Entrepreneur, innovator and UA Little Rock supporter RJ Martino will be celebrated at the 20th annual Taste of Little Rock for his unwavering commitment to the community and the university.
UA Little Rock’s highly anticipated culinary and social event, Taste of Little Rock, will take place from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at the Jack Stephens Center. This premier scholarship fundraiser introduces guests to some of the best food from Little Rock’s finest restaurants while raising money for student scholarships.
The son of an immigrant and a Navy recruiter, Martino grew up in a close-knit family of six, moving frequently before settling in Little Rock. He pursued degrees in computer science, business finance and law at UA Little Rock, laying the foundation for a dynamic career in entrepreneurship and leadership across multiple industries.
“It’s truly humbling to be recognized by UA Little Rock, a place that played such an important role in my life,” Martino said. “The mentorship, education and opportunities I found here shaped who I am today. This honor is a reminder of how far we can go when supported by a strong community, and I’m deeply grateful to give back to the university that has given me so much.”
While still a student in 2001, Martino founded iProv, a company focused on problem-solving and innovation, with roots on the UA Little Rock campus. The late Dr. Mary Good, the founding dean of the Donaghey College of Engineering and Technology, recognized Martino as an emerging leader.
“RJ Martino’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to our community are why we have chosen to honor him for Taste of Little Rock 2025,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. “His unwavering commitment to giving back, exemplified by his work on the Centennial Campaign Cabinet, ensures future generations of students can access the opportunities that shaped his own success. We are proud to celebrate RJ’s remarkable journey, his contributions to our university and his enduring impact on Arkansas and beyond.”
Martino’s innovative leadership has earned him widespread recognition. He led technology initiatives for Lt. Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller and Gov. Mike Beebe and was named to Arkansas Business’s “20 in Their 20s.” In 2006, he attended Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business to sharpen his business acumen. During the Great Recession, he guided Martino Financial Group to profitability.
Following the recession, Martino expanded his entrepreneurial pursuits. He founded a marketing company specializing in health care growth, earning him the Minority Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2016 and inclusion in Arkansas Business’s “40 Under 40” in 2018. He co-founded Martino Law Firm in 2019 and launched U.S. Rail & Logistics in 2020. His accomplishments have been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine and Inc.com.
Martino counts his family as his greatest success. He and his wife balance their lives with their two children, enjoying weekends at the park, the lake, golfing with friends or with a good book.
Driven by curiosity and passion, Martino is dedicated to mentorship, fostering leadership and supporting UA Little Rock as a member of the Centennial Campaign Cabinet. The Centennial Campaign, which was publicly launched in 2022, aims to raise $250 million for scholarships, student support, campus improvements and program excellence. He attributes his success to building strong teams, empowering leaders and creating a culture of innovation because of skills cultivated while attending UA Little Rock.
All proceeds from Taste of Little Rock directly support UA Little Rock students through Alumni Association Endowed Scholarships, which provide $1,000 to $5,000 annually to recipients. For the 2024-2025 school year, 38 UA Little Rock students received these scholarships. Event sponsorships and tickets are available by visiting this website.
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