Future Icons

Opening Doors Walker Jones, Mortgage Banker For Walker Jones, mortgage banking is not just about interest rates, paperwork or closing loans; it is about helping people achieve one of the biggest milestones of their lives. “Buying a home represents stability, …

Congratulations for being one of Arkansas Money & Politics ‘Future Icons’ of 2026 “What appeals to me most about a legal career is the opportunity to solve problems and help people navigate some of the most important moments of their …

Once in a Lifetime One day in 2015, Ryan Watley saw an ad in the Pine Bluff Commercial newspaper asking for people to volunteer at an organization called Go Forward Pine Bluff. “I had just moved back and was teaching …

Congratulations to Raúl Fernández for being one of Arkansas Money & Politics’ ‘Future Icons’ of 2026 Raúl Fernández has worked all kinds of jobs during the lead-up to his current position, from “being a nanny to three wonderful boys” to …

Mastering the Market Noah Perry, accredited asset management specialist, a financial advisor at Raymond James, might never have realized his passion for finance were it not for a simulated stock market project he participated in during his senior year at …

High school wrestling legend focused on building lasting legacy in home state Tanner Mann, CEPA, Financial Advisor, Raymond James For Tanner Mann, financial advisor and certified exit planning advisor at the Little Rock office of Raymond James, success often comes …

Congratulations to Brayden Finley for being one of Arkansas Money & Politics’  ‘Future Icons’ of 2026 Plenty of 20-somethings are involved in the family business, but few have taken to it quite as well as Brayden Finley at just 21 …

That ‘Invisible Thread’ Alexandra Benton never planned to launch a career path in government or politics. The Batesville native, an attorney on the staff of Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, understands that plans can be finicky things. “Man plans; God …

Congratulations to Bobby Batson for being one of Arkansas Money & Politics’ ‘Future Icons’ of 2026 Fresh on the heels of two major accomplishments — graduating high school and landing the top spot as AY About You’s inaugural Best Actor …

Who are Arkansas’ most influential up-and-comers? Who are the future drivers of the state’s economic engine, of its policy and culture? Readers once again helped us determine who the state’s real drivers are shaping up to be. Arkansas Money & …