Arkansas Money & Politics is proud to introduce its list of Influencers for 2024, those who inspire us all to reach higher, achieve more and improve things in our communities. Within this list, find leaders in the corporate, nonprofit and public-service spaces — people who provide jobs, feed the state’s economy and provide a hand up to those who need it.
The individuals on this list were handpicked by a blue ribbon panel, who culled hundreds of nominations down to the final listing. They represent not only the best of what they do, but the present and future leaders of our state, who work for the good of us all. As the state’s leading publication focused on the business, community and policy, AMP is proud to shine a bright spotlight on these outstanding achievers and their accomplishments.
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David Squires
Vice President of Mechanical Service
Powers of Arkansas
In 1998, a friend of David Squires mentioned a warehouse position that was open at Powers of Arkansas. After a year of college, Squires knew he wanted the most direct path possible to a career, likely in a trade field, so he applied for and got the job to get his foot in the door.
Today, he is vice president of mechanical service. Squires worked through the ranks from the warehouse position to service technician, account manager and an area service manager for northwest Arkansas before being named vice president last year. He said he is glad he has stayed with the company for more than two decades. “If you run at the first sign of resistance, if you’re switching jobs to chase salary, you never have the opportunity to build family at work. You miss the opportunity that comes with rising through the ranks of learning and contributing to your company culture.”
A natural problem solver, Squires was drawn to heating, ventilation and air conditioning work because it encompasses a little bit of everything that requires electrical, plumbing and mechanical skill. He applied those problem-solving skills to moving up, volunteering to help any journeyman learning along the way by helping him or her get noticed (though he admits his young self never envisioned rising to the C-suite). Today, when he mentors, he encourages young people not to leave jobs too quickly.
