

Chick Fil A 6810 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.484.5152

Braum’s 4418 Rogers Ave, Ft Smith 479.783.3118

Rolando’s Restaurante 917 N A St, Ft. Smith 479.573.0404

Taliano’s Italian Restaurant 201 N 14th St, Ft. Smith 479.785.2292

- WINNERS Five Guys 7110 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.478.1007

- WINNERS Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen 2301 Zero St, Ft. Smith 479.648.0092

- WINNERS Vargas Fruteria 1020 N Greenwood Ave, Ft. Smith 479.242.1917

- WINNERS Las Americas Too 1806 S Zero St, Ft. Smith 479.648.1545

- WINNERS Anthony’s Italian Restaurant 3115 Cavanaugh Rd, Ft. Smith 479.222.6808

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers 7719 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.478.8700

Slim Chickens 7501 Phoenix Ave., Ft. Smith 479.434.6500

R&R’s Curry Express 1525 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.494.5520

Olive Garden 7515 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.478.7008

CherryBerry 3865 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.222.6188

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O’Neal Real Estate makes excellence its priority

According to Aaron, the agents are what set O’Neal apart from other real estate agencies. “It’s just how talented our agents are,” he said. “Their ability to create and their attention to detail. They’ve got a real creative way of marketing. I would say our marketing is our No. 1 difference, but that also goes back to the agents and their talent at being able to create that marketing. We try something before others do, and then if it works, sometimes we’ll see others follow.” The agency’s motto is “excellence in everything.” As long as they strive for excellence, Aaron said, they were open to everything. Because the O’Neals were teachers, and because several of their agents came to them from the teaching profession, it makes sense that a

lot of the community involvement would include schools, as well as with children, including participating in Havana Nights for the Children’s Emergency Shelter. Dennis Huggins, the agency auctioneer, volunteers as an auctioneer for many events throughout the year. “You’ll typically see a small section of our group at any major fundraising event,” Aaron said. “And we really try to help with schools, particularly.” An agency with several former teachers also has an advantage when it comes to real estate, Aaron said. “Communication is one of the No. 1 things you’ve got to have as an agent,” he said. “And you’ve got to communicate to someone that usually know less about the subject matter you’re dealing with. And teachers are also used to

best REAL ESTATE COMPANY By Scott Cutlip

n 2005, teachers Aaron and Laura O’Neal agreed they needed to start investing in themselves. A great way to do that, they thought, was real estate. “It just turned into something that we enjoyed,” Aaron said. “And other people started asking us, so we said, ‘Hey, let’s get our license and start helping other people buy real estate.’” The real estate business remained a side business until four years ago, when the O’Neals opened their company. At first they continued teaching, but by the end of the first year, Aaron stopped to work in real estate full time; Laura did the same the year after. At first, the business was just the two of them, but soon other agents joined the company. According to Aaron, most of them had never been agents before. O’Neal Real Estate now has four offices in Fort Smith, Roland, Sallisaw and Pocola, and generally employ between three and four dozen agents. The agency has listings throughout Northwest Arkansas and as far west as Broken Bow in Oklahoma. Aaron estimated that their sales are roughly 60% residential, 20% commercial and 20% farms.

solving problems. You never know what you’re walking into. Teachers are naturally good educators, good communicators, and good problem solvers.” Aaron and Laura, who is the agency’s principal broker, have two daughters, ages 5 and 1. The family atmosphere runs into the agency, with several married couples working for O’Neal Real Estate, as well as Aaron’s brother, Stephen. O’Neal Real Estate’s home office is at 2500 Rogers Ave. in Fort Smith. Its Facebook page, with more than 7,000 followers, is at www.facebook.com/theonealteam/.

26 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

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FOOD & DRINK

LIQUOR STORE

MARGARITA

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

NEW RESTAURANT

OUTDOOR DINING

- FIRST PLACE -

Sodies Wine & Spirits 5401 Phoenix Ave., Ft. Smith 479.783.8013

La Huerta Mexican Restaurant 5605 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.478.6425

La Huerta Mexican Restaurant 5605 Rogers Ave., Ft Smith 479.478.6425

Gusano’s Pizzeria 5505 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.434.6444

La Huerta Mexican Restaurant 5605 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.478.6425

- WINNERS Shamrock Liquor Warehouse 5609 Midland Blvd, Ft. Smith 479.783.7076

- WINNERS Zapata’s Mexican Grill 7308 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.434.2669

- WINNERS Tacos 4 Life 4501 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.226.8152

- WINNERS Bricktown Brewery 318 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.434.2739

Riverpointe Wine & Spirits 6207 Grand Ave, Ft. Smith 479.434.6202

El Zarape Mexican Grill 8909 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.478.1066

La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant 7824 US-71, Ft Smith 479.646.2356

Pasta Grill 810 Main St., Van Buren 479.262.6225

Neumeier’s Rib Room 424 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.494.7427

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28 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

YOU are the best! Central Mall - 479.452.9939

FOOD & DRINK

PIZZA RESTAURANT

PLACE TO GO FOR HAPPY HOUR

ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

SANDWICH SHOP

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

- FIRST PLACE -

Papa’s Pub & Pizzaria 508 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.9941

Sonic 3501 Massard Rd 479.452.0112

21 West End 21 N 2nd St, Ft. Smith 479.434.4213

Jeff’s Clubhouse 2801 Old Greenwood Rd. #16, Ft. Smith 479.308.9123

AJ’s Oyster House 115 N 10th St, Ft. Smith 479.434.5115

- WINNERS Gusano’s Pizzeria 5505 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.434.6444

- WINNERS JJ’s Bar & Grill 5400 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.434.4555

- WINNERS Taliano’s Italian Restaurant 201 N 14th St, Ft. Smith 479.785.2292

Cavanaugh Pizza 3111 Cavanaugh Rd, Ft. Smith 479.646.2996

Papa’s Pub & Pizzaria 508 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.9941

Doe’s Eat Place 422 N 3rd St, Ft. Smith 479.784.9111

- WINNERS Firehouse Subs 7805 Rogers Ave C, Ft. Smith 479.452.4468 Ed Walker’s Drive-In 1500 Towson Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.3352

- WINNERS R. Landrys New Orleans Cafe 1000 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.2505 Red Lobster 7401 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.452.9243

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30 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

FOOD & DRINK

SPORTS BAR

STEAKS

SUSHI

WINE LIST

- FIRST PLACE -

Bricktown Brewery 318 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.434.2739

Doe’s Eat Place 422 N 3rd St, Ft. Smith 479.784.9111

Saku Saku 1302 Fayetteville Road, Van Buren 479.276.3331

Uncork’d 5501 Phoenix Ave., Ft. Smith 479.434.5000

- WINNERS JJ’s Bar & Grill 5400 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.434.4555

- WINNERS Texas Roadhouse 3111 S 74th St., Ft. Smith 479.452.7427

Papa’s Pub & Pizzaria 508 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.9941

LongHorn Steakhouse 3805 Phoenix Ave., Ft Smith 479.646.5104

- WINNERS Fuji Japanese Steakhouse 3600 Massard Rd., Ft. Smith 479.478.1088 Shogun Peking Palace 5819 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.452.6070

- WINNERS 21 West End 21 N 2nd St, Ft. Smith 479.434.4213 906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge 906 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.434.4343

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Jody’s Auto doing right for the customer

best AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR & TOWING

By Scott Cutlip

ody Rupe opened his first Jody’s Auto in 1984, using a loan on the family farm. The first store was on Towson Avenue and had three bays.

His son Joseph came on board in 2004, after graduating from the University of Arkansas with a degree in business. Jody and Joseph are co-owners, although Jody has for the most part retired. However, he has passed on his philosophy to his son. “One of the things that always stuck in my mind when I came to work and asked him what I should do in this situation and that situation,” Joseph Rupe said, “and he would lower his glasses down, and he’d say, ‘Do what’s right.’ If you do what’s right for the customer, it’s always going to pay off in the end, and customers come back if you take care of them the right way.” Often when people come to Jody’s, it’s a bad situation, one with unexpected repairs and unexpected expenses. Jody’s tries to make the process comfortable for the customer, backed by what Rupe feels is the best warranty in town, 30 months or 30,000 miles. “We try to make everything easy, to where customers don’t have to fight to figure out how to get something taken care of,” Rupe said. “We kind of describe ourselves as a dealership alternative. We do just about everything. Pretty much everything

a dealership does. The only thing we don’t do is body work, paint and body. And we don’t do internal transmission work. We’ll swap a transmission, but we don’t get in there and rebuild it.” Rupe said it’s the people who work at Jody’s Auto that make it stand out. Over the years, Jody’s has sought out a good team of people who want to make life easier for people. Jody’s services include air conditioning, brakes, engine repair, heating and cooling, electrical, exhaust, tires, alignments, steering and more. Jody’s can work on most domestic and foreign vehicles. In the past four or five years, Jody’s has really

come to the frontline when it comes to tire sales. In addition, Jody’s will do free pick-up and deliver if the customer spends over $75 and is within Fort Smith or Van Buren city limits. “We go pick up their car from wherever,” Rupe said, “ and we’ll bring it back here, perform the service or repair, and take it back to them.” Customers can use the website jodysauto. com to schedule appointments, shop for tires, request quotes, apply for financing and watch videos about the different types of services are available at Jody’s Auto. Jody’s now has three locations, including 810 Phoenix Ave. and 3015 Towson Ave. in Fort Smith and 1520

Fayetteville Road in Van Buren. The Van Buren location has 13 bays, the Phoenix Avenue location has 10 and the Towson Avenue location has six. Jody’s also has a towing business. According to Rupe, the business has been growing at a rate of more than 20% per year, so there might come a time when they need to expand again, although they have no current plans to.

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HOME & FINANCE

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 33

Thanks to all who voted for us!

unioneagles.org | 479.783.7327

34 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

HOME & FINANCE

ACCOUNTANT

APARTMENT COMPLEX

ASSISTED LIVING CENTER

BANK

CREDIT UNION

- FIRST PLACE -

Przybysz & Associates 4200 Jenny Lind Rd Suite B, Ft. Smith 479.649.0888

The Reserve at Chaffee Crossing 9505 Chad Colley Blvd, Ft. Smith 479.222.6322

Hopeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek 2502 Fayetteville Rd, Van Buren 479.471.1900

Arvest 5000 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.709.8800

United Federal Credit Union 5800 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.646.0114

- WINNERS Memory Lane 1012 Fayetteville Rd., Van Buren 479.474.7233

- WINNERS First National Bank 602 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.782.2041

- WINNERS Arkansas Federal Credit Union 7887 Phoenix Ave., Ft. Smith 501.982.1000

Firstar Bank 5 locations in the River Valley 479.551.2600

Arkansas Best Federal Credit Union 3501 Old Greenwood Rd # 1, Ft. Smith 479.649.2060

- WINNERS Melanie Radcliff, CPA 200 N Greenwood Ave, Ft. Smith 479.479.6831 Landmark CPAs 3101 S 70th St, Ft. Smith 479.484.5740

- WINNERS The Links at Fort Smith 5100 S Zero St., Ft. Smith 479.648.8080 Addison Place 3415 S 66th St # 711, Ft. Smith 479.484.1515

Methodist Village Senior Living 7425 Euper Ln, Ft. Smith 479.452.1611

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Sparkman’s dental practices grow with the community

“One thing that sets us apart is that we do almost everything under one roof,” Sparkman said. “I’m sending associates to courses, so we can eventually provide everything under one roof. My team makes people feel comfortable, feel welcome. “Coming to the dentist can be very scary and intimidating for a lot of people, so we do everything we can to break down those barriers. We wanted it to feel like your home. Our biggest goal is to break down the barrier, the anxiety for patients and to have everything done under one organization. We’ve got excellent patients, and we’re doing our best and continually offering the best and making them feel as good as they can. Our goal is to help them through their journey and help them eliminate whatever may be causing problems.”

In addition to the Roland clinic, Sparkman has two other clinics: Riley Farm Dental, 5901 Riley Park Drive in Fort Smith, which he took over in July, and Family Dental Care of Fort Smith, a smaller office at 400 S. 18th St. Sparkman’s goal has been to cultivate the same atmosphere in each location. Sparkman’s primary location is the Roland clinic, but he does work at all three locations. “What really sets us apart is our ability and our willingness to continue to get into the community,” Sparkman said. “We’ve built a really good community involvement.” The services Sparkman offers run the gamut of dental care, from braces to cosmetic surgery to routine cleanings. His clinics do work in sleep apnea also. “We are helping kids grow and

top DENTIST By Scott Cutlip eau Sparkman grew up having braces and was fascinated by what his dentist was able to do and the impact he had on patients’ lives, and he saw that as something he could do himself. Sparkman graduated from the University of Oklahoma dental school in 2011. He worked under another dentist in Fort Smith for about a year, and then opened his own clinic, Roland Family Dental, in his hometown. The original dental practice was in a small, 1,600-square-foot building. In March, the practice moved to its current location at 307 E Ray Fine Blvd., Ste. 1. The new location is 4,500 square feet.

develop, not just straightening the teeth, but focusing on airway as well,” Sparkman said. “That’s as important as we start to straighten teeth. We can get things looking good, but sometimes we can do it in a way that’s really not helping the air way. So we make sure we’re conscious of that.” As entrenched as Sparkman is in the community, he believes in giving back. Every month, the clinic gives a portion back to an organization or somebody in need. Additionally, at the Riley Farm clinic, Sparkman is going to be tithing to some of the local churches. Sparkman lives in Roland with his wife of 13 years, Paola, and their children, Elizabeth, 8, and Lucas, 5. Two of his sisters, Reagan and Kelsey, work at the Roland Dental Clinic.

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HOME & FINANCE

ELECTRICIAN

HOME BUILDER

HOME CONTRACTOR/ REMODELING

HOME SECURITY

INSURANCE AGENT

- FIRST PLACE -

Matlock Electric 3324 Vicksburg St, Ft. Smith 479.783.7777

Rick Mooney Construction 16421 Liberty Hill Rd., Natural Dam 479.929.5577

Rucker Fine Homes 4190 US-71, Alma 479.632.4587

Alert Alarms 1118 S Greenwood Ave, Ft. Smith 479.782.4954

Dustin Booth, State Farm 1612 N. 7th St. Suite D, Van Buren 479.262.2781

- WINNERS ADT 6205 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.431.6813

- WINNERS Kelton Inge, Inge Insurance Agency 19 Pointer Trail West, Van Buren 479.262.6366

- WINNERS Trotter Electric 7800 Collier St, Ft. Smith 479.783.5198 Corley Electric 7423 US-271 #116, Ft. Smith 479.646.6214

- WINNERS Harold Hamm Construction 4 Birdie Cir, Alma 479.650.2654 Rucker Fine Homes 4190 US-71, Alma 479.632.4587

- WINNERS Abernathy Properties PO Box 47, Van Buren 479.629.8807 Lyons Plumbing and Custom Design 206 E Stanfield, Ft. Smith 479.431.7719

38 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

Cox 8100 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.434.3634

Brad Thomas, State Farm 3301 S 70th St, Ft. Smith 479.452.4320

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HOME & FINANCE

INVESTMENT FIRM

MORTGAGE LENDER

MOVING SERVICES

NURSING HOME

POOLS/SPAS

- FIRST PLACE -

Edward Jones, Eric Brown 104 Collum Ln E W, Alma 479.632.2127

Casey Collyar, First Western Bank 8399 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.424.2622

Koller Moving and Storage 615 S E St, Ft. Smith 479.782.2088

Methodist Village 7425 Euper Ln, Ft. Smith 479.452.1611

Burton Pools and Spas 6121 Zero St., Ft. Smith 479.648.3483

- WINNERS UHaul 2205 Towson Ave, Ft. Smith 479.785.4036

- WINNERS Greenhurst Nursing Home 226 Skyler Dr, Charleston 479.965.7373

- WINNERS Luther Stem Pools and Spas 5011 Old Greenwood St Ft. Smith 479.646.7772

UPack (ArcBest) 1221 Wheeler Ave., Ft. Smith 877.453.7274

Alma Health and Rehab 401 Heather Lane, Alma 479.632.4343

- WINNERS Edward Jones, Libby Meyer 106 N 9th St, Ft. Smith 479.494.7119 Raymond James 6501 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.494.3880

- WINNERS Jimsie Looper, Firstar Bank 4300 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.441.1220 Ethan Adamson, First Financial Mortgage 3401 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.782.9300

40 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

Moore Pools 2502 Alma Hwy, Van Buren 479.262.2702

HOME & FINANCE

REAL ESTATE AGENT

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

RESTORATION SERVICES

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

ROOFING COMPANY

- FIRST PLACE -

Gina Washburn 3401 Rogers Ave, Suite E, Ft. Smith 479.783.3110

O’Neal Real Estate 2500 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.242.4609

Service Master 5100 S. 35th St, Ft. Smith 479.242.5765

Legacy Heights 1012 Fayetteville Rd., Van Buren 479.262.6466

Elite Roofing 3407 Industrial Park Rd, Van Buren 479.478.8668

- WINNERS Team Shoppach 2500 Rogers Avenue, Ft. Smith 479.242.4609

- WINNERS Kevin Clifton Real Estate 11 Pointer Trail Suite E, Van Buren 479.262.5100

- WINNERS JD’s River Valley Restoration 5606 Towson Ave., Ft. Smith 479.629.7486

- WINNERS Hope’s Creek 2502 Fayetteville Rd, Van Buren 479.471.1900

- WINNERS McCoy Roofing 704 Torrington Way, Ft. Smith 918.413.2635

Kevin Clifton 11 Pointer Trail Suite E, Van Buren 479.262.5100

Weichert Realtors - The Griffin Company 3920 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.242.4000

Methodist Village Senior Living 7425 Euper Ln, Ft. Smith 479.452.1611

Hansen Roofing 2421 Co-Op Dr, Van Buren 479.561.5505

Fort Smith Handyman 1200 N 56th Terrace, Ft. Smith 479.763.1634

Congratulations Casey Collyar on being selected The River Valley’s Best Mortgage Lender two years in a row!

479-424-2622 | 8399 Rogers Avenue – Fort Smith, Arkansas | www.firstwestern.com NMLS#: 653955

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 41

Cambered Customs geared up for success

as easily be found by looking for the big blue truck sitting in the parking lot most days (there’s also a painting of it on one of the large garage doors). It’s a truck Kangas built that has been featured at the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, an event Kangas likens to the automobile industry’s Super Bowl, and written about in Dub Magazine’s LFTD & LVLD. The truck, which Kangas calls Big Blue, has also been in more parades than Kangas could even estimate, as well as countless car washes and even a child’s birthday party.

Part of why they do this is because of an honest interest in their community, which also includes strong support of schools and police. Another part, Kangas admits, is to find future “gearheads.” “We love building big trucks, but that’s not all we do,” Kangas said. In addition to offering accessories, Cambered Customs also does repairs, lift kits, tires and window tinting. “We do all these things in house,” Kangas said. “We do alignments on regular cars. We service air conditioning. We have a level of expertise here. There are places that are like big box stores, like a Best

42 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

top AUTO CUSTOMIZING SHOP By Scott Cutlip

efore starting Cambered Customs, Scott Kangas sold T-shirts at truck shows and sold car audio, before the bottom dropped out on that business. No matter what, his determination and dedication to the automobile lifestyle was going to make him push ahead. He and his wife Ashley opened Cambered Customs in 2010. At the time, the business involved selling automobile and truck accessories. They didn’t have an actual store front at the time. Instead, they were in a warehouse and sourced all their business out of town. Eventually, word of mouth led them to concentrate more on the local market. When asked to describe what made Cambered Customs different than other similar businesses, approachability and customer service was the answer. “I put my pants on the same way everyone else does, one leg at a time,” Kangas said. “I’m just a guy trying to live the dream. This is our life. We eat, breathe the automotive industry as a whole, and it shows in our work and in the way we approach the business. We treat everyone with respect, and you’re going to get our undivided attention, whether you have $5 or $100,000. This is a judgment-free zone. We try to remember everybody’s name when they come through the door. We try to build relationships, not just numbers on paper.” The store is in Alma next to Walgreens and in front of Walmart. Or it can just Buy. When you go there, it’s kind of an off-the-shelf type deal. Here, it’s a tailor fit.” Scott and Ashley Kangas live in Alma, where they both attended school, with their daughters, Neveah, who turns 12 in December, and Zoey, 10. Both have already done some work on vehicles, mostly using sandpaper to scuff parts. Cambered Customs is located at 303 US-64 in Alma. Its Facebook page is facebook.com/cambered, and the phone number is (479) 414-7979. FS-SPAD0917142609

HOME & FINANCE

SIDING/WINDOWS COMPANY

TREE SERVICE

- FIRST PLACE -

WeatherBarr 6500 Zero St, Ft. Smith 479.646.7891

Mike Carroll Tree Service and Landscaping Serving the River Valley & NWA 479.831.7853

- WINNERS Window World 1408 Towson Ave, Fort Smith 479.424.1330 McCoy Roofing 704 Torrington Way, Ft. Smith 918.413.2635

- WINNERS Juan’s Tree Service 6500 Grand Ave., Ft. Smith 479.285.9621 Plank’s Tree Service 116732 S 4700 Rd, Muldrow, OK 479.719.1886

FORT SMITH’S NEWEST RISING STAR We are proud to announce the opening of our Chaffee Crossing branch. This new location demonstrates our commitment to serve the Fort Smith area with the best financial services available. Come see why we’re the new hometown favorite in the River Valley. THANK YOU FOR NOMINATING US!

Best Bank, Best Customer Service and Best Mortgage Lender Jimsie Looper

FORT SMITH LOCATIONS 6200 Massard Rd. | 4300 Rogers Ave. 479-551-2600 | Fort Smith, Arkansas firstar-bank.com | Member FDIC TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 43

FOR VOTING US BEST OF THE BEST RiverValleySmiles.com 8309 Phoenix Ave, Fort Smith, AR

479.646.0706

se habla espaÃ±ol

Dental Implants & Sedation Dentistry

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

44 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

KIDS & EDUCATION

COLLEGE

DANCE SCHOOL

DAY CARE

GYMNASTICS

LEARNING CENTER/TUTOR

- FIRST PLACE -

University of Arkansas Fort Smith 5210 Grand Ave., Ft. Smith 479.788.7000

Chance 2 Dance 703 Pointer Trail, Van Buren 479.806.7738

Our Own Little World 233 Collum Ln E, Alma 479.632.0038

Flame Gymnastics Academy 5912 S 28th St. #3, Ft. Smith 479.646.1616

Sylvan Learning Center 2409 S 56th St #117, Ft. Smith 479.431.4905

- WINNERS Grayce DeWitt Dance Studio 3400 Rogers Ave #118, Ft. Smith 479.783.7748

- WINNERS Harvest Time Academy 3300 Briar Cliff Ave, Ft. Smith 479.646.6003

- WINNERS River Valley Gymnastics 4615 S 16th St, Ft. Smith 479.434.3330

- WINNERS Harvest Time Academy 3300 Briar Cliff Ave, Ft. Smith 479.646.6003

Jack and Jill Day School 2905 Briarcliff Ave, Ft. Smith 479.646.4633

Arkansas Cheer Unlimited (ACU) 9923 AR-253, Ft. Smith 479.649.9994

Our Own Little World 233 Collum Ln E, Alma 479.632.0038

- WINNERS Arkansas Tech University 1605 N Coliseum Dr, Russellville 479.968.0272 University of Arkansas Fayetteville 479.575.2000

M Collective 109 Dyer Hwy 64W, Alma 479.221.8502

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 45

JODYSAUTO.COM SHOP FOR TIRES

In 1984 Jody Rupe with a loan on the f work, great service premise would lead any a question arose customer he would c say…“Do What’s R s

Fast forward to ove generation has take g company has grow c servicing over 11,0 s

WHAT CAN

Dealership alte

Go to Jodysauto.com

1. Just click on “Get Tire Pricing” 2. Enter your tire size 3. BAM! Instant quote!

• AC

•

• Brakes

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• Diagnostics

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• Engine Repair • • Heating

Yes, it’s that easy!

•

TRAILERS • Brakes and bearings • Lights and electrical • Repairs and welding

FS-SPAD0909142839

DRIVE WITH CONFIDENCE

30k mile/30k mile warranty or 12/12 on factory p

479-649-3399

810 Phoenix Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901

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3015 Towson Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901

479-47

1520 Fa Van Bu

e started a 3 bay muffler shop family farm. He believed hard e, and a focus on one simple d to business success. When e on how to take care of a d look you in the eye and Right”!

er 30 years later, a new en the reigns and our wn to three locations 000 vehicles annually in

the River Valley. Today, Jody’s Auto performs complete automotive care, sells tires, provides towing and offers FREE pick-up/delivery. But, through all that has changed, the backbone of this business remains the same. Hard work, great service, and always “Do What’s Right”. We have the best technicians, use the best parts, and back it up by offering the best warranty. So “Do What’s Right” for your fleet, choose Jody’s Auto Service Centers!

N JODY’S DO FOR YOUR FLEET?

ernative and more…

• Cooling System • CV Shafts/Axles

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• Alignments

• D.O.T. Inspections

TOWING SERVICES 24/7 Towing – Always one phone call away 479-782-8697 (TOWS)

parts

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ayetteville Rd. uren, AR 72956

DIESELS

We perform diagnostic, repair, and maintenance on most diesels up to medium duty. Each location is equipped with a heavy duty life up to 30K pounds.

JODYSAUTO.COM

KIDS & EDUCATION

MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL

PRE-SCHOOL

PRIVATE SCHOOL

PUBLIC SCHOOL

- FIRST PLACE -

Kuk Sool Won of the River Valley 3112 Cavanaugh Rd., Ft. Smith 479.649.3542

Harvest Time Academy 3300 Briar Cliff Ave, Ft. Smith 479.646.6003

Union Christian Academy 4201 Windsor Dr, Ft. Smith 479.783.7327

Greenwood Schools 420 N Main St., Greenwood 479.996.4142

- WINNERS Our Own Little World 233 Collum Ln E, Alma 479.632.0038

- WINNERS Harvest Time 3300 Briar Cliff Ave, Ft. Smith 479.646.6001

- WINNERS Alma Schools 916 Hwy 64 East, Alma 479.632.4791

Christ the King 1918 S Greenwood Ave, Ft. Smith 479.782.0614

Northside High School 2301 N B St., Ft. Smith 479.783.1171

- WINNERS Family Combat Fitness & MMA 1105 Wheeler Ave, Ft. Smith 479.763.1540 UKGA Fort Smith 3400 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.739.4647

48 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

If you can dream it, Lyons Plumbing and Custom Design can do it

the entire state that I’m aware of, that can come in and take care of the customer’s full project all at once,” Lyndsee said. Lyons Plumbing and Custom Designs does residential service, construction and remodeling, as well as some commercial service. Joe is a custom tile expert, as well as a tankless water heater certified technician. “We actually specialize in custom,” Joe said. “When you think ‘custom,’ you think clawfoot cast iron tubs, freestanding tubs. Anything that takes plumbing, we can do it. A lot of people will pass on those jobs just because they’re a little more difficult, a lot more time consuming. But we enjoy a challenge. So we do steam systems, steam generators. Pretty much if you can dream it, we can do it.” In recent months, Justin Koperski has joined the

team. He had worked with Joe previously, as well as growing up with and attending Alma High School together. For now, it’s just the three of them, although Joe can see the company growing to six employees. They also hire extra hands on larger jobs. Based on the company’s previous work, kitchen and bathroom remodels are in high demand, and there is a waiting list for remodeling jobs. “The quality of work we put out is worth waiting for,” Koperski said. “The customers we’ve done work for have told us they don’t mind waiting, because we’re willing to go the extra mile, we take that extra little bit of time, and look at all the details of the job. We do quick work for what we’re doing, but it’s quality work. We pay attention to the details, and we do things the right way every time.”

top PLUMBER & HOME CONTRACTOR By Scott Cutlip It was a leap of faith. In January 2018, Lyndsee Littleton Lyons left her state job to work as a real estate agent with O’Neal Real Estate Agency (another Best of the Best nominee), and a few months later her husband, Joe Lyons, said they were going to open their own plumbing business. “We took a huge leap of faith, and God has provided,” Lyndsee said. Lyons Plumbing and Custom Designs was born that day, with Joe and Lyndsee as co-owners. Because Joe had 13 years of plumbing experience in the River Valley area, he was fairly well known, so much so that much of the business has come from word of mouth. “I’ve been super, super busy ever since,” Joe said. “We haven’t had a day off.” In addition to his 13 years as a plumber, Joe had done kitchen and bathroom remodeling for the past eight years as a side business. “When we bought our first house together, we completely gutted it and did the remodel ourselves,” Joe said. “We did it for a couple of friends as time went on, just to help out, and then it’s like, ‘I’m pretty good at that. I enjoy doing that.’” “We’re the only plumbing company that also specializes in bathroom and kitchen remodeling, in

In addition to the growth of their company, all three are proud to be able to give back to the community. Since starting Lyons Plumbing and Custom Designs, they’ve donated more than $1,200 in materials and advertising and more than 75 volunteer hours to local schools, including helping repair a Moffett school after flooding and remodeling six bathrooms at Pocola Elementary. “God has been so good to us, so we need to give back,” Lyndsee said.

FS-SPAD0918161259

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 49

PEOPLE & PLACES

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

ELECTED OFFICIAL

GREEN BUSINESS

LOCAL TOURIST ATTRACTION

NEW BUSINESS

- FIRST PLACE -

Garrett Lewis

George McGill Mayor of Ft. Smith

Fort Smith Coffee Co 1101 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.226.2437

Parrot Island Waterpark 7300 Zero St, Ft. Smith 479.788.6550

The Shabby Apple Boutique 100 Thicksten Dr, Suite 129, Alma 479.652.6163

- WINNERS Jackie Flake

- WINNERS Hobe Runion Sebastian County Sheriff

- WINNERS Johnson Dermatology 5921 Riley Park Dr., Ft. Smith 479.649.3376

- WINNERS The Unexpected Project Downtown Fort Smith unexpectedfs.com

Pattie West

Doug Kinslow Mayor of Greenwood

ArcBest 8401 McClure Dr., Ft. Smith 479.785.6000

Fort Smith National Historic Site 301 Parker Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.3961

50 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

- WINNERS MOMLife Fitness Serving the Fort Smith Area 904.955.5445 Ms. Maciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mobile Grooming River Valley Area 479.430.8291

PEOPLE & PLACES

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

PARK

PLACE TO WORK

PLACE TO WORSHIP

VOLUNTEER

- FIRST PLACE -

Almost Home Shelter 3390 Pointer Trail East, Van Buren 479.414.3781

Creekmore Park 3301 S M St, Ft. Smith 479.784.2368

ArcBest 8401 McClure Dr., Ft. Smith 479.785.6000

Community Bible Church 9201 Dallas St 479.452.9201

Darla Lackey

- WINNERS Ben Geren Park 7200 Zero St, Ft. Smith 479.646.2444

- WINNERS Harry Robinson Buick GMC 6000 S 36th St, Ft. Smith 479.646.8600

- WINNERS Harvest Time 3100 Briarcliff Ave, Ft. Smith 479.646.6001

- WINNERS Ashley Garris

Fort Smith Riverfront Park 121 Riverfront Dr, Ft. Smith 479.784.2368

Keller Williams Platinum Realty 7301 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.434.3000

Life.Church 1900 N 62nd St, Ft. Smith 479.434.5320

Sam Price

- WINNERS Fort Smith Little Theatre 401 N 6th St, Ft. Smith 479.783.2996 Bost, Inc. 5812 Remington Circle, Ft. Smith 479.478.5600

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 51

SERVICES

ATTORNEY/LAW FIRM

AUCTION COMPANY

BAIL BOND COMPANY

BODY PIERCING

CAR WASH/DETAIL

- FIRST PLACE -

Settle & Jernigan 2501 Fayetteville Rd, Van Buren 479.474.0700

Looper Auction 479.996.4848

Bob Cole Bail bonds 301 Wheeler Ave, Ft. Smith 479.785.5566

Hanging City Body Modification 707 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.434.3550

JDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s River Valley Restoration 5606 Towson Ave, Ft. Smith 479.629.7486

- WINNERS Caddell & Reynolds 122 N 11th St., Ft. Smith 479.782.5297

- WINNERS Border Town Auctions 475138 E 1130 Rd, Muldrow 918.629.2210

- WINNERS Campbell Bail Bonds 4306 Alma Hwy, Van Buren 479.471.1500

Hopkins & Holmes 402 Main St, Van Buren 479.922.2175

Trammel Auctions 479.883.2880

1st Arkansas Bail Bonds 401 Towson Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.3799

52 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

- WINNERS Southtown Tattoo & Body Piercing Studio 5609 S 14th St #200, Ft. Smith 479.646.4080 Studio 45 Tattoos 215 N Main St, Hackett 479.831.3711

- WINNERS Buckler Detail 1608 Jenny Lind Rd, Ft. Smith 479.739.0580 Splash Express Car Wash 3410 S. 74th, Ft. Smith 479.785.5035

SERVICES

CARPET CLEANING

CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY

CUSTOMER SERVICE

DIVORCE ATTORNEY

DRY CLEANER

- FIRST PLACE -

Chem Dry of Crawford & Sebastian County 1533 N Greenwood Ave, Ft. Smith 479.646.8800

Arkansas Seat Cover 1721 Towson Ave # A, Ft. Smith 479.782.0464

Chick Fil A 6810 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.484.5152

Settle & Jernigan 2501 Fayetteville Rd, Van Buren 479.474.0700

Mr. Rob’s 2309 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.785.2481

- WINNERS D & D Upholstery 1104 E Central Ave, Central City 479.452.9274

- WINNERS Caddell & Reynolds 122 N 11th St., Ft. Smith 479.782.5297

- WINNERS Kevin Holmes 402 Main St, Van Buren 479.922.2175

- WINNERS Alma Cleaners 100 Thicksten Dr, Alma 479.632.2794

Curly’s Trim Shop 901 N 10th St, Ft. Smith 479.653.3148

Firstar Bank 6200 Massard Road, Ft. Smith 479.551.2600

Dianna Ladd 4937 Old Greenwood Rd, Ft. Smith 479.649.6700

Valet Cleaners 3 Locations in Fort Smith 479.782.5518

- WINNERS Service Master 5100 S 35th St, Ft. Smith 479.242.5765 Premier Carpet Cleaning 2216 N 56th Ln, Ft. Smith 479.414.8237

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 53

Papa’s Pub & Pizzaria makes history as first Best of the Best Overall Winner

apa’s Pub & Pizzaria is the first Best of the Best Overall Winner. Papa’s was the leading vote recipient across all categories in the Top 5 voting round. Representatives of Papa’s were presented with a special plaque to commemorate this honor at the Best of the Best awards gala on Oct. 4. Papa’s received Top 3 recognition in five different categories including first place for Best Bar and Best Pizza Restaurant, second place for Best Brew Pub and third place for Best Place to Go for Happy Hour and Best Sports Bar. Papa’s Pub & Pizzaria in downtown Fort Smith was founded by the late William “Bill” Neumeier as a place for folks to have great pizza, enjoy a beer, watch a game and just have some fun. More than 23 years later, that tradition has continued.

The history of Papa’s Pub & Pizzaria, 508 Garrison Ave., is linked with a significant weather event that hit the Fort Smith area two decades ago. Papa’s opened on April 8, 1996, less than two weeks before a devastating tornado hit Fort Smith and the surrounding area. The April 21,1996, tornado destroyed a number of historic buildings and left damage in residential areas on both sides of the Arkansas River in Fort Smith and Van Buren. In 2011, Neumeier told the Times Record the event was a blessing in disguise. “Frankly, the tornado of 1996 was the best thing that could’ve happened to downtown Fort Smith,” Neumeier said in 2011. “You finally started to see growth and money come downtown. A lot of movement and growth has happened since then.” Papa’s Pub & Pizzaria is one of the success stories in downtown Fort Smith. Neumeier at the time owned both the Rib Room & Beer Garden at 817 Garrison Ave. and Papa’s Pub and Pizzaria. (The Rib Room was later known as the Sound Room before being sold and becoming The Majestic earlier this year. The new Neumeier’s Rib Room & Beer Garden is at 424 Garrison Ave.) Neumeier also was instrumental in the creation of two major annual events in Fort Smith: The Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Festival and the Peacemaker Music Festival. In 1991, Neumeier organized the first Riverfront Blues Festival in Fort Smith, and the following year co-founded the Riverfront Blues Society, which has been in charge of the festival since. He worked tirelessly to help promote area bands, singers and songwriters, friends have said.

54 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

Papa’s Pub & Pizzaria has even served as a location for a movie shoot. In 2016, the film “Second Chances” made its debut. Filmmakers Paris “J.D.” Wilhelm and Adam C. Essman filmed a number of scenes in the movie at Papa’s. “When Adam and I were writing this, we kept saying, ‘a place like Papa’s,’” Wilhelm said in 2016. “So we decided to just call Bill Neumeier to see if we can shoot there, and Bill was very gracious. He turned the place over to us.” Neumeier passed away in 2018 at age 54, but his legacy lives on in both the businesses he established and the sense of giving that he possessed. Papa’s often takes part in events that benefit local nonprofits, including the Grape Escapes fundraiser benefiting Bost Inc. and the Fest of Ale, which benefits Girls Inc. Papa’s also has offered discounts during the Fort Smith Marathon Expo. Friends and family reflected on Newmeier’s spirit after his death last November. “Bill was one of the first people to promote regional and national musical acts in Fort Smith, but he never forgot about us local musicians,” Tom Ware, who knew Neumeier for 30 years, told the Times Record in 2018. “Even if you were his competition, he would give you the shirt off his back. Bill was my friend. I will miss him.” Jeff Gosey, president and director of the Peacemaker Music Festival, called Neumeier “the elder statesman of promoting live music in Fort Smith — a pioneer. A mentor. Bill was a generous host to hundreds of bands that he brought to Fort Smith.” Neumeier worked tirelessly in the community and still made time to frequently check on his parents, William and Jo Ann “Jody” Neumeier, and other relatives, according to Tim Hearn, who is married to Neumeier’s sister, Lisa. Neumeier usually was carrying food and accompanied by at least one good friend during those social stops, Hearn told the Times Record in 2018. “Bill Neuemeier had his father’s name and he had his mother’s heart,” Hearn said. “Jody would listen to vinyl records when Bill was a kid, and that is where Bill got his love for music.” Annie Shaw, who co-owns Annidale Sound with Dale Carter, said she first met Neumeier when she served as executive coordinator of the 1995 Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Festival. “Bill was a real music-lover and treated his performers and sound crew extremely well,” Shaw told the Times Record in 2018. “Dale Carter said Bill was the only club owner in town who paid you more if he had a good weekend. Bill loved music and you could always count on good, professional musicians at the Rib Room, even if it wasn’t your specific musical taste. Bill’s music helped rejuvenate live music in downtown Fort Smith. He will be missed.” Thanks to Neumeier’s vision, success continues for Papa’s, and the restaurant is going strong after 23 years. As fans of pizza, beer and good times continue to vote Papa’s Pub & Pizzaria as one of the Best of the Best in Fort Smith, Neumeier’s legacy is sure to live on.

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 55

SERVICES

EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

FLORIST

FUNERAL HOME

HEATING & AIR SERVICE COMPANY

HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE

- FIRST PLACE -

TEC 4516 Rogers Ave Ft. Smith 479.785.3022

Petals & Stems 100 Thicksten Dr #127, Alma 479.632.2424

Edwards Funeral Home Fort Smith and Van Buren locations 479.782.8203

Martin’s Heating & Air 416 N 10th St, Ft. Smith 479.785.4444

Kleen FreeX 9048 Shiloh Rd., Van Buren 479.222.4976

- WINNERS PRN Medical Services 4500 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.785.9222

- WINNERS Johnston’s Quality Flowers 1111 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.5146

- WINNERS Atchley Air 6633, 3100 Wheeler Ave, Ft. Smith 479.785.1111

- WINNERS Cleaning and Organizing by Design 479.629.7745

TRAC Staffing 4609 S 16th St, Ft. Smith 479.783.9230

Expressions 112 Towson Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.3210

- WINNERS Ocker-Putman Funeral Home Fort Smith and Van Buren locations 479.646.5555 Lewis Funeral Chapel 4817 Kelley Hwy, Ft. Smith 479.783.0503

56 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

Baker Brothers Heating and Air 4320 Grand Ave, Ft. Smith 479.777.8831

Custom Maids Serving the Van Buren & Ft. Smith Areas 479.806.4852

SERVICES

INSURANCE AGENCY

LAWNCARE SERVICE COMPANY

LOCKSMITH

PEST CONTROL

PET GROOMER

- FIRST PLACE -

Dustin Booth State Farm 1612 N. 7th St. Suite D, Van Buren 479.262.2781

Turf & Pest Pro USA 102 N 6th St, Van Buren 479.474.5296

Pop A Lock 5801 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.452.6161

Elite Pest & Termite 4502 Industrial Drive, Ft. Smith 479.226.3212

Ultimutt 5703 S 73rd Pl, Ft. Smith 479.242.1186

- WINNERS Ellis Landscape Services 1131 Fort St, Barling 479.494.7346

- WINNERS Marie’s Lock and Safe 9608 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.484.7800

- WINNERS Turf & Pest Pro USA 102 North 6th St., Van Buren 479.474.5296

- WINNERS Blessed Pets 708 Fayetteville Rd, Suite A, Van Buren 479.922.7387

KPLUS Lawn & Landscaping Serving the Ft. Smith Area 479.414.7338

Brian and Dale’s 1600 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.782.2592

West Termite & Pest 501 Access Rd, Van Buren 479.782.7291

- WINNERS Inge Insurance 19 Pointer Trail West, Van Buren 479.262.6366 Kohler & Green Insurance 7320 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.484.9888

Ms. Maci’s Mobile Grooming Servicing River Valley Area 479.430.8291

TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 57

58 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

SERVICES SATELLITE/CABLE SERVICE OR INTERNET PROVIDER

PET SERVICES OR TRAINING

PHOTOGRAPHER

PLUMBER

RECORDING STUDIO

- FIRST PLACE -

Kamp K-9 Dog Boarding 140 E Elm Blvd, Alma 479.651.2557

Kelsie Jo Photography 3620 S Carthage St., Ft. Smith 479.434.6443

Westark Plumbing 3117 Waco St, Fort Smith 479.646.5151

Studio 221 9606 Black Bear Trail, Ft. Smith 479.434.3921

Cox Communications 8100 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.434.3634

- WINNERS Ultimutt 5703 S 73rd Pl, Ft. Smith 479.242.1186

- WINNERS Yellow Roads Photography 105 N 13th St., Ft Smith 479.459.3819

- WINNERS Lyons Plumbing and Custom Design 206 E Stanfield, Ft. Smith 479.431.7719

- WINNERS SOUL Studios 1112 Garrison Ave. Ft. Smith 479-221-8280

- WINNERS DirecTV 6301 Grand Ave, Ft. Smith 479.452.9200

River Valley Animal Hospital 400 Frontier Road, Barling 479.242.7824

Danielle R Hobbs Photography 307 Highway 64 W 479.420.3640

Fountain Square House 3514 Country Club Rd, Suite 1, Muldrow 918.208.4332

AT&T UVerse 7110 Rogers Ave Suite 100, Ft. Smith 479.452.5919

Houck Plumbing PO. BOX 897, Alma 479.739.4050

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THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST OF THE BEST 2019!

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60 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

SERVICES

SELF STORAGE COMPANY

TATTOO PARLOUR

TAX SERVICES

TOWING SERVICES

VETERINARIAN

- FIRST PLACE -

Grand Central Storage 6301 Grand Ave, Ft. Smith 479.452.9200

White Rabbit Tattoo 707 Garrison Ave, Ste A, Ft. Smith 479.434.3550

Shirley’s Tax Service Fort Smith, Barling, Van Buren & Greenwood 479.785.5140

Jody’s Auto Service Center 810 Phoenix Ave. Ft. Smith 479.649.3399

River Valley Animal Hospital 400 Frontier Road, Barling 479.242.7824

- WINNERS Southtown Tattoo & Body Piercing Studio 5609 S 14th St #200, Ft. Smith 479.646.4080

- WINNERS A-1 Tax Service & Bookkeeping 2125 S 56th St, Ft. Smith 479.484.7686

- WINNERS Greg’s Too 6800 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.478.1991

- WINNERS Hubbs Animal Clinic 3005 Alma Hwy, Van Buren 479.474.6898

A+ Whites Towing 9257 Windy Hill Dr, Mountainburg 479.414.3924

Labahn Veterinary Hospital 4100 Kelley Hwy, Ft. Smith 479.782.1234

- WINNERS Koller Moving & Storage 615 S E St, Ft. Smith 479.782.2088 Total Self Storage 4700 Zero St, Ft. Smith 479.649.6500

Tactical Tattoo 1123 Fort St, Barling 479.242.8288

Melanie Radcliff CPA 200 N Greenwood Ave, Ft. Smith 479.478.6831

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SHOPPING & COMMERCE

ANTIQUE STORE

BACKYARD FURNITURE

BOOKSTORE

BOUTIQUE

BRIDAL STORE

- FIRST PLACE -

Belle Starr Antiques & Vintage Market 410 N B St, Fort Smith 479.226.3131

Wasted 1520 Towson Ave., Ft. Smith 479.322.8787

Bookish: An Indie Shop for Folks Who Read 115 N. 10th, Suite H-119-C, Ft. Smith 479.434.2917

Hazel’s Haven 4120 Rogers Ave #102, Ft. Smith 479.242.4295

Always and Forever 1200 S Waldron Rd, Ft. Smith 479.646.1997

- WINNERS Wasted 1520 Towson Ave., Ft. Smith 479.322.8787 Now and Then Shoppe 115 Lecta Ave, Fort Smith 479.783.8082

- WINNERS Lowes Ft. Smith & Van Buren 479.452.6000 Belle Starr Antiques & Vintage Market 410 N B St, Ft. Smith 479.226.3131

- WINNERS Chapters on Main 816 Main St, Van Buren 479.471.9315 Solid Rock 3325 S 74th St Suite C, Ft. Smith 479.452.4844

- WINNERS Heidi’s Way Boutique 1404 N Pocola Blvd, Pocola 918.436.6383 The Shabby Apple Boutique 100 Thicksten Dr, Suite 129, Alma 479.652.6163

- WINNERS Danielle’s Bridal 2382 W Clark Rd, Clarksville 479.754.5885 Bridal Elegance 4600 Towson Ave Ste 5, Ft. Smith 479.649.9006

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Since 1928, we’ve helped students throughout the River Valley create better lives for themselves and their families. Acclaimed academics, renowned faculty, hands-on programs, and a campus as vibrant as the city it calls home. We are the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.

uafs.edu/jointhepride 64 | TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019

Family continues commitment at Shirley’s Tax Service

the extra mile,” he said. “And if they call us with any situation they’re not sure of, we’ll do our best to get an answer for them, and we don’t charge for those things most of the time. They’re our clients, and that’s part of it, is how we feel. If you get a letter from the IRS, bring that in, and we’ll help you fix it.” Another reason people come to Shirley’s Tax Service, Paul said, is they try to explain things in a “normal” manner to clients. “We’re just normal folks like everybody else,” Paul said. “We want you to understand. The more you understand, the more you know, the better we can do together on your taxes. And we also keep our prices low enough that people can afford them. In the industry, the fees have really gone through the roof, and

we try to keep them to where the average person can afford them. We’re going to give you good customer service, and we’re going to care about your business, and we’re going to care about your situation.” For a large portion of the year, Shirley’s has only about five employees. The first week of January, though, other employees start to come in, set their desks up and prepare for the upcoming tax season, after taking courses and learning about any changes in the tax laws. Between mid-January and April 15 (and sometimes beyond), Shirley’s is fully staffed. Many of the employees have been with Shirley long term, with many having three or more years of experience and several with 15+ years experience. Paul said Shirley’s Tax

best TAX SERVICES By Scott Cutlip

n 1976, to pass spare time while being the receptionist in her husband’s real estate business, Shirley Thrift took a tax course so she would have something to do during tax season. In 1980, Shirley, along with her best friend Jan Jones, moved the growing tax business to its own office. Soon, daughter Sharon came on board; she took the lead when electronic filing started and still runs it. In the 43 years since, Shirley’s Tax Service has opened additional locations and employs nearly 30 people during tax season. Jan Jones passed away and Shirley retired, but her family continues running Shirley’s Tax Service. Her son, Paul Thrift, is president and general manager. He, his sister, Sharon Akers, his brother, Stan Thrift, and his niece, Mikaela Akers, run the business with the same commitment to service with which Shirley started. Paul Thrift believes it’s the personal touch his family and employees have that brings customers back. Word of mouth has always been their best advertisement. “We really strive to give good customer service and care about our clients and go

Service was blessed that the same preparers like to work for them. “We do over 6,000 returns annually,” he said. That puts us into the top 2% of independent tax preparers nationwide. If you’re an independent tax practice, and you do over 3,000 tax returns annually, that puts you in the top 2%. And we do over 6.” One free piece of advice Paul offered was to reflect on all the places you’ve worked or on any sources of income you might have. Sometimes something like that will slip through the cracks, and then months later the IRS finds it. That’s the most common mistake people make, Paul said. Shirley’s Tax Service has offices in Barling, Van Buren and Greenwood and two offices in Fort Smith.

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FS-SPAD0918161059

SHOPPING & COMMERCE

CELL PHONE REPAIR SERVICE

CELL PHONE SERVICE

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

CLOTHING STORE

COINS & COLLECTIBLES

- FIRST PLACE -

Gadget Grave 4900 Rogers Ave #103i, Ft. Smith 479.431.6091

AT&T 7110 Rogers Ave Suite 100, Ft. Smith 479.452.5919

Polka Dotted Zebra 560 W Center Street, Ste A 479.996.0096

Dillards 5111 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.484.5700

Belle Starr Antiques & Vintage Market 410 N B St, Ft. Smith 479.226.3131

- WINNERS Phone Doctors 5609 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.434.6622

- WINNERS Verizon 7723 Rogers Ave 479.478.0007

- WINNERS Katiebug’s 2801 Old Greenwood Rd #12, Ft. Smith 479.648.1069

- WINNERS Heidi’s Way Boutique 1404 N Pocola Blvd, Pocola 918.436.6383

Best Buy 4195 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.709.8939

Cricket Wireless 5609 Rogers Ave Ste C, Ft. Smith 479.494.4975

Children’s Place 5111 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.484.7879

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Purple Poppy Boutique 7110 Rogers Ave Suite 104, Ft. Smith 479.763.1455

- WINNERS Coopers Coin & Pawn Shop 7100 Hwy 271 S, Ft. Smith 479.646.4001 Superior Pawn 2923 Zero St, Ft. Smith 479.646.4653

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SHOPPING & COMMERCE

CONSIGNMENT SHOP

CUSTOM T-SHIRT SHOP

DEPARTMENT STORE

FLOOR COVERING STORE

FRESH PRODUCE

- FIRST PLACE -

Designer Again 16 N 3rd St, Ft. Smith 479.782.8313

S & S Design & Sign Co. 409 W Ray Fine Blvd, Muldrow 918.427.3230

TJ Maxx 8365 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.452.2366

D & D Floor Covering 1323 Main St., Van Buren 479.474.0533

- WINNERS Jillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Consignment Boutique 3400 Rogers Ave #130, Ft. Smith 479.783.5455

- WINNERS The Print Company 423 Rogers Ave Suite 202D, Ft. Smith 479.561.8983

- WINNERS Target 4001 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.709.8940

- WINNERS Alfords Carpet One 1020 Lexington Ave, Ft. Smith 479.668.3793

Fort Smith Downtown Farmers Market North 2nd & Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.675.3339

Rags 2421 Kibler Rd, Van Buren 479.474.0019

Glitzy Chix 479.883.3023

Dillards 5111 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.484.5700

Allison Sales Co. 7101 US-271, Ft. Smith 479.649.9989

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- WINNERS Crabtree Farms 3101 Westville Rd, Van Buren 479.806.0941 Twin City Produce 623 N 9th St, Ft. Smith 479.783.7363

Elite Roofing grows with the community

with the previous version of Elite Roofing, such as Collins and office manager Melissa Schumacher, who has been with Elite since 2008. Elite Roofing also works with subcontractors, when needed. It’s the employees that make the difference, according to Hogan. “We have been here; we will be here,” Schumacher said. “We are not a fly-bynight company. We do not storm chase. If you have a problem with your roof five years down the road, call us and we’re going to help you. We have the best advertising by word of mouth that anybody could have.” “Everybody here goes above and beyond to make sure the customers are happy,” he said. “We always try to do people right no matter what. In the long run, all of my guys here, I

can call them at ten at night and say we need to get to a customer’s house, and I don’t have any complaints. It’s a great work atmosphere; everybody gets along.” According to Hogan, while other companies might use two men and seven days to complete a roof, Elite Roofing can’t do that. Instead, they put a full crew on the roof and complete the job in one day, including picking up any trash and getting the trailer out of the yard on the same day. Elite Roofing also keeps up to date with the latest apps and software, which often decreases task time. Elite Roofing believes in giving back to the community. “I’ve been blessed from business to family,” Hogan said. “I’m a God, church, and family man. We try to give back, whether it’s churches or people who are less fortunate.” Some

best ROOFING COMPANY By Scott Cutlip

endall Hogan worked for his dad in his construction and roofing companies for 20 years before realizing if he really wanted to make a future for himself and his family, he would have to strike out on his own. He prayed on it, and felt like God told him it was time. That’s when Hogan purchased the existing Elite Roofing, which had been in business since 2005, in March of 2012. He said Elite Roofing is a Christian-based business, attributing his success to God and to his family. Gavin Collins, who had worked with the previous version of Elite Roofing, came on as a co-owner around 2014. Since then, Hogan said, the business has expanded at a phenomenal rate, with Elite Roofing providing service into Oklahoma and into Northwest Arkansas, having done some work toward the central part of the state. Elite Roofing has set up an office in Fayetteville with two full-time employees. Elite Roofing has 13 full-time employees overall, including some who had been

of their favorite organizations are schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, and little league teams that many of the children of Elite Roofing employees attend or participate in. Sponsoring the teams is mutually beneficial. As Hogan said, it is surprising how much publicity you get on the back of a jersey and how much that sticks in the mind of someone who gets a roof leak. Hogan said they always try to give back to River Valley churches, to give back to God as he said God has given to him. Hogan and his wife live in the River Valley area and have four children. Collins and his wife have five children. Elite Roofing is located at 3407 Industrial Park Rd in Van Buren. They can be reached at (479) 478-8668 or by email at eliteroofingllc@aol.com. It is open between 7 and 5 Monday through Friday. TIMES RECORD BEST OF RIVER VALLEY AWARDS - OCTOBER 2019 | 69 FS-SPAD0918161810

SHOPPING & COMMERCE

FURNITURE STORE

GIFT SHOP

HARDWARE STORE

HEALTH FOOD STORE

HOME ACCESSORIES STORE

- FIRST PLACE -

Midland Furniture 3023 Midland Blvd, Ft. Smith 479.782.5401

The Shops at BrickCity 3215 S 74th St, Fort Smith 479.434.5858

Yeager Ace Hardware Ft. Smith, Greenwood & Van Buren 479.646.1209

Clean Cookin’ Fort Smith & Van Buren 479.262.5857

Hobby Lobby 5900 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.484.7071

- WINNERS Old Fort Furniture 7606 Fort Chaffee Blvd, Ft. Smith 479.434.4969

- WINNERS Petals & Stems 100 Thicksten Dr #127, Alma 479.632.2424

- WINNERS Squash Blossom 5005 Dora Rd., Van Buren 479.474.1147

- WINNERS Petals & Stems 100 Thicksten Dr #127, Alma 479.632.2424

Old Fashioned Foods 8434 Phoenix Ave. #E, Ft. Smith 479.649.8200

Kirklands 3965 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.648.3965

H3 Lazboy Comfort Studio 7607 Rogers Ave B, Ft. Smith 479.434.4920

Now & Then Shoppe 115 Lecta Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.8022

- WINNERS Lowes Locations in Ft. Smith & Van Buren 479.452.6000 Walrods Hardware 2113 Midland Blvd, Ft. Smith 479.782.8600

Style + Value • Custom Furniture FREE in-home Design Services

THANK YOU TO OUR CUSTOMERS FOR VOTING US THE BEST OF BEST IN 2019! 479-434-4920 h3lazboy.com

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7607B Rogers Ave Fort Smith, AR 72903

SHOPPING & COMMERCE

HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE

JEWELRY STORE

LAWN EQUIPMENT STORE

LOCAL GROCERY STORE

MATTRESS STORE

- FIRST PLACE -

Lowes Ft. Smith & Van Buren 479.452.6000

Newton’s Jewelers 701 Garrison Ave., Ft. Smith 479.782.9123

Yeager Ace Hardware Ft. Smith, Greenwood & Van Buren 479.646.1209

Harps 2 Locations in Ft. Smith 479.452.1007

Midland Furniture 3023 Midland Blvd, Ft. Smith 479.782.5401

- WINNERS Yeager Ace Hardware Ft. Smith, Greenwood & Van Buren 479.646.1209

- WINNERS Diamond Center 5111 Rogers Ave #153, Ft. Smith 479.452.0246

- WINNERS The Mower Shop 3700 Towson Ave, Ft. Smith 479.646.5102

- WINNERS Aldi Ft. Smith & Van Buren 855.955.2534

- WINNERS FFO 6400 7208 Jenny Lind Rd, Ft. Smith 800.635.8001

Home Depot 5101 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.649.5888

John Mays Jewelers 5622 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.452.2140

Myer’s Mower & Tiller 5109 Wheeler Ave, Ft. Smith 479.648.3648

Shoppers Value Ft. Smith, Van Buren & Alma 479.785.2841

Mattress Firm 4621 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.358.7630

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SHOPPING & COMMERCE

MEAT/SEAFOOD MARKET

NURSERY/GARDEN STORE

OUTDOOR/SPORTING GOODS STORE

PAWN SHOP

SHOE STORE

- FIRST PLACE -

Paul’s Meat Market 2801 Old Greenwood Rd # 17, Ft. Smith 479.648.1118

Sharum’s Garden Center 10000 US-71, Ft. Smith 479.649.0662

Academy Sports & Outdoors 5001 Phoenix Ave, Fort Smith 479.494.1740

Coopers Coin & Pawn Shop 7100 Hwy 271 S, Ft. Smith 479.646.4001

Warren’s Shoes 5111 Rogers Ave, Central Mall 479.452.9939

- WINNERS Parks Brothers 6733 Parks Rd, Van Buren 479.410.2217

- WINNERS The Woodsman Company 5111 Rogers Ave #204, Ft. Smith 479.452.3559

- WINNERS Superior Pawn 2923 Zero St, Ft. Smith 479.646.4353

- WINNERS Shoe Carnival 4125 Phoenix Ave, Fort Smith 479.646.1136

A&B Pawn 2201 Alma Hwy, Van Buren 479.474.9636

True Grit Running Company 6808 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.434.3571

- WINNERS Butcher Boys 1220 Main St, Van Buren 479.474.6800 Butcher Block 8901 Jenny Lind Rd # 8, Ft. Smith 479.646.4666

Neumeier’s Nursery 3327 N O St, Ft. Smith 479.782.9987

True Grit Running Company 6808 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith 479.434.3571

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TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT

ART GALLERY

BOWLING

CASINO

CONCERT VENUE

- FIRST PLACE -

Regional Art Museum (RAM) 1601 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.784.7287

Bowling World 6100 S 36th St, Ft. Smith 479.646.5050

Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland 109 Cherokee Blvd, Roland 918.427.7491

Temple Live 200 N 11th St, Ft. Smith 479.222.6186

Grand Master P 479.459.1137

- WINNERS Center for Art & Education 104 N 13th St, Van Buren 479.474.7767

- WINNERS Midland Bowl 2600 N 32nd St, Ft. Smith 479.785.2551

Windgate Art & Design 5210 Grand Ave., Ft. Smith 479.788.7000

StrikeALot Lanes 1914 N Broadway St, Poteau 918.649.0143

- WINNERS Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola 3400 Choctw Rd., Pocola 918.436.7762 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa 777 W Cherokee St, Catoosa 800.760.6700

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- WINNERS Fort Smith Convention Center 800 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.788.8932 Gilleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola 3400 Choctaw Rd., Pocola 918.436.7762

- WINNERS Jesica Beaty The River 101.9 479.785.2526 Dennis Snow The Fort 94.5 479.783.5379

TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT

FAMILY AMUSEMENT

FESTIVAL/FAIR

GOLF COURSE

HOTEL OR RESORT

KARAOKE BAR

- FIRST PLACE -

Parrot Island Waterpark 7300 Zero St, Ft. Smith 479.788.6550

Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair

Eagle Crest Golf Course 3926 Golf Course Dr, Alma 479.632.8857

Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland 109 Cherokee Blvd., Roland 918.427.7491

Lost Beach 1810 Zero St, Ft. Smith 479.646.3939

- WINNERS Janet Huckabee Nature Center 8300 Wells Lake Rd, Ft. Smith 479.452.3993

- WINNERS Steel Horse Rally

- WINNERS Hardscrabble Country Club 5211 Cliff Dr, Ft. Smith 479.782.7211

Peacemaker Festival

Ben Geren Golf Course 6471 Golf Course Loop, Ft. Smith 479.646.5301

Hog Wild Family Fun Center 3000 S 70th St., Ft. Smith 479.242.3557

- WINNERS Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola 3400 Choctaw Rd., Pocola 918.436.7762 DoubleTree 700 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.1000

- WINNERS Avaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Fianna 8901 Jenny Lind Rd 479.783.1640 Old Town Grain & Feed 503 Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.651.9986

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TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT

LIVE THEATRE

LOCAL ANNUAL EVENT

MUSEUM

PLACE FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY

PLACE TO GO DANCING

- FIRST PLACE -

Fort Smith Little Theatre 401 N 6th St, Ft. Smith 479.783.2966

Old Fort Days Rodeo 4400 Midland Blvd, Ft. Smith 479.783.6176

Fort Smith Museum of History 320 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.7841

Parrot Island Waterpark 7300 Zero St, Ft. Smith 479.788.6550

Electric Cowboy 6107 S. 31st St, Ft. Smith 479.649.8033

- WINNERS Young Actors Guild 1310 N 32nd St, Ft. Smith 479.879.1034

- WINNERS Steel Horse Rally

- WINNERS Fort Smith National Historic Site 301 Parker Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.3961

- WINNERS Hog Wild Family Fun Center 3000 S 70th St., Ft. Smith 479.242.3557

- WINNERS Larry Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rhythm Room 715 Main St, Van Buren 479.689.5252

King Opera House 427 Main St, Van Buren 479.474.2426

Peacemaker Festival

The Monkey House 5504 Wheeler Ave., Ft. Smith 479.226.3400

Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland 109 Cherokee Blvd., Roland 918.427.7491

Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM) 1601 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.784.2787

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TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT PLACE TO LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC

SEASONAL ATTRACTION

SPECIAL EVENT VENUE

TRAVEL AGENCY

WEDDING VENUE

- FIRST PLACE -

La Huerta on Garrison Ave. 5605 Rogers Ave., Ft Smith 479.478.6425

Creekmore Christmas Lights & Train 3301 S M St, Fort Smith 479.784.2368

Fort Smith Convention Center 800 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.788.8932

Deramus Travel 7320 Rogers Ave #5, Ft. Smith 479.479.1908

Kindred Barn 8606 Old Grapic Rd, Mulberry 479.997.2455

- WINNERS Kindred Barn 8606 Old Graphic Rd, Mulberry 479.997.2455

- WINNERS Magical Moments Vacations by Amy Justice 479.414.3902

- WINNERS Stone Creek Bend 105758 State Hwy. 64B, Muldrow 479.629.1473

Notus Farmhouse 1101 Wilson Rock Rd, Muldrow 918.962.0061

Universal Travel 4300 Rogers Ave #8, Ft. Smith 479.785.1800

- WINNERS Larry B’s Rhythm Room 715 Main St, Van Buren 479.689.5252 Gilley’s at Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola 3400 Choctaw Rd., Pocola 918.436.7762

- WINNERS Parrot Island Waterpark 7300 Zero St, Ft. Smith 479.788.6550 Fort Smith Downtown Farmers Market North 2nd & Garrison Ave, Ft. Smith 479.675.3339

Notus Farmhouse 1101 Wilson Rock Rd, Muldrow 918.962.0061

THANK YOU

WE MEET THE NICEST PEOPLE BY ACCIDENT

FOR YOUR VOTE

412 Gordon Ave. Van Buren, AR www.evansbodyshopvb.com

479-410-1147

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VEHICLE DEALERS & SERVICES

AUTO CUSTOMIZING SHOP

AUTO GLASS REPAIR

AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR DEALER

AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR INDEPENDENT

BOAT/MARINE DEALER

- FIRST PLACE -

California Customs 6408 Highway 71 South, Ft. Smith 479.646.3207

Mr. Auto Glass 3017 Towson Ave, Ft. Smith 479.782.4441

Harry Robinson Buick GMC 6000 S 36th St, Ft. Smith 479.646.8600

Jody’s Auto Center 810 Phoenix Ave., Ft. Smith 479.649.3399

Copher’s Boat Center 8111 US-271, Ft. Smith 479.646.5672

- WINNERS Cambered Customs 303 Hwy 64 W, Alma 479.414.7979

- WINNERS Safelite 4300 Rogers Ave Ste 37, Ft. Smith 479.358.9513

- WINNERS Orr Autopark 6500 Autopark Dr, Ft. Smith 479.310.0948

- WINNERS Jim Grizzle Tire 3002 Towson Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.6157

- WINNERS Whit’s Marine 823 N 11th St, Ft. Smith 479.785.5985

River Valley Truck Outfitters 5424 State Hwy 45, Ft. Smith 479.648.8855

Auto Glass Connection 2411 Towson Ave, Ft. Smith 479.782.4300

Randall Ford 5500 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.452.1311

Greg’s Too 6800 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.478.1991

Make A Wake Boats 4806 Alma Hwy, Van Buren 479.262.6346

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VEHICLE DEALERS & SERVICES

CAR SALESMAN

COLLISION/BODY SHOP DEALER

COLLISION/BODY SHOP INDEPENDENT

LARGE USED AUTO DEALER

MOTORCYCLE DEALER

- FIRST PLACE -

Scott Russell, Randall Ford 5500 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.452.1311

Harry Robinson Buick GMC 6000 S 36th St, Ft. Smith 479.646.8600

Evans Body Shop 412 Gordon Ave, Van Buren 479.410.1147

Harry Robinson Buick GMC 6000 S 36th St, Ft. Smith 479.646.8600

Harley Davidson 6304 S 36th St, Ft. Smith 479.648.9004

- WINNERS Adriana Burton, Harry Robinson Buick GMC 6000 S 36th St, Ft. Smith 479.646.8600

- WINNERS Orr Chevrolet Cadillac 6500 Autopark Dr, Ft. Smith 479.646.7301

- WINNERS Classic Collision 1708 Wheeler Ave, Ft. Smith 479.783.8572

- WINNERS Orr Autopark 6500 Autopark Dr, Ft. Smith 479.310.0948

- WINNERS BRC Bikeworks 1421 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.226.3975

Randall Ford 5500 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.452.1311

Autoplex 215 Commerce Dr., Alma 479.632.3827

Randall Ford 5500 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.452.1311

Wheeler Powersports 901 N 11th St, Ft. Smith 479.783.5822

Robert Day, Harry Robinson Buick GMC 6000 S 36th St, Ft. Smith 479.646.8600

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Studio Platinum all about family, friends and fun

just fun. Today when I’m done working, I’ll be hanging out here. It’s a comfortable place.” The openness of the new salon helps with the feeling. Stylists are no longer in their own rooms, and they and their clients can talk freely. “The white walls are a stylist’s dream,” Young said. “Taking pictures and being able to see the hair is so much more clear. Your hair is all blank canvas now.” Assistant Salon Manager Ariela Salgado said working in the salon is a dream come true. Salgado, who along with stylist Dre Domasig went to cosmetology school with Cass, said everybody there feels like family. “It’s literally a passion for everyone here,” she said. “There’s a good energy here,” Domasig said. “All our clients get along. Most of our clients know the other stylists. Sometimes we share clients. We make

people feel good when they walk out of here; they feel empowered. They can conquer whatever they want.” Among the services offered by Studio Platinum are men’s and women’s cuts, coloring, hair extensions and conditioning treatments. Devin Davis, the studio’s licensed esthetician, said she offers services such as dermaplaning and enzyme facials, body sugaring and permanent cosmetics, including eyeliner, brows, microblading and areola reconstruction. Cass also prides herself on the salon being eco-friendly. All the products are naturally and sustainably based. Studio Platinum is a green circle salon, which means that everything possible is recycled, down to the cut hair, which can be used to clean up oil spills. In addition to environmental friendliness,

best HAIR SALON By Scott Cutlip

assie Cass graduated from cosmetology school, and later that same day she gave birth to her youngest child, Charleigh. She opened her first salon about a month later. “Charleigh drove me,” Cass said. “ I just knew if I didn’t do something for my family, then I would never do anything. Charleigh was a salon baby. She never slowed me down. She came to work with me every single day.” It’s that same determination that helped her move from a small building nicknamed “The Shack,” which only had room for two stylists, to another that had room for seven stylists to their new address at 7910 S. Zero St., which accommodates 10 stylists and an esthetician. Studio Platinum is a salon, Cass said, where everyone is welcome, regardless of race, gender or sexual preference. “We wanted a place where everyone could feel comfortable,” Cass said. “It’s the funniest place ever. We have a good time. Everybody’s always laughing. We want to make sure this doesn’t feel stuffy; we want it to always feel like you’re just hanging with your friends.” Salon manager Addison Young agreed. “We’re all a bunch of weirdos,” she said. “It’s

Cass believes in serving the community, offering back-to-school haircuts to children for free, participating in toy drives, and doing what they call a “Geriatric Angel Tree” for retirees at Butterfield Place in Fort Smith. One of their favorite organizations to help is Hannah House, which assists young women experiencing crisis situations in their lives. In addition to Charleigh, who turns 5 in December, Cass credits the rest of her family, 14-year-old Olivia, 12-year-old Blayden, and particularly her husband, Kolt, for their support.

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VEHICLE DEALERS & SERVICES

NEW AUTO DEALER

POWERSPORTS DEALER

RV DEALER

SMALL USED AUTO DEALER

TIRE CENTER

- FIRST PLACE -

Orr Autopark 6500 Autopark Dr, Ft. Smith 479.310.0948

Wheeler Powersports 901 N 11th St, Ft. Smith 479.783.5822

Crabtree RV 400 Heather Ln, Alma 479.632.0829

Auto Finders 224 E Ray Fine Blvd, Roland 918.503.6633

Jim Grizzle Tire 8821 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.452.5678

- WINNERS Harry Robinson Buick GMC 6000 S 36th St, Ft. Smith 479.646.8600

- WINNERS Honda Powersports 3731 Towson Ave, Ft. Smith 479.646.7377

- WINNERS Camping World/Jamatt RV 34203 US-59, Poteau 918.647.2307

- WINNERS Broadway Motors 809 Broadway, Van Buren 479.410.2080

- WINNERS Jody’s Auto Service Center 810 Phoenix Ave. Ft. Smith 479.649.3399

Randall Ford 5500 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.452.1311

BRC Bikeworks 1421 Phoenix Ave, Ft. Smith 479.226.3975

Breeden RV 5603 Alma Hwy, Van Buren 479.262.2418

Hertz Car Sales 2810 Midland Blvd, Ft. Smith 479.783.1722

Discount Tire 5710 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith 479.358.8437

Thank you

FOR SUPPORTING OUR BUSINESS!

2101 Dallas Street • Fort Smith

479-782-3021

www.udoujorthodontics.com www.udou oujorthodontics.com dontics.com

FS-SPAD0911104015

We appreciate you!

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THANK YOU! Thank You to Fort Smith and the River Valley for voting us in the Top 3 for Best Assisted Living, Best Nursing Home and Best Retirement Community! NOW OFFERING OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION SERVICES!

METHODIST VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING

7425 Euper Lane Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903 479.452.1611 www.methodistvillage.com

We are proud to have served as Fort Smith’s only faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for our active adult and elder population for nearly 60 years. Our 30-acre campus has been redeveloped into the only complete continuum of care “Life Plan Community” in the River Valley. We offer comprehensive total patient care through independent, assisted, long term, memory care and in/out-patient rehabilitation. In addition, our state-of-the-art Multi Treatment Center gives on-site provider care from a General Practitioner, Dentist, Optometrist, and Podiatrist. These combined offerings allow for a community that enables seniors to live on one campus throughout their life, depending on how their needs change.

FS-SPAD0910163930

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Family, community, service keep Harry Robinson driven

he has a son, nephew, sister and cousin who work at the dealership. According to Leona Jester, human resources manager, the feeling isn’t only for immediate family. “They treat you like family here,” she said. “It’s the best place I ever worked.” Robinson’s concept of treating others, which he says he learned from Dick Durham (no relation to Scott), who employed Robinson at a dealership in Hammond, Louisiana, moves beyond the dealership and into the community. Some of the community involvement projects Harry Robinson has been involved with include Partners in Education with Chaffin Junior High, which provides mentorship to students. Harry Robinson also provides backpacks and dictionaries to students and has drives

for organizations such as Children’s Mercy and The Call. Other community involvement projects Harry Robinson Buick GMC is involved in can be seen at https://www. harryrobinsonbuickgmc. com/Community. “He encourages us to volunteer,” said Renee Durham. “He said relationships are made at work, but relationships are really made when you volunteer together. His philosophy is if you help enough people get what you want, you’ll get what you want. He passes that along. We’ve done Day of Caring for years. This year, we partnered with Single Parents Scholarship, and we did a car clinic. We gave the parents an emergency roadside kit and taught them how to check their oil and fluids, taught them how to change a tire.” Cathy Nesbit, social

best AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR, BODY SHOP & USED CAR DEALER By Scott Cutlip

arry Robinson started in the automobile sales industry at the age of 20 and has made it his life’s work since, turning the business that started as Harry Robinson Pontiac in 1984 into a family business that is heavily involved in the community. “We are locally owned and operated,” said Scott Durham, general sales manager.. “A lot of dealerships have people who live near the place, but Harry Robinson is actually operated by three of Harry’s daughters and myself. I’m married to Harry’s oldest daughter. All the key positions in the dealership are operated by family. I think that sets us apart, because we all have a little added investment because of our relationship to Harry. We try to treat people the way Harry treats us, which is with respect. We try to make it, not a sale, but a relationship.” Robinson’s daughter, Renee Robinson-Durham, is the general manager; another daughter, Amanda Mendenhall, is the service manager; and a third daughter, Sara Robinson, manages the permanent records department. Durham pointed out that in addition to his wife,

media director, said the dealership also uploads several social media posts and videos, including Test Drive Tuesday, which shows new vehicles in inventory and goes in-depth on their features, and Free Gas Friday, in which employees find someone driving a vehicle purchased at Harry Robinson (based on the sticker on the car) and gives them a gift card for $50 in gas, plus a goodie bag. In December, Harry Robinson Sallisaw Ford opened, adding an additional 30 employees to the 90 who work at Harry Robinson Buick GMC. Although the two dealerships have different automobile brands, Durham said employees at either dealership would work with the customer to get the car they want. In addition, the Harry Robinson website shows the vehicles for both dealerships. Between its two locations, Harry Robinson has more than 600 vehicles in its current inventory, including roughly three dozen 2020 vehicles.

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Congratulations! FROM THE

Times Record To all the First Place and Top 3 Winners, you deserve a pat on the back for loving and serving the River Valley everyday. Display your awards and banners proudly so everyone knows that you are the BEST!

5111 Rogers Avenue, Suite 471

479.785.7700 swtimes.com

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We want to say thank you to all the businesses and voters that participated in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best of the Best contest making it the biggest and best yet!

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VEHICLE DEALERS & SERVICES

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