The Hunt family will be honored for its business leadership, philanthropy and community investment at the 2026 Northwest Arkansas Heart of the Eagle.
The Natural State Council, Scouting America, will recognize the family during the annual event Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Rogers Convention Center.
Heart of the Eagle honors individuals and families whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on their communities. This year’s event will recognize the Hunt family and its decades of involvement in Arkansas.
“What stands out about the Hunts’ is that the values carried across generations,” said Tom Allen, president of Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners. “J.B. and Johnelle set the standard, and the family has carried it forward in everything they have built since. Scouting works the same way. You pass character from one generation to the next so it outlasts any of us.”
Johnnie “Bryan” Hunt Jr., son of J.B. and Johnelle Hunt, has continued the family’s involvement in business and the community. He founded 71B Auto Auction and Progressive Car Finance and co-founded DTP Real Estate Development. Hunt also serves on several Arkansas boards, including the Razorback Foundation and J.B. Hunt Transport Services.
His approach to business and community leadership has been shaped by the family’s philosophy of “Return on Community,” which emphasizes creating opportunities that benefit employees, businesses and communities.
Allen is serving as committee chairman for this year’s Heart of the Eagle. In addition to his role as president of Sage Partners, he oversees Hunt Ventures’ commercial real estate portfolio. He previously worked for Walmart, where his career included real estate site selection and retail property initiatives.
Allen’s community involvement has included nonprofit service as well as elected roles on the Benton County Quorum Court and Rogers City Council.
The Heart of the Eagle reflects Scouting America’s focus on developing leadership, service and character in young people while recognizing community leaders who demonstrate those values through their own work and service.
To learn more or register, click here.
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