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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Matt Bell
President and CEO
Origami Sake
Matt Bell, president and CEO of Origami Sake in Hot Springs, is an Arkansas native and a relentless entrepreneur. Born and raised in Little Rock, Matt has been instrumental in the creation of several successful Arkansas-based companies. Prior to founding Origami Sake, Matt was the co-founder of Bell-Corley Construction Co., a general contracting company in Little Rock; Viridian, a green building consulting company in Little Rock; and Entegrity Energy Partners, an energy efficiency and solar performance contracting company in Little Rock. Bell is a graduate of Little Rock’s Hall STEAM Magnet High School and received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Since graduation, he has dedicated his career to creating businesses with a focus on innovation and excellence in every endeavor. Aware of the challenges of any new industry, Bell has continued his education and is a certified level 1 sake professional and is currently engaged in more sake education and training. In 2022, Origami Sake was founded to become the leader in domestically produced craft sake by leveraging two of the state’s greatest assets: water and rice. Bell is applying his previous professional experience to create an Arkansas-based business that is positioned to succeed on a global scale. Understanding the secret of success in any business, he assembled a world-class team to execute the vision of making Arkansas the “Napa Valley of Sake.” The story of Origami Sake has received international attention, with coverage from the New York Times, Garden and Gun, Wine Enthusiast, Tokyo Broadcasting System, NHK World-Japan and the Japan News.
