I grew up in El Dorado, AR, the oldest of 4 sons. It did not grow up on a farm, but in the family tire business where I learned the value of hard work. However, we always had horses to take care of. I worked with neighbors and family friends hauling hay and helped with their cattle and chicken farms. I developed a love for agriculture during those times.
I was a 1974 honor graduate of El Dorado High School. I received my Business-Agriculture degree from Southern Arkansas University in 1978, where I worked my way through college.
After college, I began my work career working for Country Pride, a poultry company in El Dorado, in May 1978. I worked there 3 years in the poultry processing plant, hatchery, company farm manager, and as a broiler serviceman.
I went to work for Red River Production Credit Association in Magnolia in August 1981 as a loan officer/appraiser trainee and then later as Branch Manager. While employed there, I took most of my appraisal classes through ASFMRA. I received my Arkansas Certified General Appraisal license in 1990.
I left there in May 1992 and began my own appraisal business in Magnolia. I ran it successfully until I went to work as Ag Loan Officer for First Financial Bank in El Dorado, primarily loaning money for new construction, refinance or purchase of poultry farms. I later was promoted to Sr. Vice President over the ag lending department.
Under my leadership, I developed the Ag lending department into one of the largest poultry lenders in the U.S. In 1999, that bank became the largest FSA Guaranteed Lender in the nation. I was responsible for expanding the banks poultry loans into 12 states, with 35 people working under my supervision. I also was responsible for developing a poultry loan program using the SBA Guaranteed loan program, which grew into being in the top 50 SBA lenders.
I started my own appraisal business, headquartered in Lincoln, AR (NW AR), in October 2003. I have maintained my AR appraisal license continuously since 1990. My appraisal business is Team Ag Real Estate and Appraisals. In addition, I have held my certified general appraisal licenses in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Missouri for several years. I have personally appraised over 2000 poultry farms and rural properties. I have also appraised a small number of commercial and residential properties.
I have one AR Certified General Appraiser who works with me, Jake Goodwin. I also am training 3 State Registered Appraisers who are working toward their CG license, Dustin Cowell, Philip Hoskins,and Steve Murphy.
Also, I have been a realtor for several years in AR and OK. I am the principal broker for Team Ag Real Estate. I have 2 real estate agents working with me.