Generational Businesses in Arkansas

Family Foundations

Family is big in Arkansas, and it stands to reason that family businesses are, as well.

Generational businesses are the backbone of business in the Natural State. In Arkansas, family business can mean many things — from global corporations to small-town institutions. The world’s largest retailer and protein producer are each Arkansas family operations, after all, as are the largest off-Wall Street investment firm and one of the country’s great longstanding department stores.

Indeed, Walmart, Tyson Foods, Stephens and Dillard’s have succeeded over generations of family leadership, as have iconic hometown stalwarts such as Cogswell Motors, Bruno’s Little Italy and Underwoods Fine Jewelers.

Other family businesses have grown national reputations for their products, as well, including Xpress Boats, Lexicon and Stallion Transportation.

Generations of Arkansas families have shown the world that the Natural State is a hotbed of entrepreneurship and innovation. While Arkansas Money & Politics does not claim to have a comprehensive list of every family operation in Arkansas, we can nevertheless shine a spotlight on some of the state’s prominent family-run stores, companies and firms.

Arkansas Money & Politics is proud to once again recognize generational businesses in Arkansas.

ACE Glass

Windows/Glass, Little Rock

Akel’s Carpet One Floor & Home

Carpet/Flooring, Little Rock

Albright Ideas

Advertising, Little Rock

Alford’s Carpet One Floor & Home

Carpet/Flooring, Fort Smith

Anthony Timberlands

Timber, Bearden

Arkansas Graphics

Printing, Little Rock

Arkansas Land Co.

Land Brokerage, North Little Rock

Arkansas Land Co. is a trusted real estate firm specializing in the acquisition, marketing and sale of rural, recreational, agricultural and timberland properties throughout the state of Arkansas. With a deep understanding of the local market and decades of combined experience, the Arkansas Land Co. team is dedicated to helping landowners, investors, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts find the right tract of land to meet their goals. Whether one is looking to buy their first hunting property, sell farmland or invest in timberland, Arkansas Land Co. offers expert guidance, market insights and personalized service every step of the way. The company prides itself on integrity, transparency and a passion for the Arkansas outdoors. Discover the value of working with professionals who know the land — because land is more than just property, it is a legacy.

Arkansas Mailing Services

Mailing Services, North Little Rock

ARLaw Partners

Lawyers, Little Rock

ARlaw Partners was founded in 2020 by attorneys Vanessa Cash Adams, Charlie Cunningham, Dustin Duke and Katie Freeman. With offices in Little Rock and Fayetteville, the firm’s practice areas include bankruptcy, estate planning, family law, probate, personal injury, Department of Human Services, business formation and real estate. As an attorney, Cash Adams followed in the footsteps of her father, Clarence W. Cash, who is now retired after practicing law in Little Rock for 50 years.

Arrow Plumbing

Plumbing, North Little Rock

Bank of England

Banking, England

Bell & Co.

Accounting Firm, North Little Rock

Blackmon Auctions

Auctioneer, Little Rock

Blakeman’s Fine Jewelry

Jewelry, Rogers

Bray Sheet Metal

Sheet Metal, Little Rock

William Bray started his namesake business in 1924 behind his Little Rock home. As the business grew, he purchased the property at 1508 Scott St., where the business remains today. His sons, Carson and Warren Bray, continued to expand the company, turning the backyard sheet metal shop into a large-scale operation. Now run by third-generation owner Mary Bray Kelley and her son Woody Simmons, Bray Sheet Metal continues to serve the paper mill and roofing industries, in addition to manufacturing chairs, tables, chimney caps, flags, countertops and more.

Brown Boys Roofing

Roofing, Bentonville

Bruno’s Little Italy

Restaurant, Little Rock

C.C. Jones Produce Trucking

Trucking, North Little Rock

CBM Construction

Construction, Little Rock

Capitol Glass Co.

Auto Glass, Little Rock

Established in 1950, Capitol Glass Co. is the oldest locally owned and operated glass company in the Little Rock area, celebrating 75 years in 2025. For more than seven decades, the company has maintained the reputation of quality and safety earned by longtime owner and co-founder Jack Grimes. The company now is owned by Grimes’ son, Glenn, who grew up in the business and started working full time at Capitol Glass in 1972. Jack’s grandson, Aaron, runs the day-to-day operations.

Chi’s Chinese Cuisine

Restaurant, Little Rock

Clark Machinery Co.

Construction Services, Fort Smith

Cogswell Motors

Auto Dealership, Russellville

Cooper Family Dentistry

Dental, Jacksonville

Coulson Oil Co.

Petroleum Distribution,

North Little Rock

Coy’s Southern Eats

Restaurant, Bryant

Cozy Caverns Storm Shelters

Storm Shelters, Austin

Crews & Associates

Banking, Little Rock

Crow Burlingame Co.

Auto Parts, Little Rock

Curry’s Termite, Pest & Animal Control

Pest Control, Little Rock

CustomXM

Printing/Promotional,

North Little Rock

DASH Heating & Cooling

HVAC, Little Rock

DataPath

Employee Benefits/Tech,

Little Rock

David’s Burgers

Restaurant, Conway

Diamond Center

Jewelry, Fayetteville

Dillard’s

Clothing, Little Rock

DJ’s Auto Repair

Auto Repair, North Little Rock

Doe’s Eat Place

Restaurant, Little Rock

Don’s Supply

Restaurant Supply, Little Rock

Dryden Potteries

Pottery, Hot Springs

Duffield Gravel Co.

Mineral Mining, Russellville

EC Barton & Co.

Home Improvement, Jonesboro

Edwards Food Giant

Grocery, Marianna

Feltner’s Whatta-Burger

Restaurant, Russellville

Ferstl Valuation Services

Real Estate Appraisal, Little Rock

First Arkansas Bank & Trust

Banking, Jacksonville

First Security Bank

Banking, Searcy

Five Oaks Duck Lodge

Hunting Lodge, Humphrey

Fort Thompson Sporting Goods

Sporting Goods, Sherwood

Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling

HVAC, Conway

Fuller and Son Hardware & Lumber

Hardware, Little Rock

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Garrett Excavating

Construction Services, Benton

Garrett Excavating is a third-generation site-development company and one of the largest, most experienced and most technologically advanced site-development companies in the central United States. Garrett provides turn-key solutions ranging from design engineering to clearing, grubbing and earthwork to paving, site lighting and striping.

In 1930, the Garrett brothers used mules and trucks for logging in central Arkansas, sparking Irvin Garrett’s interest in excavation. In 1950, Irvin established Garrett Excavating, setting in motion a company founded on traditional values with a commitment to hard work, innovation and delivering quality results on every project.

Now, in 2025, Grant Garrett, Sean O’Keane, and Ricky Lattin have partnered together to ensure Garrett Excavating upholds the very same values that Irvin embedded so long ago. With facilities in Benton and Bentonville, GarrettX stands out from competitors through a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Hard work and the fundamental belief in doing the right thing for clients and coworkers have allowed Garrett to continue to serve as a valuable construction team member. With more than 75 years of site construction experience and thousands of projects under its tool belt, Garrett has the experience and equipment needed to get each project done right.

Gaston’s White River Resort

Resort, Lakeview

Generations Bank

Banking, Fayetteville

George’s

Food Manufacturing, Springdale

Grandeur Fasteners

Manufacturing, Danville

Gwatney Chevrolet Co.

Car Dealership, Jacksonville

Harps

Grocery, Springdale

Harrell Bancshares

Banking, Camden

Hathaway Group

Real Estate, Little Rock

Hopkins Braces

Orthodontics, Beebe

Hugg & Hall

Equipment Rental, Little Rock

Hugg & Hall Equipment Co. is a leading equipment dealer in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri. Hugg & Hall specializes in top-quality equipment, comprehensive product support and unparalleled customer service. Since its founding in 1956, the company has been dedicated to providing cost-effective construction, material handling and warehouse solutions tailored to clients’ unique needs. Family owned since 1970, Hugg & Hall has been led by current owners John Hugg and Robert Hall since 1990. Over the last 35 years, Hugg & Hall has been focused on expanding its dealer lines and acquiring great companies in order to better serve customers in its territory.

Hum’s Hardware and Rental

Equipment Rental, North Little Rock

Humphrey Funeral Service

Funeral Home, Russellville

Innerplan

Office Interiors, North Little Rock

Iriana’s Pizza

Restaurant, Little Rock

JTJ Restaurants

Restaurants, Little Rock

With more than 50 years of industry experience, Jim Keet has become well known as a respected restaurateur in Arkansas. In 2008, Jim, Tommy and Jake Keet — collectively known as “the Keet boys” — founded JTJ Restaurants and opened their first Taziki’s location in Little Rock. What started as a family venture has since grown into a diverse group of restaurants and partners that now spans several states. Through JTJ Restaurants, the Keet family has introduced a variety of local favorites, including Petit & Keet, Cypress Social, Waldo’s Chicken & Beer, Count Porkula, Big Bad Breakfast, and more. Their commitment to quality and community has earned them a loyal following. Most recently, they have begun working on remodeling the beloved Breckenridge Village in Little Rock, furthering their dedication to revitalizing local spaces.

K Hall & Sons Produce

Grocery, Little Rock

Keith Smith Company, Inc.

Broiler Hatching Eggs, Hot Springs

Founded in 1944, Keith Smith Company, Inc. is the nation’s largest independent producer of broiler hatching eggs and day-old chicks. With more than 80 years of continuous operation, the company combines deep industry expertise with a strong commitment to innovation and customer service. Guided by third-generation family leadership, Keith Smith Company, Inc. takes pride in delivering dependable service, expert support and consistent quality across every aspect of its business.

Kitchens Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentists, Little Rock

Kittle’s Garage

Automobile, North Little Rock

Lamb & Associates Packaging

Manufacturing, Maumelle

Leonard’s Hardware

Hardware, Russellville

Lewis Ford Sales

Car Dealership, Fayetteville

Lexicon

Construction, Little Rock

The late Tom Schueck founded what became Lexicon in his Little Rock garage in 1968 with $200 in the bank and a pregnant wife at home. Thanks to his family’s dedication to building America, Lexicon has grown into one of the nation’s leading fabrication and construction companies and has more than 2,000 employees. On March 3, 2020, Schueck passed away at age 78. He was chairman of Lexicon.

Today, under the guidance of CEO Patrick Schueck, the Lexicon family of companies combines a commitment to excellence with cutting-edge robotic technology and an emphasis on safety and superior craftsmanship to complete iconic steel-fabrication, construction, energy, industrial, commercial and public projects. The companies include Lexicon, Prospect Steel, Custom Metals, Steel Fabricators of Monroe, Heritage Links, Universal, Lexicon Energy Services, Lexicon Industrial Constructors, Lexicon Construction Management and Lexicon Industrial Maintenance.

Lift Truck Service Center

Heavy Equipment, Little Rock

Lindsey’s Hospitality House

Restaurant, North Little Rock

Maple Leaf Awning & Canvas

Outdoor, Sherwood

Martinous Oriental Rug Co.

Decor, Little Rock

Mays, Byrd & O’Guinn

Legal, Little Rock

McCauley Services

Pest Control/Electrical, Bryant

McClendon’s Appliance

Appliance Repair, Benton

Mercedes-Benz of Little Rock

Car Dealership, Little Rock

Miller’s Drug Store

Pharmacy, Malvern

Moon Distributors

Distribution, Little Rock

Myers Supply

Janitorial Equipment Supplier,

Hot Springs

generational businesses

Nabholz

Construction, Conway

Nabholz Construction Corp., started in 1949 as a small, family-owned construction company, has grown into a large, multidiscipline, employee- and family-owned firm still focused on one thing — integrity. The Nabholz name has been synonymous with integrity since R.D. “Bob” Nabholz founded the business 75 years ago, and integrity remains the firm’s guiding principle and the foundation of every project the company touches.

National Custom Hollow Metal Doors & Frames

Hardware, Little Rock

Network Services Group

Computer Support and Services,

North Little Rock

Network Services Group got its start in 1989 as an outgrowth of a telecommunications consulting firm. From the start, NSG has been committed to delivering quality products and service — a focus that has not changed over more than three decades, even as the technology and systems they work with have evolved at a rapid clip.

Ryan Flynn was named president of Network Services Group in 2013, after 15 years with the company. Over the 12 years since, NSG has grown from 11 employees and a single location in North Little Rock to more than 75 employees and three locations in Arkansas.

Oaklawn

Horse Racing/Gaming/Resort, Hot Springs

Parrish Delivery Services

Mail/Courier, Little Rock

Peters Family Living

Furniture, Russellville

Petit Jean Meats

Food Processor, Morrilton

Pettus Workplace Solutions

Office Supplies, Little Rock

Since its founding in 1989 by Lynn and Amanda Pettus, Pettus Workplace Solutions has been driven by a singular vision: to build a family-owned business delivering quality products, outstanding value and unparalleled customer service. Now the largest independent dealer in the region, Pettus remains true to its founding principles, offering a comprehensive range of office essentials — from furniture to cleaning and tech supplies — backed by exceptional local service and competitive pricing. Through strategic manufacturer partnerships, Pettus combines the purchasing power to rival big-box retailers with a dedicated local team that understands each client’s business and is committed to helping the Arkansas business community thrive.

Phelan Orthodontics

Orthodontics, Little Rock

Phil Wright Autoplex

Auto Dealership, Russellville

Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Co.

Construction Services, White Hall

Poe Travel

Travel, Little Rock

Post Winery

Winery, Altus

Power Technology

Lasers, Alexander

Precision Print Solutions

Printing and Promotional Items,

Little Rock

Conveniently located in central Arkansas, Precision Print Solutions is a leading force in graphic communications and one of the region’s largest privately owned commercial printing companies. With roots stretching back over a century, the company’s legacy is built on innovation, craftsmanship and a deep understanding of how print drives business success.

Precision Print offers a full spectrum of services, from eye-catching point-of-purchase displays and impactful direct-mail marketing to high-quality label printing and custom promotional items that elevate clients’ brands. The company’s nationwide reach ensures businesses across North America benefit from tailored solutions that make lasting impressions.

Precision is more than a print provider — it is a dedicated partner focused on delivering exceptional customer service, fast turnaround times and results that exceed expectations.

R&E Supply

HVACR Supply, Little Rock

Ranalli Farms

Grocery/Farm Equipment/Feed,

Springdale

Red River Auto Group

Auto Dealership, Jacksonville

Rich Ferguson & Sons Construction

Home Builder, Little Rock

Richards Honda-Yamaha

Automotive, Little Rock

Riggs Cat

Heavy Equipment, Little Rock

Ritter Communications

Telecommunications, Jonesboro

Roller Funeral Homes

Funeral Home, Little Rock

Russell Chevrolet Co.

Automotive, North Little Rock

Sanders Supply

Plumbing/HVAC, Hot Springs

S-C Seasoning Co.

Culinary, Harrison

Simmons Foods

Manufacturing, Siloam Springs

Family owned and operated since its founding in 1949, Simmons Foods, a processor of poultry, pet and animal food, has grown to become one of the top 15 poultry producers in the nation. Simmons and its affiliates have more than 8,000 employees and serve customers in all 50 states and more than 40 countries. Founded by M.H. “Bill” Simmons, the company is now led by third-generation CEO Todd Simmons.

Sissy’s Log Cabin

Jewelry, Pine Bluff

Smith Family Funeral Homes

Funeral Home, North Little Rock

Smith Ford

Automotive, Conway

Sol Alman Co.

Recycling, Little Rock

Southern Interiors

Flooring/Kitchen & Bath, Sherwood

Sportstop

Sporting Goods/Apparel, Little Rock

Stallion Transportation Group

Transportation, Beebe

Star Bolt

Fasteners, North Little Rock

Stephen Browning Outdoors

Outdoor Media, Hot Springs

Stephens

Finance, Little Rock

In January 2025, brothers Miles Stephens and John Stephens were appointed co-chief executive officers, and their sister, Laura Brookshire, was named chair of the executive committee, marking the third generation of family leadership at Stephens. They succeeded their father, Warren A. Stephens, chairman, president and CEO, who led the business for almost 40 years. His father, Jackson T. “Jack” Stephens, served as president from 1956 to 1986. W.R. “Witt” Stephens founded the company in 1933.

T&S Sawmill

Sawmill, Clarendon

Tipton & Hurst

Floral, Little Rock

Triple-S Alarm Co.

Security, Little Rock

Tyson Foods

Food, Springdale

Underwoods Fine Jewelers

Jewelry, Fayetteville

Venesian Inn

Restaurant, Springdale