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Your circle is your lifeline—your sisters, your mom, your coworkers, your BFFs. The ones who show up, cheer you on, and help carry the load. This is your reminder to take care of each other. Breast cancer screenings save lives, especially when caught early. So Circle Up. Schedule your mammogram, and remind the important women in your life to schedule theirs. You’re there for them. Baptist Health is here for you, for life.

To schedule your mammogram, call (501) 202-1922 or visit BaptistHealthMammo.com

BEST SERVICE, RIGHT PRICE, RIGHT PEOPLE.

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2026

HOPE UNITED BY

Stuart Cobb

Marge Schueck Barbara Hoover

Kenan Keyes

Also serving as lifetime board members, but not pictured: Pat Cooper, F.E. “Gene” Joyce, M.D., and Remmel T. Dickinson

Every member of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Board of Advisors has a unique story and connection to the mission of the Cancer Institute. Though our experiences and backgrounds differ, we share a commitment to supporting an institution that brings hope to patients and families through groundbreaking research, innovative treatments, and compassionate care.

As lifetime members of the Board of Advisors, we are honored to serve together as chairs of the 2026 Gala for Life, Garden of Hope. More than a celebration of hope, this annual event is an opportunity to invest in the discoveries, treatment, and services that bring the latest advances in cancer care to our communities. We invite you to join us in supporting the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and the future of cancer care in Arkansas. “Garden of Hope,” October 3 | 6:30 p.m thegalaforlife.com

Make 2026 Your Year for a Beautiful Smile!

Before

After

People all over Arkansas trust Dr. Jahon Zehtaban with their smile. With years of experience in providing clinical excellence you know your smile is in good hands. Dr. Zehtaban is a proud member of both the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Credentials, experience, and caring concern for each individual patient ensure that you’ll receive exceptional esthetic results regardless of the challenges presented. Learn more how Dr. Zehtaban can help you have an incredible smile by calling today for your complimentary smile consultation.

501.821.4200 16524 Chenal Pkwy, Little Rock, AR smilearkansas.com

COSMETIC SERVICES Porcelain Veneers & Crowns Dental Bonding Zoom® Whitening Dysport Injections Invisalign • Dental Implants

contents

WHAT’S INSIDE

10 Publisher’s Letter 12 Connect 14 Top Events 26 Weekender: For One Weekend,

We Lived Like Rock Stars

172 Murder Mystery 176 Arkansas Diamonds

COVER 18

The Big Deal

HOME

32 One-Stop Shop 38 Hey, Pumpkin! 40 Laying the Foundation

INNOVATIVE HOME 48 52

58 66 70 74 78 81

The Kitchen Wave Splish, Splash, Say Goodbye to the Old Bath Our Own Private Oasis Clear as a Bell Defending the Castle The Tech Effect AC Goes AI AY’s 2026 Innovative Home Awards

REAL ESTATE

90 The American Dream, Revisited 94 Dreaming Big 100 Country Livin’ 104 New Kids on the Block 110 Clients to Neighbors 112 AY’s 2026 Best Real Estate Agents 120 Shine Bright Like a Diamond 122 Arkansas REALTORS® of the Year

FOOD

128 Perfect Circles 134 Regular or Unleaded? 138 Recipe: Just Like Grandma’s

PEOPLE

140 Everlasting Love

TRAVEL

Viva la Taco! Page 128

144 The Beat Goes On

ARTS & CULTURE 150 At History’s Edge 156 Dinner and a Murder

NONPROFIT

160 More Than Cookies

HEALTH

ON THE COVER Coming soon to a screen near you: The Big D, starring Josh Henderson, Heather Baker, Evan Ross and Ryan Parker. Read all about it on Page 18.

164 Just Like Home 168 Looking After Loved Ones 6

SOK IT UP FALL EVENTS LABOR DAY FIREWORKS SEPTEMBER 6

BIG STEAM BLUES & ROOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 25 & 26

BRIDGE ST. LIVE! OCTOBER SERIES

THURSDAYS IN OCTOBER

BIRDING FESTIVAL OF THE SOUTH OCTOBER 8  10

DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL OCTOBER 9  17

ARKANSAS ELVIS FESTIVAL OCTOBER 22  24

GÜDRUN MTB FESTIVAL OCTOBER 23  25

GLOW ON THE ROW OCTOBER 31

FEAST MONTH

ALL NOVEMBER LONG

SPA RUNNING FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 14

TOM DANIEL CHILI COOK OFF NOVEMBER 23

SCAN TO EXPLORE MORE HOT SPRINGS EVENTS

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Heather Baker hbaker@aymag.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Dwain Hebda dwain@aymag.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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Margie Raimondo blends culinary skills with storytelling. She specializes in Mediterranean cooking classes that emphasize healthy eating and has authored two cookbooks: Mangiamo and Finding Your Path. Additionally, she is a filmmaker. She produced the awardwinning documentary The Soul of Sicily.

Mark Carter currently serves as senior editor for Arkansas Money & Politics and contributes to AY Media Group’s other publications, AY About You and the Arkansas Mental Health Guide.

Ryan Parker is a contributor at AY Media Group, driving ad sales, partnerships and content strategy alongside his wife, President and Publisher Heather Baker. A seasoned executive and fitness guru, Parker has scaled global medical device and software-as-aservice companies to the tune of more than 200 percent revenue growth, $3 billion-plus deals and major contracts. He is passionate about Arkansas storytelling, family, faith and creative media production.

Jane Colclasure is a Little Rock native with more than 25 years of experience in product, architectural, and home and garden photography. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado and an associate’s degree from the Colorado Institute of Art.

DeWaine Duncan feels that photography is more than pushing a button — it’s about access and opportunity. He has been fortunate to have doors opened for him throughout his career, and he does not take that for granted. (Getting to rub shoulders with the rich and famous along the way is not a bad perk.) Alongside his photography business, he has been a licensed real estate appraiser in the central Arkansas market for the past 38 years, but being called Papa D is the joy of his life.

Jamie Lee is a freelance photographer originally from southwest Louisiana who now resides in Little Rock. With a strong focus on portrait, branding and food photography, she loves capturing people’s stories and cultures through the lens, helping businesses build their brands visually, and showcasing the local food scene and small businesses.

Jerry Cordova jcordova@aymag.com Lora Puls lpuls@aymag.com Lee Smith lsmith@aymag.com

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AY About You Magazine is published monthly, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5 AY Magazine (ISSN 2162-7754) by AY Media Group, 910 W. 2nd St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Periodicals postage paid at Little Rock, AR and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to AY Magazine, 910 W. 2nd St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Subscription Inquiries: Subscription rate is $24 for one year (12 issues). Single issues are available upon request for $5. For subscriptions, inquiries or address changes, call 501-244-9700. The contents of AY are copyrighted ©2026, and material contained herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Articles in AY should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised in the magazine are not necessarily endorsed by AY. Please recycle this magazine.

publisher’s letter

Spotlight on Arkansas! If you are like me, you love Arkansas more than just about anyplace in the world. That is why it gives me so much joy to present AY About You month after month, showcasing all the great things there are to see and do in the Natural State. The word is getting out to the rest of the country about how special Arkansas really is — and that includes Hollywood! In case you cannot tell from our cover this month, Arkansas will soon be on display in an exciting new streaming series, The Big D, one that has a lot of the same characteristics that made Dallas such a hit — and my favorite TV show — back in the day. The Big D will showcase our state as the backdrop for a thrilling series full of money, power, intrigue and even a murder mystery. Get this: It also marks the television debut of myself and my husband, Ryan Parker. We are so thrilled to be a part of this! Also this month, we sample everyone’s favorite food — tacos — and wet our whistle with some delicious and healthier mocktails. We also spotlight one of the Josh Henderson, top, from left, Heather Baker and Ryan greatest weekend hangs in central Parker and, bottom, from left, Sarah Carney and Greg Carney Arkansas, one that treated Ryan (Photo courtesy of Film Mafia Entertainment) and I like rock stars. We also recognize our “Innovative Home Awards” honorees, check out everything new in remodeling, renovating and home decor, and give a tip of the hat to the state’s best real estate agents. All that and so much more! Thanks for grabbing this issue of AY About You. We hope it reminds you of how special Arkansas really is.

Heather Baker, President & Publisher hbaker@aymag.com / heatherbaker_ar

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OK, I can’t go another day without sending you this thank you. Frankly, I was stunned by the [AY’s Men of Distinction celebration] event. It seems your team did everything humanly possible to make this event the very best possible for celebrating us AND giving us amazing content all across the web and inside all the homes in Arkansas. Also, your sponsors were brilliant and seemed perfectly curated for this event! I have told every single person about every gift I received. As someone who understands the power of content marketing, I have already started creating content around the event AND your sponsors — each post reaching my personal network of well over 50,000. I am not going to stop either! I will use the content to keep pushing this throughout the year, and I recommend everyone does the same — this is how we support each other and build each other in this new era. Also, THANK YOU for all you do. Your editor’s comment about how AY and AMP are uplifting Arkansas during a time where so much media is negative really stuck with me. As a marketer, I see what you are giving Arkansas, and it is valuable!

Arkansas native Shawn Camp named to Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (Photo Credit: facebook.com/ shawncampofficial)

Again, thank you. I arrived expecting a great networking event, but I left one of the most well-planned events I have seen in my career! Jeff Turnbow FACES OF HOT SPRINGS: STEPHEN GREER, VICE PRESIDENT OF HOSPITALITY, OAKLAWN HOT SPRINGS Stephen is a true professional that understands how important hospitality is. I have visited many of the biggest horse racing tracks in the country, and Oaklawn stands above all of them when it comes to hospitality and food service. That does not happen without good leadership! Karen Downs Young Y’ALLTERNATIVE MARKET: BIG ON VARIETY, FULL OF THE UNEXPECTED Thank you so much for visiting with us and exploring these wonderful booths! It was a pleasure to visit with Alex, and she made us feel so at ease! Y’allternative Market STEPHANIE KEET TO BE HONORED AS 2026 WOW WOMAN OF THE YEAR Thank you AY Magazine and Heather Baker for shining a light on our 2026 WOW Woman of the year! We are thrilled to be recognizing Stephanie Keet for her commitment to helping Arkansas and its residents constantly. Stephanie, you so deserve this. Women’s Own Worth

Bentonville’s Scott Family Amazeum is preparing to welcome the community to The Hangout, a major expansion opening this fall.

TRENDING ON AYMAG.COM Purple Cow permanently closes its Conway location From Fiddle to Fox: Arkansas native Chanley Painter a woman of many talents McConaughey’s visit to Filmland 2026 was Alright, Alright, Alright Southwest Arkansas’ biggest festival returns to the stage in October Downtown Arkadelphia is set to wow yet again as the Mid-South Music Festival makes its return Oct. 16 and 17.

Arkansas Weekend Events

N A G R O M G I A CR SATURDAY • SEPT. 26

ExperienceSearcy.com

6 2 5 2 . T P E S m

o experiencesearcy.c

agenda

Top

you just can't miss!

LABOR DAY FIREWORKS Sept. 6 Lake Hamilton — Hot Springs

Celebrate Labor Day on the shores of beautiful Lake Hamilton with a booming fireworks display. The show will be synced to music on 97.5 FM. In case of rain, the fireworks will be rescheduled to Sept. 7.

CAMP 501

Sept. 18 The Venue at Oakdale — Little Rock Enjoy camp-y events such as archery and craft stations during Camp 501. Hosted by the Girl Scouts Diamonds Chapter, the night supports the organization while also letting adults experience what it is like to be a Girl Scout. Leave the ballgown at home, have a night of fun, and support girls in the process.

2026 ARKANSAS COMIC CON Sept. 18-20 Statehouse Convention Center — Little Rock

Plan a trip to discover a wide variety of activities at the annual Arkansas Comic Con. Events include panel discussions, autograph sessions, cosplay contests and more. The event is open to all ages, offering kid-friendly activities and entertainment.

DOWNTOWN FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL Sept. 20 30 Crossing Green Space — Little Rock

Whether one is an adventurous foodie or just trying to visit food truck favorites, the Downtown Food Truck Festival is a chance for food truck lovers to get their eat on. Celebrate in the 30 Crossing Green Space with a huge selection of food trucks, local vendors, live entertainment and more.

2026 SIX BRIDGES BOOK FESTIVAL Sept. 27-Oct. 4 CALS Library Square — Little Rock

This annual literary festival celebrates the diverse world of books, inviting many nationally known authors to the city for a week of events including panel discussions, cooking demonstrations and more. The feature fundraising event of the festival is “An Evening with Ariel Lawhon,” author of The Pirate Queen. Tickets are on sale now.

events 1

3-6

An Evening with Scott Curran Clinton Presidential Center Little Rock

Young Thug with NAV Walmart AMP Rogers

79th Original Ozark Folk Festival Various Locations Eureka Springs

9-20

11-13

Side by Side By Sondheim Arkansas Repertory Theatre Little Rock

Bluey’s Big Play Robinson Center Little Rock

NEEDTOBREATHE Walmart AMP Rogers

AMFA Art Market Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Little Rock

Jet: Down the Moonlit Mile Revue The Hall Little Rock

Tim McGraw Walmart AMP Rogers

Fiesta de la Independencia Hispana Plaza Frida Little Rock

The Ultimate Doors: Tribute to The Doors The Hall Little Rock

2026 Hunger Action Breakfast Chenal Country Club Little Rock

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund Day of Hope Next Level Events Little Rock

Parker McCollum Walmart AMP Rogers

Billy Idol Walmart AMP Rogers

Ashley McBryde: Into the Wild Tour Robinson Center Little Rock

5-7 12-13 19-20 26-27

18 Amy Grant Oaklawn Hot Springs

22-23

Funkanites The White Water Tavern Little Rock

Pitbull with Lil Jon Walmart AMP Rogers

Waitress Robinson Center Little Rock

Various Restaurants Little Rock

On the House | Gable Price and Friends RØDE HOUSE Bentonville

Cooper Alan Oaklawn Hot Springs

Zedd Momentary Green Bentonville

30-1

Empire of the Sun Walmart AMP Rogers

Arkansas Got Talent Presents Mosaic Templar Cultural Center Little Rock

Matt Rife Walmart AMP Rogers

TLC Walmart AMP Rogers

2026 Arkansas Manufacturing Showcase Statehouse Convention Center Little Rock

The Big Dam Bridge 100 Orchestra Noir Presents: The Culture 2000 Tour II Statehouse Convention Center Robinson Center Little Rock Little Rock

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cover

(Photo courtesy of Josh Henderson @joshhenderson)

cover

Big

the

DEAL

New project features major stars, familiar faces By DWAIN HEBDA

cover

rkansas and Texas rarely have many nice things to say about one another, let alone play well together. Sat side by side like rival cousins at the kids’ table, the two states have never missed an opportunity to elbow the other, exploit each other’s deficiencies or outfox the other for the last piece of pie. The rivalry should not even be close, given Texas’ overwhelming size and population, but something about those sidewinders brings out the best in Arkies. Texas wins the U.S. Presidential Derby, 2-1 (born in New England, the Yankee Bushes do not count). Arkansas invented cheese dip and then defended its honor against Texas queso in a U.S. Senate taste-off Arkansas won in a landslide a few years ago. Each side has had its moments in athletic competition, and while Texas has had more of them, especially of

Leading man Josh Henderson, right, acted alongside Larry Hagman in the reboot of Dallas. (Photo courtesy of Josh Henderson @joshhenderson)

late, the ones Arkansas does get usually cost UT more. Arkansas boasts Billy Bob Thornton; Texas offers Matthew McConaughey. Texas bets ZZ Top; Arkansas raises Johnny Cash. Hook ‘Em Horns. Wooo Pig Sooie. Neither side cares to admit it, but there is much more that connects them than a state line, from red political leanings broken up by sporadic splashes of blue to the proud, independent makeup of the citizenry. Walk through any student parking lot of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and Texas plates abound. Look at the backstories of some of each states’ biggest homegrown success stories, and there are likely chapters of both Hog and ‘Horn. To that list of commonality, add The Big D, the latest effort by Arkansas-raised producer Greg Carney. The project tells the story of a Texas-born foster kid raised in Arkansas who is an unknowing heir to an oil fortune back in Dallas (or Big D, as it has been frequently called). The intertwining of the two states extends beyond the storyline, since Carney is shooting it in both locales, including much of it on location in Hot Springs, and incorporating local talent, giving native viewers a lot they will recognize. Carney said in pursuing The Big D, the first series effort by he and business partner Evan Ross’ Film Mafia Entertainment production house, he saw the states as natural bookends to a complex story of family, loss, morality and redemption. Carney and Ross serve as co-showrunners and executive producers for the project. “America’s kind of entering a new chapter, and there are few places that are, from my experience, writing the story faster than Texas and Arkansas,” he said. “Dallas has emerged as one of the world’s great centers of business, finance, technology. I believe they have the largest concentration of billionaires in the country. The energy there is insane.

cover the mystery of King Oil’s untimely demise. “The story begins in Arkansas, where the characters are forged, and it follows Jax, this foster kid, this unexpected heir, to Dallas, where he is forced into a world of immense power, where he has influence, and where he gets enemies immediately and his ambition is tested,” Carney said. “The series has got this

With filming done on location in Hot Springs and Dallas, Arkansans are sure to see a few places they recognize. (Photo courtesy of Film Mafia Entertainment) “Hot Springs is just a few hours away, and it’s experiencing its own renaissance, you know? I feel like what happened a hundred years ago is happening again in Hot Springs, where there’s a new generation really seeing Arkansas and this area for its natural beauty. There’s a historic charm and a vibe that you can’t fake. It’s super cool, and it’s growing the recognition of our town.” STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND Just like Spa City is being rediscovered by new fans, The Big D plows fertile subject matter. The story opens with the suspect death of King Oil, powerful head of a Texas family, which puts an investigation in motion. The tentacles of the mystery soon reach all the way to Garland County, where foster kid Jax, who has spent his formative years guided by loving foster parents, learns he is the dead tycoon’s blood son and heir to a fortune. Jax moves to Dallas, where he is plunged into a world he does not understand full of dangers and temptations he does not recognize. The requisite family intrigue, business machinations, betrayals and redemptions follow, all while authorities are trying to untangle

vibe where every episode moves the central mystery forward. The one question that unites every character and every audience member — ‘Who shot King Oil?’ “At the same time, The Big D’s not just about death and violence and a murder. The heart behind the story, really, is how this single act of violence forces every character to confront who they truly are, what they value, what they’ve sacrificed. Beneath the mystery story, it’s about family and legacy.” Parts of that description — from the fabulously wealthy family in Dallas to the ruthless gunned-down oilman — may sound eerily fa-

The series has got this vibe where every episode moves the central mystery forward. The one question that unites every character and every audience member — ‘Who shot King Oil?’ — Greg Carney, producer 21

miliar to viewers of a certain age. To that point, Carney was explicit: The Big D is not connected to nor is it the latest incarnation of the Dallas franchise that ruled television from 1978 to 1991, the sequel for which ran on TNT between 2012 and 2014. However, there is no denying the series wrote a certain hymnal for success that producers and networks have been humming along to ever since. Carney’s ambition for the project is to give audiences of all eras an entry point by which to access the unique tale of The Big D and let the characters and quality of storyline do the rest. “The Big D is this modern murder mystery set in present-day Dallas that blends highstakes family dynasties with the power, the wealth, the business and crime elements from a distinctively Southern point of view,” he said. “The mystery launches the story, but what audiences will discover that’s really cool is that the series is super accessible. “What we’ve been studying is how, in long-form series, a lot of shows get confusing, and you have to really explain what’s going on, but you have to do it in clever ways. The Big D, whether someone watches every week or jumps in after missing an episode or two, they’ll immediately understand the stakes. They’ll be able to reconnect with the characters and continue to follow the mystery without feeling lost.” Set locations play a big role in that effort. The Big D utilizes recognizable, even famous locales in both Hot Springs and Dallas to let the viewer get their visual bearings and lend a certain atmospheric context.

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CT Tamburello “Every location has a reason,” he said. “In Hot Springs, we’re filming at the Park Hotel, showing the development of that. It’s in the storyline. We’re showing West Island. We’re showing the Angler Motel. We shot one of the most famous ranches in all of Texas. We shot at the most expensive house in Texas. People are going to see these landmarks and destinations featured in the show, woven into the narrative with intention in a way that’s really authentic.” FACES FAMOUS AND FRESH The project is cast with a number of recognizable actors, promising up-and-comers, and a bevy of local talent that, not unlike the local

Tammin Sursok

physical landmarks, may be familiar to viewers in their respective states. Josh Henderson, who plays Jax, began his career in music, winning a reality competition in 2001. Over the next 25 years, the Texas-born, Tulsa-raised actor landed a string of guest spots on various series before making his big splash with the Steven Bochco television war drama series Over There. From that, he landed a recurring role on Desperate Housewives from 2006 to 2007, and after that was cast as John Ross Ewing III, son of the scene chewing J.R. Ewing, in the aforementioned return of Dallas. Henderson said while the series taught him a lot about his craft overall, working

Tyler Clinton

alongside TV stalwarts Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy and the late Larry Hagman, he does not see a lot of similarities between characters John Ross and Jax. “I think the difference is Jax didn’t sign up for this; he’s cast into this world that’s a little scary. He knows he’s a good dude and a strong guy mentally, but he’s in over his head a little bit in this crazy, competitive, dark, fast-paced world,” he said. “John Ross was brought up with the silver spoon, brought up to be a carbon copy of Daddy, watching Mom and Dad fight, and wanting to be the guy that made his dad proud. He was very sure of himself, getting into messes and getting himself out of them because he

ON SET WITH GREG CARNEY Explain the ecosystem marketing concept Film Mafia is pioneering. It’s the creative standard behind what we’re doing, and we’re doing it in a way that people haven’t really seen before. The ecosystem really gets down to you have the main show, and then you have the making of the show, which is Beyond the Series. That’s unique because audiences won’t simply watch the finished show; they’ll experience it with the behind-the-scenes vertical, which is documentary style, how it was built. We’re documenting the entire filmmaking process from development through production. That also highlights the brands and the brand narratives. We’re letting some of the brands that are partners help influence the storyline because it’s super simple within the narrative on how we’re doing it. So you have the behind-the-scenes documentary content, your creator-access content. We’re going to have production diaries that are going to be available. There’ll be the brand partnership diaries and then the companion vertical series,

which is what introduces the audience to this world, the locations and the characters, before the flagship series premiere.

You have carried the banner for more film work to be done in Arkansas. How did that play out with this project? It benefited us to create a home base here. We can go four hours and set everybody up and do our shots that we need to do in Dallas, like our helicopter shots, our ranch shots, our outside city shots — you know, Reunion Tower, the mansions, that whole Texas vibe. We’re also cheating a lot for the interiors, shooting that at houses and mansions in Hot Springs, in addition to the things that are shot here because the backstory happens in Arkansas, and we’ve identified that in the story. The way I see it, we’re kind of making Hot Springs, like, our soundstage, where we film most of it here and create the bulk of it here, which I’m very proud of.

cover was charming and smart but also a little dangerous and fiery.” Other actors who have signed on to the project include Ross (The Hunger Games, Turnbuckle), Tammin Sursok (Pretty Little Liars), CT Tamburello (The Real World: Paris) and Tyler Clinton (Zero Hour, The Stranger in My Home), nephew of former President Bill Clinton. Carney said other major names, heavyweights of Academy Award-winning and -nominated pedigree, were also weighing the project, but he declined to name names, saying only that more cast members will be announced soon. He said while the forthcoming HolEvan Ross lywood actors will lend widespread name recognition, local talent is what gives The Big D its authenticity and depth. Foremost among them are AY Media Group President and Publisher Heather Baker and her husband, Ryan Parker, who are cast as themselves and Jax’s foster parents. “I met them through a developer friend at a location I was scouting for the show,” Carney said. “Ryan and Heather are this couple that have an aura and an energy about them that made them the perfect fit for what I was looking for.” Baker said the experience of being in a television series was far beyond anything the couple had ever aspired to, let alone anything they had ever done. “Neither one of us grew up seriously pursuing acting careers, but entertain-

Josh Henderson, from left, Ryan Parker, Shilo Carney, Heather Baker and Phoenix Carney pose for a photo on set. (Photo courtesy of Film Mafia Entertainment)

ON SET WITH JOSH HENDERSON You almost turned down a career-defining role in Over There. What possessed you to almost say no to a TV star maker such as Steven Bochco? I was absolutely intimidated. I knew that this show was about real soldiers who were still fighting in Iraq, representing our country. I knew what my character was going to go through; he was going to hit an [improvised explosive device] in the first episode, become the hero of the episode, then lose his leg, and get hooked on drugs and the morphine. I was scared. I was intimidated. I didn’t know if I could pull this off. Up to then, I’d played the kid in the family that goes to high school and dates the girl. Now I’m playing this guy that’s representing thousands of Americans, and I don’t want to screw it up. I called my agent, and he said, “You’re absolutely insane. He’s the biggest producer in the history of TV. You’re going to do this show, and I don’t care what you say.” I showed up, and I pushed myself to a place that I didn’t know I had, and right then and there, after shooting that first episode and seeing the pilot, I go, “OK, I can do this.” That show pushed me and gave me confidence for the rest of my career. The Big D and Dallas are not related but they share a lot in common, starting with you. What stands out to you about that Dallas experience? I’ll never forget, when I saw that Dallas was coming back, something hit inside of me because my mom and my meemaw, her mother, were massive Dallas fans. They’d watch together when my mom was younger. It was a big deal for the family. When I was the first one of the younger generation to be cast, I called my mom and freaked out and said, “Mom, here we go. You’re not going to believe this. I’m playing J.R.’s son on Dallas.” Right then I got a little nervous, like, “OK, wait. J.R.’s the most infamous television character of all time, and I’ve got to play his son. I’ve got to play a chip off the old block.” I hadn’t met him yet. We shot our first scene together, and Larry was really everything you would expect. He was larger than life. He had a smile on his face. You felt him walk in the room. His energy was bigger than a mansion, and we just got along right away. Patrick Duffy is a consummate pro, the sweetest man in the world, and Linda Gray, who plays my mother, it all just clicked. It was almost effortless. I didn’t expect that. I expected to come in and really have to work o n this and make sure that Larry’s comfortable and he likes me, and it was none of that. I truly loved it.

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cover ment and movies have always been part of Ryan’s personality. Ryan was made for this more than anyone realizes,” Baker said. “Anyone who really knows him knows that. He can imitate people, do voices and completely transform himself into a character from a movie, so seeing him on a set actually makes perfect sense to me. “What’s interesting about The Big D, though, is that we’re essentially being asked to bring ourselves into this world rather than pretend to be completely different people.” Baker said the experience is such foreign territory that the couple is absorbing the experience as it unfolds moment by moment. “It’s definitely exciting, but there is also an element of, ‘What in the world are we doing?’ because this is completely new territory for us,” Baker said. “We already had extremely full lives. I run AY Media Group, Ryan is involved in so much of what I do, and we have our careers, family, friends, travel, events and commitments. We certainly weren’t sitting around saying, ‘You know what we need? A television series.’

(Photo courtesy of Film Mafia Entertainment)

ON SET WITH HEATHER BAKER AND RYAN PARKER

How did you two get involved in The Big D? Baker: We were introduced to Greg through our dear friend Josef France while we were talking with him about Turnbuckle, another production filmed in Hot Springs. Greg started telling us about some of the projects that would follow Turnbuckle, and he mentioned The Big D. The original Dallas has always had this funny place in my life. The Dallas theme song is the ringtone on my phone. I also told him about growing up and going to Plano with my dad during the summers. We would visit Southfork Ranch, and for my dad’s birthday, I would buy him one of those novelty little pieces of Southfork land, so there was already this nostalgic connection for me. At some point, Greg looked at us and said, “I have the perfect idea,” and he said he wanted us to play the foster parents of Jax. Ryan and I just looked at each other like, “OK, sure. Very funny.”

Why say yes to this? Baker: I’m not sure we completely understood what we were saying yes to, and honestly, I’m not sure we fully understand it yet. This truly feels like one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that just lands in your path. What made it easier was the people. From the producers to the cast and crew, there was an immediate connection. It already feels a little like family. Greg has been very intentional about casting people who naturally fit into this world. He isn’t trying to make Ryan and me become two completely different people. He wants Ryan Parker and Heather Baker. He wants our personalities, our relationship, our banter and the way we actually interact. That’s what makes the whole thing so intriguing to us. What are your favorite movies and TV shows? Parker: One of my favorite movies is Spies Like Us. I love Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase and that whole era of movies from the ’70s and ’80s. As far as television, one of my favorites growing up was I Dream of Jeannie. My dad was in the military, so there was something about Major Nelson being an Air Force officer that connected with me as a kid — and, of course, the idea that this guy had a genie who could make almost anything happen wasn’t too bad either. Baker: Mine is easy: the Rocky movies. I am absolutely obsessed with Sylvester Stallone. Meeting Stallone, having dinner with him, and just getting the opportunity to sit down and talk with him would be a dream for me. I couldn’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve watched the Rocky series.

(Photo by Wonderlilly Photography) Television? Absolutely Dallas. That one isn’t even close. Here’s the funny connection we didn’t even realize at first: My childhood show was Dallas, Ryan’s was I Dream of Jeannie, and both starred Larry Hagman. Maybe this was destined to happen after all.

cover Left: Henderson, center, plays foster child Jax, while his foster parents are played by Parker and Baker. Below: Baker and other local talent bring a sense of authenticity to the series.

“

(Photo by Wonderlilly Photography)

“We’re taking it one step at a time. I don’t think either of us knows yet what impact this could ultimately have on our lives, so rather than trying to predict where it leads, we’re enjoying the experience and seeing where God takes it.” LEAVING A LEGACY Not unlike Turnbuckle, Film Mafia’s recently completed feature film, which Carney also shot in Arkansas, the series will be preceded by a vertical marketing strategy that includes special video productions to introduce characters and a “making of ” documentary to whet audiences’ appetites. Carney said Film Mafia is innovating through that approach, creating an audience in advance instead of rolling out the first episode of the series cold and hoping for the best. He said the structure of multiple seasons’ worth of The Big D storyline has already been crafted, and he believes the series has the potential for a multiyear run via streaming after its expected debut next year. He also hopes the series creates a wider wake for his home state than just being appointment television viewing during its time. “With Turnbuckle, while it was shot here, it didn’t really showcase Arkansas. That movie created this crazy world, and you saw the trees

or whatever, but it didn’t really show you what Hot Springs or Arkansas was all about,” he said. “With this show, we actually are showcasing the beauty of it and showing these landmarks and meeting these people and connecting with them on a personal level. After each episode ends and the show’s gone, we want people to come here to visit these landmarks. That’s what I really want this to do, and that’s what I’m super excited about.” “This may actually be the part that means the most to me,” Baker agreed. “I love Arkansas. My entire career has been about telling Arkansas stories, promoting Arkansas people and businesses, and changing perceptions about what this state has to offer. That’s why I’m so excited that Greg is bringing so much of this production into Hot Springs, his hometown, and Arkansas. “There are still people outside our state whose perception of Arkansas is based on stereotypes that haven’t reflected reality for decades. They don’t necessarily see the beautiful homes, incredible destinations, successful businesses, sophisticated communities and extraordinary people who live here. If The Big D succeeds on the level we believe it can, I hope people don’t just fall in love with the characters. I hope they fall in love with Arkansas.”

We’re taking it one step at a time. I don’t think either of us knows yet what impact this could ultimately have on our lives, so rather than trying to predict where it leads, we’re enjoying the experience and seeing where God takes it. — Heather Baker, cast member/media professional

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weekender

(Photos courtesy of Overnight Digs unless otherwise noted)

The

Weekender by Heather Baker

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FOR ONE WEEKEND, WE LIVED LIKE

ROCK STARS A stay at Overnight Digs at Rockstar proves Arkansas’ most memorable escape is closer than you think 27

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here are places you stay, and there are places that become part of the trip. Within minutes of walking through the doors of Rockstar in Hot Springs, I knew which one this would be. Music history covers the walls. Rock legends stare back from wallpaper in the bathroom off the karaoke and game room. An amplifier has been cleverly transformed into a sink. Elvis, concert history, and decades of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia appear throughout the home not as an afterthought but as part of its personality. I am a details person. I notice when someone has thought beyond what looks good in a photograph to consider how a space can actually make people feel. At Rockstar, the details are the story. The eight-bedroom, nine-bath luxury property is part of the Overnight Digs portfolio in Hot Springs, but describing it by its size misses the point entirely. Every bedroom has its own personality, offering distinctive art, views and atmosphere. There is something unexpected around nearly every corner, and I found myself noticing something new each time I walked through the house. While Rockstar certainly makes an entrance, it also does something much harder: It makes you want to stay awhile. A HOUSE THAT CHANGES WITH YOU Anyone who knows me knows that a getaway does not necessarily mean my laptop stays closed. One afternoon, reality called, and I needed to work, so I found my nook in the living room, settled into some of the most comfortable furniture imaginable and got down to business. For a while, Rockstar became my office. Then, a few hours later, the computer disappeared, and the house transformed. Music was playing. People were gathering. The karaoke room came alive. Outside, the pool, televisions, fire features, hot tub and putting green created an entirely different atmosphere. Now Rockstar was the party. That ability to shift from retreat to gathering place is one of the home’s greatest strengths. You can find a quiet corner when

you need one without sacrificing the energy that makes traveling with friends and family memorable. The outdoor living area is especially impressive. Built around a private pool with a waterfall, it offers enough room for a large group to spread out, eat, watch television, gather around the fire or simply enjoy a Hot Springs evening. There is plenty of luxury, but Rockstar never feels precious. It begs to be enjoyed — and we did. WHEN HOSPITALITY COMES TO YOU The property may get your attention first, but the service behind it is what ultimately distinguishes an Overnight Digs stay.

A pool, putting green and other luxe amenities give the Overnight Digs Rockstar rental everything needed for a fun and relaxing weekend.

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Before we arrived, groceries had been arranged and the refrigerator stocked. That might sound like a small thing until you have started enough vacations standing beneath fluorescent grocery-store lights with a shopping cart when you would rather already be enjoying your destination. Instead, we walked in, unpacked and began our weekend. That philosophy — removing the work from getting away — extends through Overnight Digs’ concierge offerings, which can bring experiences directly into the property. For us, one of those experiences arrived in the form of Chef Alex Zumwalt, who took over Rockstar’s gourmet kitchen while we did something far more enjoyable: relaxed. No reservations to make. No cars to retrieve. No clock telling us it was time to leave. We could enjoy the house and one another while dinner unfolded in the kitchen. Zumwalt began with his own interpretation of a Caesar salad before serving an exquisite filet with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, asparagus and flavorful sauce. His blackberry creme brulee was a fitting finale to an incredible meal. What I appreciated almost as much as the food was the ease of the entire experience. Chef arrived, prepared everything, served an exceptional dinner, and then he cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom. When he left, there was not a stack of dishes reminding us that our evening was not quite over. That is a detail I can appreciate. Our couples massage followed the same philosophy. Instead of leaving Rockstar for a spa appointment, the spa came to us. The music softened, the pace slowed, and for a while, the weekend became completely quiet. No phones. No schedules. No next appointment. By the end, it felt as though every inch of stress had disappeared. Those experiences changed my perception of what a vacation rental can be. A stocked refrigerator, private chef and inhome massage are not simply amenities, they protect the most valuable thing we have when we travel: our time.

That is what Rockstar became for me. For one weekend, it was my office, my restaurant, my spa, my gathering place and my retreat. It gave me space to work when I needed to and plenty of reasons to close the computer when I did not. THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROPERTY As much as I enjoyed Rockstar as a guest, the businesswoman in me could not help paying attention to what was happening behind the scenes. A beautiful house is easy to recognize. Excellent hospitality is harder to see because when it is done correctly, most of the work is invisible. Overnight Digs has built its model around that idea. The company manages luxury short-term rentals while handling the operational pieces guests rarely consider — property preparation, communication, bookings, maintenance, marketing and the countless details required to keep an experience running smoothly.

Chef Alex Zumwalt provided an on-site culinary experience and even cleaned up before he left.

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With karaoke, a pool table and rock star-themed artwork in every corner, there was no shortage of fun to be had at the rental. For a guest, the result is simple: You do not feel alone after receiving the door code. There are real people behind the experience available when something is needed. Rockstar is only one property in the Overnight Digs collection. Its portfolio includes accommodations suited to different group sizes and experiences, giving travelers the ability to choose the Hot Springs getaway that fits them rather than forcing every vacation into the same mold. That is particularly important in a destination like Hot Springs, where no two weekends need to look alike. THE CITY BEYOND THE FRONT DOOR The greatest challenge of staying somewhere like Rockstar may be convincing yourself to leave it. Venturing out is a must,

instead of only through your phone. Walk Bathhouse Row, and remember that one of America’s most distinctive national parks runs directly through an Arkansas downtown. That is something we should not take for granted.

however, since just beyond that front door is one of Arkansas’ most alluring destinations. Hot Springs has mastered a contradiction few places can pull off: It is nostalgic without being stuck in the past. The history of Bathhouse Row and Hot Springs National Park remains the city’s foundation but today’s Hot Springs has evolved around it, bringing in restaurants, boutiques, galleries, entertainment and attractions that give visitors reasons to return again and again. My overriding advice for taking in Hot Springs is to not overplan it. Start downtown with a matcha from Kollective Coffee + Tea, and walk to explore Central Avenue. Step inside the shops, wander through a gallery, and look up at the architecture

Our cabana also included tubes we could keep with us, which made enjoying the wave pool and other water attractions that much easier. It is a small convenience that makes a big difference when you are spending an entire day at the park. There is something wonderfully nostalgic about Magic Springs for Arkansans, but the park also continues to give visitors new reasons to return. Guests can chase the thrill rides, cool off in the water park, float the lazy river, hit the wave pool and then retreat to their private cabana when ready for a break. Magic Springs is not only about the rides and water, either. Timberwood Amphitheater hosts the park’s summer concert series, bringing performers from different genres to Hot Springs

MAKE A DAY OF MAGIC SPRINGS For families — or adults like me who still believe a great summer day should occasionally involve a waterslide — Magic Springs Theme and Water Park deserves more than a quick stop. We made a day of it, and one of the best decisions we made was renting a private cabana. Having our own shaded home base gave us somewhere to retreat between rides and trips through the water park.

weekender throughout the season. Special events and seasonal programming provide even more reasons to check the calendar before planning your visit. My advice here is simple: Visit the Magic Springs website before your Hot Springs weekend. See who is performing, look at the special events, and build your visit around what is happening while you are there. That is another reason Hot Springs works so well for a getaway; you can make the weekend whatever you want it to be. Spend part of the day floating the lazy river at Magic Springs, catch a concert, and then head back to Rockstar, where your own

Luxury travel does not have to involve an airport, an extraordinary culinary experience does not always require a restaurant, and one of the best weekends you take this year may be waiting a short drive from home.

THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE DETAILS On my final walk through Rockstar, I found myself noticing the same things that caught my attention when I arrived. The faces of rock legends on the bathroom wallpaper. That unforgettable amplifier sink. Elvis. Concert memorabilia. The artwork and individual personality of each bedroom. The comfortable living-room nook where I managed to get a little work done. Outside were reminders of an entirely different part of the weekend: the pool, fire pits, putting green and spaces where we gathered and celebrated. One final look over my shoulder, and I knew the things I would remember most: Opening a refrigerator that had already been stocked for us, and Zumwalt working in the kitchen while we enjoyed our evening. (Photo by Jamie Lee) I remembered blackberry creme brulee, the stillness after The weekend provided plenty of time to enjoy Hot Springs our massages, the laughter coming from the karaoke room. activities such as riding rides at Magic Springs and grabbing Those are the moments that separate a beautiful property from a a cheeseburger at Deluca’s. memorable trip. In my work, I have the privilege of seeing Arkansas through a unique lens. I meet the entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, tourism professionals and visionaries who are constantly challenging outpool, hot tub and outdoor living space are waiting. That is a pretty dated ideas about what our state can offer. Experiences like this incredible Arkansas vacation, and you never even had to board an matter because they change the narrative. airplane. Luxury travel does not have to involve an airport, an extraorLike I said: Do not overthink it. dinary culinary experience does not always require a restaurant, and one of the best weekends you take this year may be waiting a A HOT SPRINGS RITUAL short drive from home. Then there is Deluca’s Pizza. Hot Springs already gives us history, lakes, restaurants, enNo trip to Hot Springs is complete for me without a stop tertainment and unmistakable personality. Overnight Digs adds at Anthony Valinoti’s celebrated restaurant. People rightly talk another layer by creating properties that do not simply provide about the pizza, but longtime readers probably already know what somewhere to sleep after experiencing the destination but become I am about to say: Get the cheeseburger. part of the destination. More importantly, let Valinoti make it the way he believes it That is what Rockstar became for me. For one weekend, it should be eaten: medium rare with American cheese and those was my office, my restaurant, my spa, my gathering place and my incredible homemade pickles. One bite, and you will understand retreat. It gave me space to work when I needed to and plenty of me when I say the best chefs earn your trust; Valinoti has earned reasons to close the computer when I did not. mine. Most importantly, it gave us a place to be together. Deluca’s became part of our weekend, and sitting there, I was Somewhere between Zumwalt’s creme brulee, a quiet massage, reminded why Hot Springs continues to work so well as a desa Deluca’s cheeseburger, an afternoon at Magic Springs, evenings tination. Within one trip, you can experience historic Arkansas, beside the pool and more than a little karaoke, something hapcontemporary food culture, family attractions, local shopping, the pened: We stopped feeling like guests. outdoors and genuine luxury without spending half the weekend For one unforgettable weekend, we lived like rock stars. traveling between them. Everything feels close enough to enjoy.

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One-Stop

Southern Interiors gives customers a unique turnkey experience

By DWAIN HEBDA

Photos courtesy of SOUTHERN INTERIORS

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According to statistics by HomeAdvisor, the average homeowner today spends between $35,000 and $100,000 on a new kitchen, and Today’s Homeowner reported a new bathroom will run $15,000 to north of $40,000 per project. Remodels are equally big, the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies states, noting that Americans spend a whopping $475 billion annually on home improvements. Spending that kind of money shows how seriously people take the matter of beautifying their

living spaces. However, people who have actually taken on a dream kitchen or bathroom job can also attest to its headache-inducing complexity. Running from place to place for components, dealing with multiple vendors, contractors and subcontractors, and the stress of hoping the pieces all come together as designed, on time and on budget is enough to give anyone sleepless nights — anyone, that is, except customers of Southern Interiors in Sherwood. Founded nearly 30 years ago, Southern Interiors follows a much different business plan than the competition, offering turnkey services that deliver a truly one-stop shopping experience for homeowners from design to fabrication to installation. “We make it really simple; we do it all,” said Brian Hagewood, who co-founded the company with his wife, Donna. “What we’ve done and what has led to our growth as a company is we’ve tried to look at things from the customer’s perspective. From the customer’s’ perspective, remodeling projects are over-

A full line of home design products coupled with installation and onsite fabrication makes Southern Interiors in Sherwood a one-stop shop for home renovation.

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home We’ve got this beautiful design showroom where they come in, they can pick everything out, and we work them up a really cool 3D rendering of what it’s going to look like.

whelming. In fact, the reason so many people put off their dream project is because it’s so confusing and disruptive and frustrating, actually, to have to go multiple places and deal with multiple vendors. “We’ve grown because we’re different. We get such great feedback from our customers that say we make the process so much easier and so much more enjoyable.” Hagewood, who has been in the home improvement and residential interior construction space his entire working life, said the evolution of what Southern Interiors has become started as just another flooring company that branched into countertops. Like most in the industry, the company initially relied on thirdparty fabricators and installers, which led to problems. “That was just challenging because sometimes the thirdparty guys didn’t show up when they said they would or didn’t do what they said they’d do. They just didn’t do it right, you

Brian Hagewood heads the shop with his wife and company co-founder, Donna, and children, Alyssa and Hunter. (Photo by DeWaine Duncan)

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know?” he said. “It was a bad reflection on us, but I couldn’t really control all that. I enjoyed the countertop business, and I didn’t want to give up on it, so it was frustrating. “I remember one day, we had a job that just didn’t go as well because of what a third party did. I was at a golf event where I made the comment ‘I’m just dumb enough to go start a granite fabrication shop,’ just kind of joking.” As it happened, a fellow member of Hagewood’s country club, the longtime owner of such a business, was looking for a way to retire. He contacted Hagewood, who purchased the man’s equipment, including computer numerical control machines, and moved them into an 8,000-square-foot space adjacent to his existing showroom. “That became our fabrication shop, and since then, we’ve added a water jet, which is a real nice piece of equipment to have for countertops,” Hagewood said. “Fast-forward probably seven, eight years ago, we had a chance to buy the property next to us, and we turned that into our custom cabinet shop.” Bringing on the production facilities closed the loop on Southern Interiors’ offerings, allowing the company to walk customers through every step of the process while maintaining strict quality control at every stage. Everything from the on-site technology to the combined expertise of the staff has been designed to make the experience as painless and hassle free for the customer as possible.

The showroom provides plenty of inspiration for prospective customers, while in-house fabrication helps streamline the process.

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As more homeowners replace outdated tubs with walk-in showers, the Southern Interiors team works to provide stunning results in an efficient, budgetfriendly manner.

It is an approach that is so different that new customers are often taken aback by it. Once they experience the company’s process, Hagewood said, the vast majority are delighted. “The feedback we have received has been just incredible,” he said. “We’ve got this beautiful design showroom where they come in, they can pick everything out, and we work them up a really cool 3D rendering of what it’s going to look like. They get to sign off on every detail — cabinets, placements, knobs, a full line of window treatments, anything they want — before we ever start the project. “From there, we fabricate it in-house. We go to our cabinet shop, and we meet with our team over there, and they build it. We do the same thing for our countertops. We do our flooring in-house. We do our glass in-house. We even do our own custom quartz shower pans for the custom showers we build. It’s a lot of moving parts on our end, but the benefit to these homeowners is a start-to-finish service they just couldn’t get anywhere else.” That alone would be enough to put Southern Interiors into its own category, but inspired by his earlier negative experiences, Hagewood takes things a step further. His team also schedules and performs installation, assigning

designated personnel to ensure the finished product meets and exceeds the client’s expectations, be it with indoor projects, window treatments or outdoor kitchens, a growing segment of the company’s work. “A lot of places, you see someone who sells the product; then they hand it off to someone else. We don’t consider that a great way of doing things,” Hagewood said. “Our estimators stay on the job from the beginning to the end, working with project managers who are doing the daily stuff. They’re never out of it until the job’s completed and the customer is satisfied.” Little wonder, then, that Southern Interiors has routinely placed high in various polls in its classification by AY About You, including “AY’s Best Of ” reader’s poll, “Faces of Arkansas” and “Innovative Home Awards,” among several others. Hagewood said for all of the equipment and technology at work in the company, the most important difference lies with Southern Interiors’ skilled and customer-driven staff. “We have such a good team,” he said. “We don’t turn over a lot of people, and so our employees have been here for a long time. As a result, we don’t have the qualitycontrol issues like you see from some places because they take a lot of pride in their work and they want to send out a good product.” Some of the company’s employees are particularly invested in maintaining the Southern Interiors way of doing business, including Brian’s father, John, who pitches in part time, and the Hagewood’s children, daughter Alyssa and son Hunter, who represent the future of the family business. “It’s a blessing to be able to work with family,” Hagewood said. “As a matter of fact, I consider it a blessing to work with such an amazing team top to bottom. They truly care about every job, and it shows in the finished product and in the opinions of our customers.”

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YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP  Flooring  Cabinetry  Countertops  Blinds  Shower Glass & Mirrors  3D Design  Kitchen & Bath Remodeling  Fully Arkansas Licensed

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501-436-3280 | 8713 Warden Road, Sherwood | southerninteriorsfa.com

florals

Hey, Pumpkin! I

f I could sum up the trends for fall this year in one word, it would be “traditional.” The colors are traditional, the decor is traditional, and, of course, that traditional autumn favorite, the pumpkin, is making an appearance on front porches and dining tables across the state. There are pumpkins everywhere this year and all different kinds — from traditional round, orange beauties to ghost pumpkins and green, warty gourds. Some might be surprised to learn just how many ways there are to style pumpkins for the season. On the front porch, I like to stay within a certain color palette. I might use different shades of orange, or I might use whites and greens. Some people even paint a few of their pumpkins gold or bronze for a gorgeous metallic effect.

INDOORS OR OUT, FALL’S FAVORITE GOURD IS IN FULL EFFECT THIS YEAR

A spacious porch design could involve nearly 50 pumpkins — eight to 10 large, 12 to 18 medium and the rest small. For a medium-sized porch, 30 pumpkins will do, while an especially petit porch could go down to 12 to 15. Start by placing the largest pumpkins around the door and down the steps. Then add the medium pumpkins. Last but not least, fill the spaces remaining with smaller pumpkins. You can stack a few of the pumpkins for more depth. I use the flatter Cinderella pumpkins, starting with a large one on the bottom, one or two medium-sized pumpkins above that, and a smaller pumpkin on top. Once the pumpkins are placed — including a couple of painted ones, if desired — it is time to add the accents. A lot of people include By CHRIS NORWOOD, AIFD, PFCI, AAF Photos courtesy of NORWOOD-DAY FLORAL CO.

florals Velvet pumpkins with natural stems come in a variety of colors and make a fabulous table runner.

potted mums with their pumpkin displays. I use harvest colors of red, orange and yellow to complement orange pumpkins or white mums for a white-and-green design. For a more organic look, try weaving bittersweet vines throughout the pumpkins. With its vibrant orange berries, the vine is well suited to fall decor schemes. When Halloween rolls around, add some jack-o’-lanterns to the mix or some whimsical accents with ghosts, goblins and witches. Then take the spooky stuff away and add some turkeys for Thanksgiving. If left uncut, fresh pumpkins can last the whole season long. Love those cute, pint-sized miniature pumpkins? If you have boxwoods or other potted plants flanking your entryway, fill the bases with tiny pumpkins. Itty-bitty varieties also work well in a wreath — consider a

wreath made of sunflowers and miniature pumpkins for a fall Williamsburg look. Speaking of wreaths, there are so many ideas when it comes to fall. A wreath made of fall leaves is a classic, or try a boxwood wreath

James Hayes glass pumpkins are a collectible item people look forward to each year. 39

with autumnal ribbons. Another option is to make a wreath out of magnolia blooms and foliage, a look that transitions smoothly into Christmas. For those who prefer a fall swag on their doors, consider a loose grouping of seasonal flowers such as zinnias, marigolds and mums tied with an array of fall ribbons. Other fall accents include fresh cattails, dill and sage. By the way, there are plenty of garden roses that work great for fall, from shades of coffee, cream and toffee to bittersweets and maroons. Look for roses that have different colors within a single bloom. I have seen varieties with petals that transition from butter yellow into peach and from peach into stunning orange that would look great in autumn arrangements. Inside, velvet pumpkins with natural stems continue to be a popular decor trend. They can be found in all different colors. I have seen a lot of feminine colors such as pinks and magentas, but there are also plenty of traditional fall palettes, such as bronze, brown and aubergine. Arrange them along a dining table, pile them on the mantle, or stack them in the foyer. There is really no way to go wrong, but just like the fresh pumpkins outside, it helps to start with the large ones and build from there. James Hayes glass pumpkins are back for the season, and there are more colors than one can name. Decorators are incorporating them into their fall decor schemes just like the velvet pumpkins but a bit more sparingly. For a gorgeous look, arrange groupings of glass pumpkins at either end of the dining table, and put a beautiful container with potted mums or cut flowers in the middle. It is fall, y’all, so bring out those fuzzy blankets, light a pumpkin-spice scented candle, and cozy up to the good vibes of the season to come. Have fun picking pumpkins! Chris Norwood and Christina Day-Essary are co-owners of Norwood-Day Floral Co. in Little Rock. For more information, visit norwood-day.com. aymag.com

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Laying the Foundation

Three generations of the Ferguson family shaping Little Rock’s westward expansion By SARAH DECLERK // Photos by JANE COLCLASURE

Jack, from left, Randy, Brock and Rick Ferguson

ick Ferguson is a man who knows which way the wind is blowing, and not just because he spends so much time outside. The developer behind Valley Falls Estates in Little Rock and Waterview Estates and Lakeview West in Roland, he understood early on that Little Rock has been growing west practically since the French landed there more than 300 years ago. He himself was living in St. Charles — then part of the city’s western reaches — when construction began in the newly annexed Chenal Valley in 1986. Catching a whiff of opportunity, he talked to his father, Randy, about doing business together in the up-and-coming area. “My dad’s always, always been my hero,” Rick said. “At 89, almost 90, he’s still my hero. I just wanted to be with him. I always say, ‘I guess if he’d been a truck driver, I would have been a truck driver.’” Randy started building homes during the 1960s. A farm boy from a one-horse town, he was used to working from sunrise to sunset. When the day’s work was done, however, he still had some time left, so he spent it with his neighbor, a carpenter. “On the farm, when it gets dark, you quit. So what am I going to do with the other three or four hours of my day?” he said. “I’d go over there every day and say, ‘Where are you going to be tomorrow?’ and I’d meet him over there. Never charged him a penny. He’d always say, ‘When are you going to let me start paying you?’ I told him one day, ‘You don’t realize it, but you’re educating me.’” He told his wife he might be able to make a living building houses and began apprenticing with the carpenter in earnest. “He was a good, old-time builder with a lot of quality in mind,” Randy said. “You’ve got to understand, back then,

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My grandfather and my dad have cultivated a great name over their careers, so we certainly want to continue that legacy. — Brock Ferguson, Ferguson Building

we didn’t have air guns, none of that. Everything was hand nailed. Nowadays, it’s bap, bap, bap, bap. Young carpenters today would think they’d gone back into the Stone Age if they’d worked with us, but you didn’t have these tools back then.” The hours were long, he said, but he enjoyed the relationships he built along with the homes. “My wife used to say at some point in the summertime, ‘8:30 — well, he’ll be home any minute now,’” he said. “These people work 8 to 5. Then they come out to the job, and then you sit there on a pile of brick and talk for an hour and a half, and it just creates a rapport because you learn to love the people. You learn to like them because you’re around them every day.” Randy built mostly north of the Arkansas River, where he lived, but after his son noticed the westward momentum in Little Rock, he and Rick began building in Chenal Valley. In 1998, Rick started a new development near South Katillus and Cantrell roads: Valley Falls Estates. “I just listened to my customers,” he said. “I was building a lot in Chenal Valley, and they really wanted bigger lots, and so that’s why I developed [Valley Falls] into football-field-sized lots. Back then, people were building really, really big homes. It was kind of a trend, and so I got really

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Both Waterview Estates and Lakeview West feature breathtaking views of Lake Maumelle and the surrounding mountains. a sense of relative seclusion. A trail system runs throughout the green space, including some undeveloped land for dirt bikes and ATVs, and the subdivision borders the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, a nearly 200-mile route from Pinnacle Mountain State Park to Oklahoma. Beautifully designed with luxury features, the homes are just as grand as the surroundings, although Rick said they are not all as over the top as some might imagine. “A big misconception of Waterview Estates is that the houses are all huge, but they’re not,” he said. “We have, really, about three different sizes of homes. We’ve got the huge estates, and then we’ve got what are still larger homes. We even have something around 2,000 [square feet] that is a downsize for those

blessed with good fortune there, that a lot of people wanted to be in a gated community that’s still in west Little Rock on biggerthan-normal lots. It just feels really private.” Private, spacious, luxe — Valley Falls had it, but it was nothing in comparison to what was to come. Around 2007, Rick started Waterview Estates on a sprawling tract of land overlooking Lake Maumelle. “I knew that people were drawn to water, whether it’s a river, a lake, a pond, a creek, an ocean,” he said. “People just love overlooking the water, and the second-most popular is the mountains.” With mountain or water views in each direction, the beauty of nature is all around in Waterview. Also important is the privacy afforded by the lots, each of which backs up against a greenbelt for

home people who love living here, but they don’t need a big 6,000- to 8,000-square-foot home anymore.” My dad’s always, After Waterview Estates was established on the east side always been of Lake Maumelle, Rick turned his attention to the west side, starting Lakeview West about five years ago. The development is my hero. At 89, similar to Waterview Estates, offering ample green space, spacious almost 90, he’s lots and a feeling of seclusion but perhaps even more remarkable views. still my hero. “Every house in the subdivision has a lake view,” Rick said. — Rick ferguson, “That is a real anomaly. I’ve never seen anything like that.” developer At nearly 90, Randy has long been out of the building business — he said he took to retirement “like a duck to water” — but Rick is far from alone in his work. He is joined by his two sons, Brock and Jack, who co-own Ferguson Building. The two started the business in 2020 after working for a different company. “It came pretty naturally,” Jack said. “I always like to tell a story on Pawpaw. When Dad would drop me off to hang out with Pawpaw for the day, I’d follow him around on jobsites, and there was a funny story where he picked me up, and I was dressed just like him. I even had a pencil in my ear just like Pawpaw, which was his signature move.” He said he enjoys taking a piece of ground and turning it into something beautiful. It is a passion Rick Ferguson has built his career on listening to his customers’ needs and shared by his brother, father and grandfather. anticipating the westward expansion of Little Rock residents. “I wanted them to do whatever they wanted to do, but I’m real thankful they thought of the legIn addition to joining in the projects in Roland, the two brothacy because I always enjoyed it,” Randy said. “When I got to the ers are working on a development in Saline County that is prijob every morning, I’d take the visual of it, and when I left in the marily for starter homes. afternoon, I always thought, ‘Hey man, look what we got done “I’m super proud of them. It’s the second-fastest-growing today.’” county in Arkansas, so I think they made a good decision,” Rick He added that he expects a fourth generation of builders will said. “I’m super, super proud of my sons, the character of my sons be found among Brock’s children, at least one of whom is showing and their work ethic.” early signs of wanting to be in the construction industry. Political and economic turmoil may cause people to “tap the “It’s just been a wonderful career,” he said. “I love the building brakes” on building, he added, but with a current shortage of luxbusiness, and I have a lot of wonderful customers. I’ve built two ury homes, the market still has plenty of opportunity. Rick said he or three homes for some people and then built some of their chilbelieves Waterview Estates and Lakeview West will continue to dren’s homes, and the kids are already getting into this. be in demand as his sons build their company. “I’ve always looked at it this way: I’m going to be there six “If nothing else, simply because of the views,” he said. months to a year depending on the size of the house, but [the Now in his 60s, Rick said he is nearing the end of his career. customers] are going to be there the rest of their lives, so let’s try There are no plans for new developments in his future, he said; he to get it the way they want it, not what the builder wants.” is focused on the two neighborhoods currently underway. That work ethic has trickled down the generations like the wa“I’m a family guy, and so I want to spend as much time as God ter flowing from the pool features at Waterview Estates. Rick said gives me with my close friends and family,” he said. “I would like the keys to his work are to underpromise and overdeliver, treat to travel some with my wife.” people the way he wants to be treated, and be tenacious about Rick spoke from a lot that would be a dream for anybody attention to detail. Strong communication never goes amiss when to own. The views are panoramic — Pinnacle Mountain to the it comes to walking a client through the homebuilding process, southeast, Lake Maumelle to the south, and the foothills of the Jack added. Ouachita Mountains rolling on as far as the eye can see to the “My grandfather and my dad have cultivated a great name southwest. over their careers, so we certainly want to continue that legacy,” Reflecting on his career, the legacy he built with his father and Brock said. “Anybody we ever meet who knows we’re related to his sons’ continuation of that journey, he summed it up simply, usour pawpaw asks about how he’s doing, and that’s kind of the ing the same words that will probably be used by whoever comes same thing with my dad, so we definitely want to continue the to own that piece of God’s country: family legacy.” “I’m blessed,” he said. “That’s about it.”

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FROM FORGOTTEN … TO BREATHTAKING. What was once a neglected, deteriorating house is now a beautifully restored historic home that’s ready to create memories for another hundred years. At Haney Contractors, we believe historic homes deserve a second chance. Our team carefully preserved the character and craftsmanship that made this home special while bringing it up to today’s standards with modern systems, finishes and structural improvements. If a historic rehabilitation project qualifies under federal and/or state historic preservation programs, owners may be eligible for valuable Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits that can significantly offset renovation costs. Potential incentives may include: • 20% Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit for qualifying income-producing historic buildings • Arkansas Historic Rehabilitation Income Tax Credit (for qualifying projects), which can provide additional tax savings when state requirements are met These incentives have specific eligibility requirements. The property typically must be a certified historic structure or contributing building within a historic district, and the rehabilitation must follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Approval is required through the appropriate preservation agencies before the credits can be claimed. Whether you’re restoring a landmark, renovating a historic investment property or preserving a piece of Arkansas history, Haney Contractors has the experience to bring your vision to life. 212 Center St, Little Rock

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American Dream

home is many things to many people. For some, it is a retreat, a place of respite, and a fortress against the demands and stresses of the outside world. For others, it is a family album, a place where couples nest and babies are born and raised, a living collage of a million snapshots in the life of a family. For still others, owning a home is a statement of pride and accomplishment, of entering into membership of the American Dream, be it a modest starter model or the long-dreamed-for estate on a lake. Americans, largely descendants of pioneering stock seeking to better their station in life, have a deeper connection to their homes than other people. It might have something to do with the residual spirit that sparked as their ancestors came westward, hewing the first homes, farmsteads and settlements from the wilderness with their own two hands. It might have something to do with the American system of government, an experiment unprecedented in human history, that defended

rights of property and made all equal in the eyes of God and government in terms of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — and home. Whatever the reason, Americans have created, improved, defended and generally had a love affair with their homes for more than a quarter of a millennium. That spirit continues today with every new home built or old home brought back to life. The September issue of AY About You includes a special section on innovative homes, focusing on what Arkansans are looking for in a residential buy now that the world is past COVID-19. Whether it is the kitchen, bath, backyard or patio, Arkansans are considering accessibility and convenience more than ever. That search leads to technology regardless of which part of the house: more automation, more artificial intelligence. Check out the pages that follow to see how Arkansas builders and customers are finding the best ways to make Natural State abodes more beautiful, automated and efficient.

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The KITCHEN WAVE

More AI, more personalization define the modern kitchen By MARK CARTER

ome kitchens are not immune to the reach food tracking and more personalized cooking,” Wells said. “Some of of artificial intelligence. the features they want are still ahead of what’s widely available. As this AI’s kitchen potential is vast and still technology continues to develop, I think we’ll see appliances become largely untapped, said Sydni Wells, appliance ex- more like personal kitchen assistants, helping customers save time, repert at Metro Appliances & More in North Little duce waste and make everyday cooking much easier.” Rock. For Susan and Charlie Johnson, owners of the Kitchen Tune-Up “AI is becoming more popular in appliances franchise in Maumelle, all projects begin with an on-site consultation. as customers look for technology that makes evAfter all, what better way to get to know prospective customers eryday life easier and more convenient,” she said. than to see and experience where they live? “GE’s smart refrigerator, for example, offers a scanner option that can help create shopping lists and assist with meal planning. Induction technology continues to advance, with more precise temperature control and preset cooking modes and temperatures, while assisted cooking features can recognize foods and help determine the appropriate cooking times and temperatures.” Technology is becoming the new “look” of appliances, she added, providing functionality and personalization while continuing to help customers save time and simplify everyday tasks. BEFORE UPLIFTED “Customers are increasingly looking for appliances that can do more for them On-site consultations help Kitchen Tune-Up in Maumelle deliver automatically, especially smarter AI, better dream-worthy results. (Photos courtesy of Kitchen Tune-Up)

home “Customers are increasingly looking for appliances that can do more for them automatically, especially smarter AI, better food tracking and more personalized cooking,” — Sydni Wells, Metro Appliances & More

It is not enough for today’s kitchens to be beautiful; consumers are demanding more high-tech gadgetry than ever before. (Photo courtesy of Countertop World)

“The initial home consultation tells us so much about the customer’s style, utilization of space and how to best achieve their goals,” Susan Johnson said. The Johnsons, who bought the franchise in 2008, specialize in all things kitchen, and initial consultations are free. “Whether the update desired is a total reconfiguration of the kitchen with all new cabinets, a simple facelift to change the door style and/or color, or make the kitchen function better with new drawers, rollouts or ac-

cessory items, we can accommodate the plan,” she said. “We can review budget and priorities with the homeowner to assist with the best service to meet their objectives.” Johnson said homeowners are now focusing on function as much as style. “We are designing spaces with accessories which assist in daily conveniences, as well as aging in place,” she said. “We are also seeing more requests for wood and warmer tones paired with deep gold/bronze fixtures.” The team at Kitchen Tune-Up serves the entire central Arkansas market, and that means some unique projects, in addition to bread-and-butter projects such as cabinet redooring, painting and refacing; custom cabinets; and kitchen accessories and organizers. “We recently added upper cabinets to existing cabinet boxes to take the cabinets to the ceiling,” Johnson said. “Retrofitting cabinets in older homes can be challenging with uneven walls and settling floors. We achieved the look that the homeowner envisioned and provided an illusion of height.” Customization is an emerging trend with kitchen appliances for Mark Dolven, Wells’ appliance-expert colleague at Metro. “Many customers are choosing panel-ready dishwashers and refrigerators that blend seamlessly with custom cabinetry,” he said. “Stainless steel is still king, but brass or bronze handles and knobs are becoming a popular way to add a personalized touch to the kitchen.” Stainless steel indeed remains king, but Wells said she is seeing more colors gaining popularity, particularly white, matte black and shades of green. “Green is definitely different and may be more of a short-term trend, but it’s interesting to see customers showing more interest in it,” she said. “White and black, on the other hand, seem to be more cyclical and will probably continue to come and go in popularity over time.”

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home Revamping cabinets by redooring, repainting, changing hardware and even bringing them up to the ceiling can make a world of difference. (Photo courtesy of Kitchen Tune-Up)

The GE Café line available at Metro offers a great selection of white and matte black appliances many customers use to help create and style the overall look of their kitchen, she added. “They also offer different knob color options, which makes it easy to coordinate with cabinet hardware and other finishes,” Wells said. “KitchenAid has also embraced the green look, which can give a kitchen a completely different perspective and add a unique pop of personality. Overall, there are some great colors and brands available right now that allow customers to make their kitchen feel much more personalized.” The kitchen is not immune from technology’s pervasive seep into all aspects of everyday life. Homeowners are looking to incorporate tech into the kitchen, said David McDougall, owner of family-owned Countertop World in Alexander.

Green is one of the most trending kitchen colors. (Photo courtesy of Metro Appliances & More)

Stainless steel is still king, but more customers are opting for brass and bronze accents. (Photo courtesy of Countertop World) His team now offers embedded, wireless countertop tech — which he calls “free power” and “one of the coolest things we’ve seen.” “It’s the same technology used with charging zones in cars,” he said. “You can charge anything with a wireless charge.” McDougall has two showrooms — the flagship location just outside Bryant in Alexander and a new 18,700-square-foot facility in Rogers — where his team cuts, finishes, and ultimately installs granite, quartz, marble and quartzite countertops. Every slab is cut, finished and installed by Countertop World crews, McDougall said. While tech is big, Dolven said he has seen many homeowners wanting to keep things simple. “While smart technology continues to evolve, there’s also a growing demand for simplicity,” he said. “Many customers simply want appliances that are dependable, easy to use and built to last without all the extra frills.” Many new appliances have more electronic controls and circuit boards. Thus, surge protection is more valuable than ever, he added. “The best protection is a whole-home surge protector installed at your electrical panel,” he said. “It helps protect all of your appliances, including refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers and dryers, from voltage spikes before they reach the appliance.” Kitchen renovation projects, of course, vary in scale, cost and the amount of disruption experienced by homeowners. “It really depends on the service,” Johnson said. “If we are working on updating existing cabinets, it’s four or five days. During this time, the appliances remain operable, and the kitchen can still be somewhat utilized. If we are replacing cabinets, start to finish can take four to five weeks. It depends somewhat on the extensive work of other factors, such as countertops, flooring, plumbing and electricity.” Johnson said her teams do not demo existing cabinets until the new cabinets are ready to install. “Our goal, no matter how large or small a project, is to be respectful of the homeowner’s home with the least amount of disruption as possible,” she said.

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Splish, Splash, SAY GOODBYE TO THE OLD BATH B

Homeowners opting for big showers, modern touches in bathroom redos

By ALEX HARDGRAVE

athroom, restroom, washroom, lavatory, powder room — no matter what someone calls the room, it is an important part of the home that should feel like a haven. However, a bathroom can begin to show wear and tear after years of use or show its age with dated design trends. The average spending on bathroom renovations in 2025 was a little more than $12,000, the Home Improvement Research Institute reported. Yes, it is an investment to do a full bathroom remodel, but Scott Lucas, owner of central Arkansas-based Scott Lucas Construction & Remodeling, said it is not a good idea to continue to put off a remodeling dream. “It’s never going to be cheaper than it is today,” Lucas said. “Materials prices are only going to keep going up.” When it comes to budgeting for the project, Lucas said he is able to get project estimates close to what the actual price will be, but he also said the recommendation is to budget an extra 15 percent just in case. Occasionally, with older homes, repairs can pop up if the team discovers that plumbing or electrical work is not up to modern-day codes, which can cause a project to cost more than originally expected. Also, if clients decide they want to change something once they see it in the space, that, too, could increase the price. Another hesitation Lucas said people may have when it comes to a bathroom renovation is how much time the project will take. He said that keeping disruption as short and minimal as possible comes down to good planning on the front end. That means having the plans for the remodel fully complete, including colors and small details, before beginning the project.

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(Photo courtesy of Southern Interiors)

One of the biggest trends in the bathroom world is doing away with bathtubs and replacing them with large walk-in showers.

Gone are the massive jetted tubs of the early 2000s; today’s homeowners want spacious walk-in showers.

“We’ll have all that nailed down before we start swinging hammers,” he said. “We’re not just looking to throw in the cheapest stuff,” said Travis Victory, owner of Victory Plumbing in North Little Rock. “We want to make it quality because we want it to last.” Many people doing bathroom renovations seem to be focused on the same things. One of the biggest trends in the bathroom world is doing away with bathtubs and replacing them with large walk-in showers. Shower remodels are getting “more and more common,” Victory said. He attributed that to a trend from the early 2000s — the giant jet bathtubs. Those tubs have been installed for more than 20 years in many cases and require more maintenance. Instead of putting money into that, people are having them taken out and going a different route that has easier upkeep. If someone does have a new tub installed as part of the remodel, many of Victory’s clients are going with free-standing models, which have a modern, sleek look to them. A popular type of sink Victory sees in many of the renovations is called a vessel sink. Instead of the basin being built into the counter, it sits on top of the counter, looking like a bowl. It offers the same sleek, modern feel that many people are opting for in bathrooms these days.

(Photo courtesy of Scott Lucas Construction & Remodeling)

(Photo courtesy of Victory Plumbing) Tankless water heaters and watersaving units are on trend.

People looking to do full remodels are opting for cabinets and solutions that offer more storage space and convenience. “Houses that were built 20 to 30 years ago were just built a certain way that doesn’t offer a lot of storage,” Lucas said. Renovations mean upgraded bathroom fixtures. Many of the newest sinks, showers and toilets save clients money on the water bill, being built to save water by restricting flow. However, Lucas said some of his clients do not like that. “They want a lot more water pressure and hotter water,” he said. Thanks to tankless water heaters, showers running cold are a thing of the past. Victory aymag.com

“

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It is not a good idea to continue to put off a remodeling dream. It’s never going to be cheaper than it is today. Materials prices are only going to keep going up — Scott Lucas,

Scott Lucas Construction & Remodeling

(Photo courtesy of Scott Lucas Construction & Remodeling) Those who are opting for tubs prefer sleek, freestanding models.

(Photo courtesy of Victory Plumbing) Planning ahead makes a bathroom remodel as smooth an experience as possible.

said he is installing more of those types of water heaters than ever before. “You can take a two-hour long shower, you can take a three-hour long shower, you can take a 24-hour long shower if you want to,” he said. When a homeowner decides to take the leap, it is important to work with a trusted company rather than the cheapest option. Victory warned that going solely on price could cost the owner more overall after having to pay to correct shoddy installation. The right remodeling team will turn that old bathroom into the comfortable and private oasis of any homeowner's dream in no time. However, all but the most basic renovations can quickly spin into a complicated web of materials suppliers, subcontractors and other details that can be very overwhelming. One central Arkansas business, Southern Interiors, has devised a comprehensive system that allows homeowners to handle everything in one stop. The Sherwood firm provides design and fabrication under one roof and handles installation. Customers are guided by a designated company representative every step of the way. “There’s no other company in Arkansas that I know of that does everything that we do,” said Brian Hagewood, who co-founded the business with his wife, Donna. “There’s not another company where the homeowner can walk into a beautiful design center, pick everything out, from the floors to the countertops to the cabinets to the custom shower pan, and then that company builds and fabricates orders in-house and installs every part of your project.” The system has struck a chord with homeowners who give enthusiastically positive feedback about how the company simplifies the process while removing a lot of the stress. Hagewood said that has resulted in customer loyalty and a healthy referral business. “We just keep it pretty simple,” he said. “People buy from who they trust and who they like. I’ve always told my employees that we’re not selling anything. We’re honestly here to work with people, keep them within their budget and offer them sound advice.”

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Our Own Private Oasis Americans are spending more, getting more for outdoor investment By DWAIN HEBDA

(Photo courtesy of Luxury Pool & Spa)

ver since COVID-19 locked Arkansans in their homes in the name of social distancing, backyards have been having a moment that shows no signs of slowing down. According to the International Casual Furnishings Association’s 2025 Outdoor Living Trend Report, 85 percent of U.S. households have some form of outdoor living space, and nearly 7 in 10 have equipped said space with some sort of outdoor living product. The National Recreation and Park Association found 96 percent of U.S. adults spend some time outside every day, while ICFA’s findings report 77 percent are not spending as much time there as they would like. All that adds up to tremendous demand for improving outdoor spaces for entertaining, family activities or just hiding out from the rest of the world. Grand View Research reported the U.S. outdoor living structures market reached $892.9 million in 2024. The average outdoor project cost a little more than $13,000, but the average outdoor kitchen was said to have started at that amount with 22 percent of homeowners spending more than $30,000 on the setup. Arkansans are not excluded from those trends, given the love of the outdoors that is such a part of the state’s culture. AY About You queried companies that deal in products for the outdoor space to get an idea of what’s happening in backyards all over the Natural State.

in the U.S., representing 5 percent of all American households. Arkansas provides unique challenges for the installation of swimming pools in many places, given the solid rock that lies a few feet below the surface, especially in central Arkansas. That makes hiring a pool builder with the right experience and expertise a critical first step in the process and the difference between years of enjoyment and a lifetime of leaky misery. “Experience is everything in the swimming pool business,” said Andrea Lawson, general manager of Luxury Pool & Spa in Conway and Russellville, owned by her husband, Jeremy, and his brother, Shane. The siblings are third-generation pool experts who grew up in the family company. “We are celebrating our 50th year in business, and in that time, I can say with confidence that we have seen a little bit of everything,” she said. “It is a night-and-day difference between the pools Jeremy and Shane build today and the pools their grandpa and even their dad built. “People today aren’t just looking for a round pool with a ladder and a light or two. Today’s pools are seen as an extension of the home and a reflection of the owners’ personality. Waterfalls and fountains, infinity pools, and fire elements are all things that we have designed and built in recent years. I know the guys appreciate the challenge, and the customers love the results.” Andrea said homeowners should consider maintenance and upkeep when thinking about putting in a pool, and again, Luxury has them covered. The company offers maintenance services, pool chemicals and plenty of sound advice to keep the good times flowing. Luxury Pool & Spa is equally known for its line of top-quality spas and beautiful patio furniture to complete any backyard setting. “People have come to trust us for providing a lot of value for the money,” she said. “I’m always amazed at how many families there are where we’ve built a pool for multiple generations. It’s not unusual to have built a pool for the grandparents, then their kids, and now their grandkids are coming in. It’s a real compliment to be part of so many families’ memories.”

Pool Party

Once reserved only for the elite, swimming pools have become a steadily more mainstream, even expected element of the well-appointed backyard in more neighborhoods than ever. According to statistics by The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, there are nearly 11 million swimming pools in the U.S., 97 percent of which are privately owned. In Arkansas, there are an estimated 57,000 pools, Pool Research states, which breaks down to one pool for every 52 residents. The site also reported there to be about 6 million spas

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Beautiful Blooms Another element of the COVID-19 pandemic is people discovering new hobbies. High on that list is gardening, said Chris Olsen, landscape designer, garden center entrepreneur and thought leader. “COVID brought people back outside, the way we used to be,” he said. “Basically, once we had time to spend outside, there was a rebirth in the joy of plants and hardscapes, which go hand in hand in landscapes. Since then, people’s appetites for different and unique plants have increased, things with texture, things with movement and, of course, color.” Olsen said with so many beginners coming into garden centers and nurseries such as his Botanica Gardens Home in Little Rock and Plantopia by Chris H. Olsen in North Little Rock, there has been a run on easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plants to get started. “Beginners are going to look for ornamental grasses because they give movement, and movement adds a little bit more excitement to the space,” he said. “They’re also looking for perennial flowers. We’ve moved away from some of the real Southern plants, though, the last couple years because our winters have been more harsh, but hydrangeas are still a No. 1 favorite in the sense there are so many different varieties of those, as well. “People are also interested in shade trees because they want to hang out outside, and so they need some places of coverage. Autumn color becomes a big thing.” Olsen recommended homeowners consider lifestyle when planning layout, plants and patios or seating spaces, especially for households with growing families. “Before you ever do anything, think how you’re going to use this space in your yard,” he said. “What are you really going to do? Are you going to go out and play with the kids? Does it have to be dog friendly? You have to figure out how you’re going to use the space. “After that, you’ve got to look at light, of course. What direction does the garden face? What side of the house is it on? Look at your tree coverage; the problem we have in Arkansas is we have great, beautiful trees, but trees do provide lots of shade. That limits you to certain plants and grasses that you can grow. Finally, consider drainage: Does the space hold water? Does it stay pretty dry? Is it pretty rocky? Those are all important considerations.”

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(Photos courtesy of Botanica Gardens)

B O TA N I C A G A R D E N S H O M E | b o t a n i c a g a r d e n s . c o m PL A N TO PI A BY C H R I S H . O L SEN | p l a n t o p i a n l r.c o m

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Solid Relaxation Few things make a backyard more welcoming and usable than hardscape underneath, which is the specialty of Antique Brick & Block, headquartered in Little Rock with an office in northwest Arkansas. Approaching its 50th year in business, the company provides an exceptional selection of brick, native and manufactured stone, concrete masonry units, and a comprehensive range of hardscape materials. That product selection combined with expert customer service has made the company a go-to for generations of Arkansans in creating functional, versatile living spaces that last. Jeff Chastain, marketing director, said the company’s time in business enables it to provide just about anything a consumer could want in finish, color and texture. “Our relationships with local, national and international vendors have provided us the opportunity to offer thousands of options,” he said. “In the old days, you would go to a brick company, and they would have a limited number of choices, most of the time just the ones they could make themselves. “What we have done is align ourselves with elite partners to basically be the sole provider of their products in the state. That allows us to offer a product mix to meet any taste, giving our customers a wider palette to fit their timeline, budget and style choices.” While many people immediately think of brick patios and pathways in a backyard setting, Chastain said there are other uses that call for specialty brick. Here again, Antique Brick & Block has consumers covered. “Brick and stone in home design doesn’t stop at the exterior wall,” he said. “There’s specialty brick used in building fire pits, outdoor fireplaces. The right brick can help man-

age water runoff, as well as beautify the space. People don’t always think beyond the aesthetics when, in fact, we sell products that have all these great functional options that make them more than just a pretty surface.” The same form-meets-function mentality exists in the company’s outdoor furniture and related merchandise, which started as an arm of Antique Brick & Block and is today its own standalone retail operation, Ninth and Co. at the Promenade at Chenal center in Little Rock. Offering in-house design services and a range of quality product lines, the store is quickly becoming a major player for upscale

furniture, art and home accessories designed especially for the outdoor space. “The entire focus of Ninth and Co. is outdoor living, and what I like the most about it is the merchandise is extremely durable,” Chastain said. “It’s low maintenance. You can leave it out all year. It’s made for all weather using teak wood and metal frames that won’t rust and waterproof cushions. It’s going to last for years. “The beauty of these two companies is one finishes the other. We’ve laid down that foundation, if you will, with the hard-surface offerings from Antique Brick. Then we come in and we furnish it with Ninth and Co. in a way that looks good and is as comfortable as the name-brand couch in your living room. I can’t stress this enough; the backyard is the intersection of our two companies.” Antique Brick & Block | antiquebrickinc.com Ninth and Co. | nint handcompany.com

(Photos courtesy of Antique Brick & Block)

Change in the Weather Versatility is a key element to any outdoor structure, something that can be enjoyed through all four seasons and in all kinds of weather. Every structure has its drawbacks: decks are a favorite but are subject to being broiled in the Arkansas sun; covered decks and patios are not as user friendly in rain and wind, and screened-in rooms do not always give a connection to the outdoors. Made in the Shade has popular solutions to some of those more common problems. The company’s innovative power shades allow for year-around enjoyment of covered decks and patios in all kinds of weather, while heavy-duty and attractive retractable awnings take the sizzle out of exposed sitting areas. Mike Kirby, co-owner of the Little Rock franchise, which also deals in a variety of indoor shades and blinds, said the screens are particularly popular among homeowners looking to get the most usage out of their open outdoor structures. “They are a huge trend across the nation and locally,” he said. “We have doubled our growth each year over the past three years in patio shades. COVID kind of sparked it where your house is your kingdom and your staycation and all things like that. This product allows you to create an outdoor room and get four seasons of use from your patio.” Kirby said the shades can be used to retrofit a wide variety of spaces; in fact, shades for existing structures represent about 70 percent of the company’s sales. He said homeowners are moved to make the investment thanks to improved components that ensure smooth operation and long-lasting enjoyment year after year. “The overall industry has matured a lot both for interior and exterior models,” he said. “Motors are now stronger, they’re less expensive, and they have more features. For instance, they all come with obstacle detection now, so if somebody puts a chair in the way of the shade as it’s going down, it’ll automatically retract.” Kirby said while all brands have improved their products, there are quality differences, so buyers should beware of shopping on price alone. “We sell five different brands of patio shades, and they are all really strong products,” he said. “Last year, our main vendor came out with a hurricane-proof solar shade patio screen that is rated to 100 miles an hour. We don’t need that around here, but it just shows you that the products we carry are really top quality.”

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(Photos courtesy of Made in the Shade)

MADE IN THE SHADE | madeintheshadelr.com

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At Acme Brick, you’ll find a wide variety of brick styles to fit any vision, from timeless traditional reds to fresh, modern designs. Whatever your style, we have the perfect brick to help make your dream home a reality. We have 15 brick manufacturing plants with four of them being located right here in Arkansas, employing hundreds of Arkansans and providing locally made products for your home.

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D&D Sun Control tints buildings and cars to combat powerful rays

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he Arkansas sun can be brutal, but that is where D&D Sun Control in North Little Rock comes in. The team at D&D Sun Control has been helping clients combat the sun for more than 30 years. “We’ve been doing this a long time,” owner Evans Dietz said. “I still love what I do.” D&D prides itself on professional and efficient service. Using high-quality products from 3M and other manufacturers, D&D’s window tinting procedures can help reduce 78 percent of the sun’s heat, 80 percent of its glare and 99 percent of its harmful ultraviolet rays for homes, commercial buildings and cars. Benefits of window tinting include:  Increased comfort  Energy savings on building cooling and heating  Harmful UV rays kept out  Deterring vandalism and break-ins  Protecting furnishings from sun damage and fading An estimated 70 percent of a building’s heat can be lost through contractor windows, according to the D&D team, and Dietz said one customer recouped the cost of tinting in less than a year thanks to the heating and cooling costs saved. Customers can also enjoy other services, such as wrapping. Vehicle wrapping can protect paint and allows customers to change the vehicle’s color or add graphics. The team can wrap anything from 18-wheelers to Yeti tumblers.

RESIDENTIAL While D&D Sun Control is not the cheapest in the business, Dietz is a strong believer that “you get what you pay for.” The cost comes from using high-quality materials that his expert team of installers trusts to work well and last for decades. The company guarantees satisfaction with every job, and many of their products come with lifetime warranties. “We stand behind our products,” he said. “We never have to worry.” Over the years, the company has worked with many large commercial clients, including Marriott hotels, the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, and all of the Baptist Health buildings. Many happy customer reviews also testify to the quality of products and service D&D Sun Control offers. “[I] have had seven cars and trucks done by them,” Doug Tyree wrote on Google Reviews. “Always a good job. Never has faded, peeled or bubbled.” “[I’ve] been going here for 20-plus years,” reads another by Josh Smith. “I can’t say enough about how great the customer service is and the quality. Simply amazing.” “I recently had my new Lexus windows tinted by D&D Sun Control, and I couldn’t be happier with the results,” reported Kay Travels. “I was initially confused about the right tint percentage, but [the team] took the time to guide me through the options. The team is incredibly patient, listened to my preferences and made me feel valued. I can be picky, but they kept their cool and ensured I was satisfied.”

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Clear as a Bell As audio-visual technology rapidly evolves, Arkansas companies are meeting the moment

By DOUG CRISE

ne aspect of running a business that provides custom audio and video solutions is abundantly obvious — a good company very much depends on the company it keeps. “It’s key, having good people,” said Ryan Heringer, owner and president of Sound Concepts. “I mean, we started in 2002, and I’ve still got the first three people I hired that year, so that definitely helps, having long-tenured employees. Over time, our customers typically come back and buy from us time and time again.” Jurek “Jerzy” Makowski has run InstallAV in Little Rock for the better part of 30 years, and among all the aspects of the business he has learned during that time, he knows that people have to come before technology. “You can purchase the best equipment in the world and still end up with a bad system if it is poorly designed or installed,” Makowski said. “I tell people that the intelligence of a smart system is directly related to the knowledge of the integrator behind it.” Jennifer Wells is chief operating officer at Advanced Alarm Technologies in Benton, which has been working in the security technology sector for more than 35 years. Over that time period, Wells said, the faster-than-ever advances in the field made clear the importance of hiring the right people with the right training and keeping them. “Training is one of our biggest investments,” Wells said. “Our technicians regularly attend manufacturer certification courses, industry conferences and continuing-education programs. We also conduct hands-on training in-house so our team gains real world experience before installing new products in the field.” Needless to say, when it comes to security technology, the stakes are always at their highest — and it helps to bring the right credentials. Wells’ grandparents began working as locksmiths in 1969, and her parents founded Knight Guards Security in 1989. Back then, technologies such as smart doorbells, instant phone alerts and high-definition video cameras powered by artificial intelligence could hardly be conceived.

Now they are part of the daily lives of most anyone who wants to keep their residential or commercial property secured and their family safe. “Customers are looking for convenience just as much as security,” Wells said. “Video doorbells, smart locks, security cameras and smart garage door control have become some of our most requested features.” Ironically, the more technology that becomes available, the more the personal aspect matters, and it does not take long to figure out why. Running any kind of AV business — whether the focus is security, entertainment, troubleshooting or some combination of all three — often involves installation in homes and commercial spaces. That is why, before any screw is turned or any wire inserted, Sound Concepts begins the process with an in-person on-site consultation. The purpose is to zero in on what clients are looking for within their budgets and to make sure there is a level of comfort when technicians enter homes or office spaces.

With locations in North Little Rock and Jonesboro, Sound Concepts also welcomes customers who want to come by, peruse the equipment and get their questions answered. “We typically try to get them in the showroom,” Heringer said. “We have all these products in the store, so you can go touch it, feel it and get an idea of what this is going to look like. A lot of times, people go to somebody else’s house and see what they’ve done, and they’re like, ‘Wow, I didn’t know you could do that. Where’d you get that from?’” Makowski, likewise, has seen waves of change. With an educational background in electric engineering, Makowski started InstallAV with a focus on home theaters, structured wiring and audio. Today, InstallAV still offers up-to-the-minute automated lighting solutions to go with automated systems that serve households and businesses from both the outside and the inside. “Today, we are integrating lighting, motorized shades, climate control, energy management, audio-video, networking and other technologies into one environment,” Makowski said. A major evolution of InstallAV’s business has involved branching out from just doing installations and installations only. InstallAV is now a KNX Automated Certified Training Center. KNX is considered an industry-recognized credential for automation and installation. With technological advances now in overdrive, professional development in audio-video products is continuous and nonnegotiable. “Technology is always changing, so training isn’t something you complete once, it’s an ongoing process,” Wells said. “We’re proud to have

highly certified technicians, and we encourage everyone on our team to continue learning throughout their careers.” The rapid state of change begs the natural question of what is popular now and what is on the horizon. At Sound Concepts, Heringer is seeing more and more customers inquire about outdoor setups, which can include TV installations, outdoor lighting, outdoor heaters, and even motorized vinyl screens that allow for privacy and better temperature control while keeping out insects. Makowski, meanwhile, talks to plenty of clients about Wi-Fi installation — something that sounds simple until all the automation options are considered. “People sometimes think of Wi-Fi as just internet access,” Makowski said, “but today, the television, audio system, cameras, thermostats, appliances, lighting and automation systems can all depend on the network.” Whatever is just around the bend, Arkansas’ leading AV companies are prepared, offering trained staff, personal attention, and the leading equipment for home entertainment, climate control, and the all-important task of keeping people safe in their homes and businesses. Even with so many bells and whistles, it is still a people business, and surely always will be. “We are truly local,” Wells said. “Our technicians, our office and our families are all based right here in Arkansas. We support local schools, attend local churches, serve on nonprofit boards, volunteer and raise our families in the same community as our clients. We care so much because these are not just the communities we work in; they are the communities that we call home.”

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First National Title Co. Strengthens Cyber Fraud Protections for Clients Buying or selling real estate is often the largest financial transaction most people make, which is exactly why it has become a prime target for cybercriminals. First National Title Co. is stepping up to meet that challenge, offering new tools and protections to safeguard clients’ funds, data and property. Enhanced Owner’s Policy Available To combat rising threats like forged deeds and seller impersonation, First National Title Co. now offers an enhanced owner’s policy that includes: • 32 additional coverages beyond the standard policy • Protection after the closing date in case something happens down the line • Coverage for forgery and fraud • Coverage that can increase with property value over time • Survey-related protections — often without requiring a survey All of this is available for just a 10 percent increase in policy cost. David Harrison, Executive Vice President and Associate Legal Counsel, stated that additional protections for post-policy deed and mortgage forgery are available in Arkansas through the ALTA 49 and 49.1 Endorsements.

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— Jim Pender “The ALTA 49 Endorsement is issued simultaneously with a new residential owner’s policy, and it covers losses if a criminal impersonates the true property owner and successfully records a fraudulent deed or mortgage in the public records,” Harrison said. “The 49.1 Endorsement provides the same coverage as the 49 Endorsement, protecting homeowners from identity theft and seller impersonation schemes, but is designed for residential owners who did not receive this coverage when they initially bought their home and owner’s policy of title insurance.”

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Protecting Clients at Every Step The company has also taken several additional measures to defend against fraud and identity theft during real estate transactions: • Closing Lock identity verification for wire transfers, backed by $2 million in coverage • Cyber fraud insurance through Lloyds of London, offering $1 mwwillion in protection • Positive Pay technology to prevent check fraud • Advanced cybersecurity tools, including: • Multifactor authentication • Email encryption • Continuous system monitoring

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“We’re willing to spend the money and take the extra steps to protect our clients,” said Jim Pender, President and General Legal Counsel. “So far, we’ve been successful.” Educating and Empowering Clients First National Title Co. also prioritizes education and transparency throughout the process: • Realtors receive fraud prevention training • Clients receive warnings about wire fraud risks • First National Title Co. never sends wire instructions by email or text

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“As soon as we know someone is a client, we educate them,” Pender said. “It’s vital they know who they’re talking to before they send any confidential information.”

26 offices across Arkansas • firstnationaltitle.net •

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Defending the Castle

Title companies help homeowners amid rising fraud, theft By DWAIN HEBDA

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here are a lot of elements to buying a new home that are exciting. Making the rounds of open houses, finding the ideal place, and planning color changes and furniture arrangement all have their own unique appeal. The title process rarely makes the list of things prospective homeowners get excited about when buying a new home, but it should be. Not only are title companies a key legal step, but increasingly, they are the first, last and best line of defense against the fraud and theft currently on the rise around the state and across the country. “It’s a problem, it’s gotten worse with time, and I don’t think it’s going to go away anytime soon,” said Brian Scott, owner of Commerce Title & Closing Services in Little Rock. Title fraud and theft take several forms but boil down to a form of identity theft. Fraudsters work to gain possession of a title, basically the one document that determines who legally owns a given property, and, once that happens, use that fake ownership status to take out loans against or sell the property. In other cases, bad actors hijack the sales process itself, posing as representatives of the title company or bank and convincing buyers to wire funds ostensibly to consummate the purchase. Market research site ZipDo.co reported 65 percent of title theft came via quitclaim deeds, 72 percent involved forged signatures, and 40 percent involved exploiting remote online notarization. “Title fraud is a growing problem. It is not leveling off,” said Meredith LaFreniere at WACO Title’s Fort Smith office. “The fraudsters know that this industry is lucrative for them. We are touching large sums of money, and people are at their weakest because they’re excited to buy a home. Fraudsters are becoming more skilled as time goes on.” The incidence statistics are shocking: ZipDo.co reported that in 2023 alone, U.S. title fraud incidents rose 25 percent year over year, more than 150,000 properties at an average loss of about $120,000 per victim in legal and recovery costs. According to Ginux, the total economic impact of title theft was north of $1.2 billion. Statistics also show the majority of the crimes are being carried out against people who can ill afford it, namely people who are older and poorer. Almost half of the victims of such crimes are older than 65, 30 percent of whom are in the 70-plus age bracket. About 55 percent of such crimes are perpetrated against women. Urban homeowners are twice as likely to be targeted than those in rural areas, as are Black homeowners compared to other demographic groups. LaFreniere, who serves clients throughout northwest Arkansas, as well as Fort Smith, said those figures notwithstanding, the crime extends well beyond older people and those with limited means. “It’s estimated that 1 in 4 participants in a real estate transaction receives suspicious or fraudulent communication during the closing process. Of those, 1 in 20 become a victim of fraud,” she said. “The FBI has reported a 50-fold increase in the last 10 years in losses. I started in this business 10 years ago, and I can tell you, we weren’t seeing much fraud back then. It keeps ramping up. It’s really crazy out there.” Protecting oneself from such crimes starts with following the same smart online habits that have been preached for 20 years, including not opening attachments one isn’t expecting

and never sharing personal and financial information over email or online. Even with those practices, a capable and vigilant title company is a crucial line of defense. “Without going into a lot of details, we have certain protocols in place to spot suspicious transactions, and we have vetting processes in place for sellers, buyers and related to processing, such as wire transfers,” Scott said. He added that while technology is a necessary and expected tool for streamlining certain processes, Commerce Title still insists some elements of closing occur in person to cut down on opportunities for fraudulent activity. “You have to walk a fine line,” he said. “Technology exists to speed things up and make things easier. We certainly want to respect that and make sure we make it as easy as possible for clients, but there’s still a huge human element in what we do. We want to make sure we communicate across the table, put ourselves in their shoes and make sure they understand what’s going on. “There are portions of the paBrian Scott perwork that can be conducted electronically, and a buyer can close entirely electronically in certain conditions, but we still want to have some kind of communication with them face to face.” Scott had three recommendations for homeowners looking to protect themselves. “No. 1, buy title insurance,” he said. “No. 2, there are certain websites where they can go and register Meredith LaFreniere their property and their name that would alert them if there’s a transaction that’s involving their property. No. 3, look into home title lock.” LaFreniere said WACO has always had a technologyforward mentality and has recently introduced protocols that allow homeowners to complete paperwork digitally in its entirety. She said where companies go awry with such offerings is by not having an information technology team sufficient to provide cybersecurity and troubleshoot potential problems. For that reason, she suggested homebuyers ask very direct questions about title companies’ online security measures. “We’re owned by Arvest Bank, and we’ve created that line within the bank, but in Arkansas, we have a lot of smaller mom-and-pop title companies that are not going have a cybersecurity officer,” she said. “At the very least, the people buying and selling should be asking, ‘Are there fraud tools in place? What are they? Who are you using to get money back if something were to happen?’ “We’ve also seen fraud where it occurs through other people, not necessarily the buyer and the seller. We’re talking it’s coming from the REALTOR® or even a title company who wires funds to the fraudster because they got an email from someone thinking it was the client, so it’s coming from every angle, which is why it’s so hard to manage. I think that’s why fraudsters love it so much.”

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The Tech Effec t

Technology influencing furniture and home design in more ways than one By ALEX HARDGRAVE

(Photo courtesy of Pella Windows & Doors)

uthor Alvin Toffler once wrote that technology is the great “engine of change.” As evidenced more every day, he could not have been more right, even when it comes to the world of furniture and home design. These days, many pieces of furniture are outfitted with charging ports, outlets and ways to connect phones via apps to make everyday tasks easier for the owners. However, the less obtrusive these features are, the better for interior design sake, local designers said. “Everything is very subtle,” said Natalie Biles, co-owner of Shine Interior Design Studio in Lonoke. “One of the great things I’ve seen is nightstands with built-in charging pads that you can just lay your phone down on.” Jayson Cain, owner of Jayson Cain Interiors in Little Rock, said he often incorporates technology such as sound systems into designs in a way that will not detract from the overall look. For the exterior of homes, specifically doors and windows, people are wanting technology integrated, as well, such as Wi-Fi-controlled front door locks and window panes that open up with the press of a button. “That is something we’re excited to see,” said Josh Melton, sales manager at Pella Windows & Doors of Arkansas and Missouri.

(Photo courtesy of Shine Interior Design Studio)

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(Photo courtesy of Jayson Cain Interiors)

(Photo courtesy of Shine Interior Design Studio)

However, some home design trends may also be a response to the constant presence of technology in people’s lives. “We spend so much time in the tech world, so I think what people are starting to look for and lean toward is evidence of things having the human touch,” Biles said. Designers and homeowners are incorporating this in many ways, including carved details on furniture, natural woods and one-of-a-kind items with a lot of personality. Cain, whose design style takes inspiration from European chateaus and the Gilded Age, is seeing that with his clients. He said he has noticed even young people are leaning toward furniture and pieces that are not mass produced. “They’re more geared toward purchasing antiques and collectables than in the past,” he said. Rather than lots of little decoration pieces, he is also seeing people turn toward splurging on a few big statement pieces to decorate a room. Biles said she has worked with numerous clients recently who are wanting rooms inspired by ‘90s trends, which seems fueled by nostalgia — a time before everyone had laptops, cell phones and chatbots at their fingertips. No matter what vibe clients are going for, both designers work with them to incorporate the owners’ visions while still creating a timeless look homeowners can be happy with even as design trends shift. The colors people are painting their rooms and wanting in furniture also appear to be moving away from the stark white and futuristic vibe that has been popular in recent years. Cain said he has been incorporating a lot of “rich and moody” paint colors into his clients’ homes. Biles said many of her clients seem to be leaning towards warmer tones, also, such as chocolate brown and clay. “Colors that are grounded and natural,” Biles said. On the exterior, darker colors, as well as natural woods, are in vogue, Melton said. “Black windows are still very popular,” he said. “They create a lot of depth.” He said many of the trends people are wanting with windows and doors can be attributed to the prevalence of home improvement shows. “People see the shows and think, ‘I would like to do that here,’” he said. “‘How do I make that happen? How do I transform my home?’” Transforming a home is no small task, though, so how can someone who has a whole house to decorate go about it without feeling overwhelmed? The first step is to “tackle one room at a time,” Cain said. Katie Bodiford, a designer at Jayson Cain, suggested that if clients have favorite pieces they already like, they can reupholster them to freshen them up and give a space a whole new look.

(Photo courtesy of Pella Windows & Doors)

“People can also try adding different textures with something like throw pillows or maybe an ottoman,” Bodiford said. Updating windows may seem expensive, but they can save homeowners money by keeping heating and cooling costs low. “Energy efficiency is probably the single biggest reason why people look to replace their windows and doors,” Melton said. “The cost of energy is not going down.” Costs of windows and doors are not going down, either, because prices for materials are going up, Melton added. He said people who have been thinking about making replacements on their homes for a while should do it sooner rather than later. However, if the budget is too tight right now for a whole redo, there are some smaller details that someone can do throughout their spaces to give them a new feel. Cain said paint and lighting changes can totally transform a room. Biles suggested trying to “shop your own home.” “Adding something from a different room can really mix things up,” she said. No matter the trends a homeowner is following with their decorating, one thing is for sure: “People are looking for things that feel real,” Biles said.

(Photo courtesy of Pella Windows & Doors)

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HVAC has moved beyond remote control By MARK CARTER

he first air conditioner as consumers now know it was invented in 1902 by a man with a familiar last name — Willis Carrier — though the concept of artificially cooling indoor spaces dates back at least to the 18th century. The first recorded use of an “air conditioner” in modern times took place in 1758, when Benjamin Franklin and John Hadley used a fan to circulate air over a wet sponge and thus cool the air around them. Remote controls for heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems were not introduced until roughly 1980, though the concept of remote control AC dates back to 1898 and Nikola Tesla. HVAC has evolved well past remote control into the realm of artificial intelligence. “Remote control is basically table stakes — adjusting your thermostat from your phone at work or on the road isn’t impressive anymore; it’s expected,” said Jake Winchell, director of sales and marketing at Paschal Air, Plumbing & Electric, which has locations across Arkansas. Winchell said the real industry shift related to new technology is that from remote control to intelligence. Almost every aspect of daily life is now impacted by AI. “Take Trane’s communicating systems — the components actually talk to each other to optimize performance, and the equipment runs self-diagnostics on itself,” Winchell said. “The system even tells you when it’s time to change a filter or schedule maintenance instead of waiting for you to guess. “Here’s the part homeowners don’t realize: if you opt into Trane Diagnostics, the system lets us monitor its health remotely — much like a security company monitors your home — so we can catch a small problem while it’s still small, sometimes even solve it remotely before it ever becomes a breakdown.” Other recent advancements in residential HVAC include those ap-

plied to variable refrigerant flow, or VRF, and minisplit systems, said Jay Nash at Conway-based Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling Mechanical. “They’re much more efficient than they used to be and give you better control over individual areas of a home or building,” he said. “There are also a lot of new smart controls and other technology that make it easier to operate and monitor your system.” One evolutionary step that most homeowners may not be aware of, Winchell noted, is found inside the equipment itself. As of January 2025, the industry stopped making the R-410A systems that had cooled homes from Bangor to Beaverton for the past quarter-century and moved to a new class of low-emission refrigerants — R-454B and R-32. “The new equipment runs roughly 10 to 15 percent more efficiently and cuts the climate impact by about 65 percent,” Winchell said. “What people really don’t know is that these refrigerants are mildly flammable, so the new systems now ship with built-in leak-detection sensors baked right into the unit. Your air conditioner is quietly monitoring itself in a way it never used to.” Winchell added that another example of advanced tech in the industry, one that is “flying under the radar,” is cold-climate heat pumps. “The old knock was, ‘Heat pumps don’t work when it’s freezing,’” he said. “That’s simply not true anymore; today’s heat pumps stay efficient and keep a home comfortable even in freezing weather. For a lot of our customers across the Ozarks and Arkansas as a whole, that changes the whole conversation about what a smart heating system looks like.” Indeed, automation is the expectation these days for residential systems. “Most newer systems can be paired with a smart thermostat that allows you to control your heating and air from your phone,” Nash said. “You can adjust the temperature when you’re away from home,

home

Winchell acknowledged that prices have risen as a result, of course, a natural response to outside factors impacting the industry such as tougher efficiency mandates, new refrigerant rules and rising costs across the supply chain. “That part’s genuinely out of any contractor’s hands,” he said. “What is in our hands is what we do about it — and because of Paschal’s size and buying power, we can typically get better equipment pricing than a smaller shop and pass that along without cutting a single corner on the quality of the install or the support you get long after we’ve packed up the truck — cheaper where we can be, never cheap where it counts.” Winchell said the “bigger evolution,” which has gone mostly unnoticed by consumers, is how HVAC service actually works. “Twenty years ago, you called somebody, you had no idea what it should cost, and you crossed your fingers,” he said. “Today, the good companies lead with transparency — upfront pricing, clear options and financing so a surprise breakdown isn’t a financial crisis and no pressure. “At Paschal, we’ve been at this since 1968, and the thing we’re proudest of isn’t a gadget; it’s that we’ll give a homeowner a free second opinion on someone else’s quote with no strings attached. The technology got smarter, but the trust model is what actually changed the customer’s life.” As with most any mechanical device, maintenance is key. With heating and air units, it is essential. “Regular maintenance is one of the most important things a homeowner can do,” Nash said. “Filters need to be changed regularly, and the system should be properly cleaned and serviced two or three times a year. It needs to happen regularly.” Maintenance is no longer just something that is nice to have, Winchell said, calling system maintenance “the cheapest insurance you’ll ever buy.” “A well-maintained system routinely lasts five to 10 years longer than a neglected one, and it runs cheaper every month in between,” he said. “Skipping tune-ups to save a little now is one of the most expensive decisions a homeowner can make.” Winchell said he also advised homeowners that the “[do-it-yourself ] era is over” on the refrigerant side. Given the industry’s new A2L refrigerants, it is now illegal for anyone other than a certified technician to handle them, he said, so no more “topping off ” one’s own system. “It’s against the law and genuinely unsafe,” he said. Winchell also noted a simple trick that many homeowners still skip — changing the air filters to keep the air flow clean. “Clean filters, proper refrigerant levels and steady airflow are what keep the whole system from straining,” he said. “That’s most of the game. The reason we build tune-ups right into our memberships is simple: the homeowners who stay ahead of the small stuff almost never call us for the expensive stuff.”

set schedules and even monitor how the system is running. It’s become pretty common and is something a lot of homeowners expect now.” Efficiency and conservation are where the biggest advancements have been made, he added. “Today’s equipment is designed to use a lot less energy while still keeping the home comfortable,” he said. “Variable-speed and variabledrive systems have also become much more common. Instead of a unit simply turning on and running at full capacity every time, it can adjust based on how much heating or cooling is actually needed. That saves energy and also helps keep the temperature in the home more consistent.” Energy efficiency standards have become more strict over the past couple of decades, and the industry adapted by merging efficiency with convenience to create smart systems. “On the equipment side, we went from single-speed boxes that ran full blast or off to variable-speed, inverter-driven systems that sip energy and hold your home within a degree of where you want it,” Winchell said. “Efficiency standards got stricter, refrigerants got cleaner, and the systems got smart. A unit installed today is a fundamentally different machine than one from 2006.”

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2026

AY About You

Real Estate

“T

here’s no place like home.” So goes the famous quote from The Wizard of Oz, but while Dorothy could tap her ruby slippers together and wish her way there, most people face a much more arduous journey, at least when it comes to homebuying. Mortgage lenders, title companies and insurance agents are just some of the characters one might encounter on the yellow brick road to homeownership. The path is equally fraught for those wanting to pick up and leave Kansas by selling a home. Fortunately for individuals faced with one of the most daunting financial transactions of their lives, guidance comes in the form of real estate agents who can point people in the right direction. According to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the share of first-time homebuyers dropped to a record low of 21 percent and the typical age of first-time buyers reached an all-time high of 40 between July 2024 and June 2025. Becoming a homeowner at 40 instead of 30 can result in a loss of about $150,000 in equity on a typical starter home, the NAR states, meaning first-time homebuyers build less housing wealth and are likely to have fewer moves over a lifetime. The landscape changed for sellers, as well. While sellers typically stayed in their homes for just six years from 2000 to 2008, the NAR found that the median expected time at a purchased home is now 15 years, and 28 percent of buyers report that they do not expect to move again. During the time period covered by the report, the median time an owner stayed in a home before selling was a record high of 11 years. Homes for sale by owner decreased to an all-time low of 5 percent, while a record 91 percent of sellers used a real estate agent. That might be a wise decision on the part of sellers; the report found that homes listed FSBO sold for a median price of $360,000 compared to $425,000 for agent-assisted homes. Real estate agents can help in many other ways too. According to the report, more than half of buyers said agents helped them understand the process and pointed out unnoticed features and faults in a property; 45 percent negotiated better sales contract terms; and 44 percent provided a better list of service providers. It is clear that hiring a real estate agent can mean the difference between a smooth transaction and seemingly endless hassles. That is why AY About You pays a special tribute to such professionals during its annual “Best Real Estate Agents” celebration. Not only does this section include a listing of some of the top agents across the state; it also provides meaningful insights about the industry and shares stories about some amazing real estate agents. To all the real estate agents who have opened doors, posted signs, made sure homes were in good working condition and even — probably — clicked their heels together three times hoping a client will find a dream home, this one is for you. Congratulations to this year’s honorees!

real estate

By DWAIN HEBDA

he residential real estate market in Arkansas’s two largest metropolitan areas are, on balance, harbingers of good news. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research’s 2025 Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis released in July, the central Arkansas and northwest Arkansas metro are enjoying good inventory and favorable market conditions, boosting home sales — if one can afford it. The report looked favorably on the economy and sales market balance, which speaks to the ability to earn one’s mortgage payment, as well as enough homes for sale to meet demand. Profiling Little Rock, North Little Rock and Conway, the report noted there were four months of inventory, consistent with the national average, and total home sales remained flat, while the U.S. overall saw a 4-percent decline. Average new-home sale price in those three communities was $319,400, a year-over-year decrease of 2 percent, while the average price of existing homes rose 2 percent to $253,200. Notably, HUD highlighted the market for affordability. Becky Finney, executive broker at Keller Williams in Little Rock, said the market appears to finally be regaining its footing after the tumult of COVID-19 and its economic aftermath.

“People ask all the time, ‘What’s going on?’ and I say that the market is basically correcting,” she said. “Things are still selling depending on price range and how well the home’s prepared for the market. More than ever, it is important that people not overprice their homes and that they present them well. “If their REALTOR® has a good marketing strategy and those two things are in place, then a house is going to sell probably in that 60-day range and, at some price points, even less than that.” By contrast, the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers market was more expensive and had less inventory but also much lower mortgage delinquency than its neighbors at the center of the state. In all, 10,000 homes were sold in the three communities, 1,350 more than the previous 12 months, or 16 percent, but below the peak of 13,600 sold during the 12 months ending in March 2022. Average price of a new home in the area was $391,000, a 2-percent increase, while the average existing home price grew 3 percent to just more than $400,000. The inflated prices were, in part, due to tighter inventory, only 2.6 months’ worth, nearly a full percentage point off the national average. Also worth noting is that unlike Little Rock-North Little Rock and

Becky Finney (Photo courtesy of Keller Williams)

real estate

Conway, the bulk of NWA sales fell within the $300,000 to $399,000 range and outpaced central Arkansas home sales in the $500,000 to $749,000 and $400,000 to $499,000 categories, respectively. Market conditions do not only affect move-in ready properties being purchased by individual families but those that are being bought for investment purposes or to be rehabbed and used as income properties. Amber Wood, who has built that segment into a thriving part of her company, Mid South Realty in Little Rock, said when prices go up, they generally go up across the board, affecting even properties that appear to be on their last legs.

“People ask all the time, ‘What’s going on?’ and I say that the market is basically correcting. Things are still selling depending on price range and how well the home’s prepared for the market. More than ever, it is important that people not overprice their homes and that they present them well.” — Becky Finney, Keller Williams “There are definitely homes to be found, distressed and not quite so distressed,” she said. “There’s this kind of a middle ground with investors where sometimes a home is almost too nice to be able to add value. What we’re doing is we’re focusing more on those that we can do a lighter rehab to right now and putting those out for rentals and things like that. “It’s a little hard on the really distressed properties right now. It’s cooled down a little bit, but those prices are still a little too high. Sellers are still expecting top dollar for their homes, material costs and labor

Amber Wood (Photo courtesy of Mid-South Realty)

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costs haven’t gone down at all, and with interest rates where they are, it is making it harder for investors to be able to generate cash flow or turn a profit on a flip.” Regardless of what part of the state a person is shopping and for what ultimate purpose, experts say certain fundamentals apply to both buyers and sellers to help ensure a successful transaction. “I tell my sellers, one, they’ve got to release all emotions regarding that house and start looking at it through the buyer’s eyes,” Finney said. “That means it needs to be in excellent showing condition, OK? I always tell them less is more when you’re selling, so I encourage them just basically to make that house look as light, airy and empty as possible. “For buyers, the first thing I do is have that buyer preapproved so that we know we’re looking in the right price point. I don’t want them just to randomly go out and start looking at three bedrooms, two baths because that can run from $30,000 to $3 million, and I

want them looking appropriately. Buyers also need to keep open minds when it comes to going in and doing some updating or repairs. I tell them, ‘If you’ve got good bones, don’t be afraid of cosmetics.’” Wood said in choosing an agent, give due consideration to the results the person has already achieved as a measure of how equipped and experienced they are to address the inevitable problems that come with any real estate deal. She said the best agents are ones that can stand firm and fight for a project when necessary while still offering good chemistry between themselves and their clients. “When you hire an agent, forget about their cute photo or catchy tagline,” she said. “Think about what happens when you get into the middle of a transaction

“When you hire an agent, forget about their cute photo or catchy tagline. Think about what happens when you get into the middle of a transaction and need to solve problems.” — Amber Wood, Mid South Realty

and need to solve problems. A good agent will save the deal and solve the problems before you even know about it. A good agent will fight for you even at the risk of ruffling feathers. A good agent will have contacts with contractors that will be honest and efficient and will also help you find a lender that fights just as hard as she does. A good agent will not let the other side take advantage of you.”

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Forget economy and supply bumps — luxury home market stays strong By DWAIN HEBDA

real estate

espite rising construction costs, interest rates, and high prices at the pump and the grocery store, luxury homes continue to be a hot item across the United States. Mordor Intelligence reported in August that sales of such homes in 2026 is predicted to grow about $7.5 billion year over year to just under $300 billion in total. More than that, the market is not expected to slow down for the foreseeable future, predicted to grow 3.2 percent annually to a total market size of just less than $350 billion by 2031. The rosy outlook is not only about the fact consumers in the category generally have sufficient resources to override most economic considerations. Other factors driving the market include a shrinking inventory of luxury homes, which favor sellers and tend to drive up prices. Counterintuitively, higher interest rates are actually spurring spending. Those with the ability to pay cash, of which as much as 46 percent of buyers over the past few years did, see buying now as a hedge against future volatility and interest fluctuations. Of course, geography plays a big role in any statistical category, and luxury homes are no exception. The western United States

leads the nation in luxury properties, while the southeast is the fastest growing, Mordor Intelligence states. The charge was led by Florida, offering a combination of favorable tax laws and yearround living. The Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com Housing Market Rankings also noted St. Louis, Detroit, Atlanta, Charlottesville, Virginia, and Nashville, Tennessee, as pocketed hotspots due to higher-end properties starting at lower entry price points. Coldwell Banker offers additional insights via its Trend Report 2025, which breaks down the luxury home market even further. The median luxury home prices in 2024 grew 7.6 percent, more than twice the usual rate of 3 percent, the annual study stated. Entrepreneurs represented a third of luxury home buyers, followed by finance professionals at 21 percent and tech experts and doctors/ lawyers at 15 percent each. Interestingly, Coldwell Banker highlighted women and Gen X buyers as the new power players in the luxury market, what they called the “quiet elite.” Women with a net worth of $5 million or more own more than 15 percent of luxury real estate in the U.S. and are even a more powerful purchasing bloc when broken down by demographic. One study cited in the report estimated 54 percent

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real estate

of luxury properties owned in the under-35 age bracket were held by women. Closer to home, the same factors driving runaway growth of northwest Arkansas overall is bringing with it its share of high-net-worth individuals of late, a fact not lost on real estate watchers. “Since 2018, Arkansas has emerged as an unexpected destination for wealthy homebuyers, with million-dollar property sales soaring and luxury developments sprouting in previously overlooked corners of the Natural State,” wrote Cassandra Alvarez for Home Stratosphere. “This shift represents more than just rising home prices. It signals a fundamental change in how affluent Americans view Arkansas — no longer just flyover country but a deliberate destination.” Arkansas buyers in the category, defined as people earning $500,000 or more, still make up a miniscule percentage of the overall, about 1 percent. However, Alvarez wrote, the growth in this segment shows the benefits of the state’s business-friendly climate — 32 percent of high earners relocated to Arkansas for professional reasons — as well as the tax climate brought about under Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Other than Texas and Tennessee, which have no state income tax, Arkansas had the second-lowest

top bracket income tax among its border states in 2023 at 4.9 percent compared to 6.9 percent in 2015. April Findlay, a 15-year veteran of residential real estate at The Charlotte John Co. in Little Rock, said the market for such homes in Arkansas has slowly but steadily come out of the bacchanal of COVID-19 — when interest rates were held artificially low and stimulus money was flowing — and the housing hangover of things returning to form. That normalization has forced real estate professionals to get more creative about how they market the homes in inventory. “It is a matter of marketing differently,” she said. “As an agent, you’re probably going to pay a little bit more for better pictures and videos and do more social media. I think people were spoiled from the COVID days of everything selling in 24 hours. Today, there’s much more marketing behind it because [properties] will most likely stay on the market a little bit longer — not because it’s April Findlay not a great house, not because it’s not priced right, just because of the price point. “That means sometimes you have to be super creative and do something that you wouldn’t do for your regular open house. Maybe you’re doing more REALTOR® open houses, you know, a sip-and-see with champagne or something like that if it’s something you’re really trying to get agents in to preview.”

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CONGRATULATIONS! Best Real Estate Agent

SUCCESS IS NOT JUST ABOUT PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS, BUT THE RELATIONSHIPS YOU NURTURE AND THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.

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Thank you, to all my wonderful clients, and what an honor it is to be recognized as one of the best.

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to our 2026 Best of Real Estate Agents Brittni Terlecki, Maradyth McKenzie, Inez Reeder, Thomas Lipsmeyer, La Kesha Crow, Amber Cullipher, Angelica Rogers, Eden Roberts, Anna Kaye Dover, Kim Robbins, Kara Kellerman, Dana Kellerman, Allison Pickell, Jerald Gardner, Marva Caldwell, Kim Floyd, Becky Biggs-Hartin, Ryann Hilson Not Pictured Clark Marshall, Eleanor Day, Lynn Pangburn, Sarah Kemp, Stephanie Hurst, Whitney Elmore

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(Photo courtesy of Arkansas Land Co.)

Country

Livin’ In Arkansas, one need not travel far to enjoy it

By MARK CARTER

(Photo courtesy of Hilburn/Alluvial)

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D (Photo courtesy of McGraw Realtors)

(Photo courtesy of Arkansas Land Co.)

espite the iconic image that is so tightly associated with Americans of a cowboy sitting on his horse, surveying thousands of acres of open land, truth be told, modern Yanks are an urban bunch. Eighty-six percent of Americans — roughly 294 million — live in what the U.S. Census Bureau deems to be metro areas, according to 2024 numbers. Those numbers, however, are beginning to shift. Rural areas are once again growing in population, according to the most recent data from the Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. America is not moving back en masse to the farm just yet, but U.S. rural population increased every year from 2020 through 2024, ending a decade of losses. Domestic net migration to rural areas went from a loss of 100,000 from 2017 through 2020 to a gain of 670,000 from 2021 through 2024. The 2025 Arkansas Lay of the Land Market Report from Saunders Real Estate in Fayetteville revealed that outdoor recreation is still a driver of rural real estate transactions in the appropriately named Natural State. More retirees are finding haven in north and northwest Arkansas, while the Delta — from Piggott to Parkdale — remains one of the nation’s premier duckhunting destinations and continues to draw waterfowlers from across the globe, many of whom are property owners if not full-time residents. The report found that the Delta remains the strongest market for waterfowling properties; north Arkansas leads in transaction volume, supported by northwest Arkansas demand; and rural property buyers are more selective and price sensitive, particularly on lower-quality tracts. For Robert Eason, owner and principal broker at North Little Rockbased Arkansas Land Co., clients generally fall into two groups — buyers nearing retirement who are seeking a little more elbow room without venturing too far from conveniences and those looking to ditch the city entirely. The first group, he said, is often looking for open land with a view or water access where they can build their dream home. The second group, he said, often consists of parents who work remotely or homeschool their kids and buy farmhouses and/or small farms where they can garden, small-scale farm and “reconnect with nature.” Buyers can still find good value outside the metros, Eason said, adding that he cautions clients about city prices slowly but steadily following the modern pioneers into the country. The market, if not the folks behind the analytics, is redefining “country livin’.” “Land buyers can still find good value outside the city, but prices have risen farther from town than they used to,” he said. “In the past, rural pricing typically began about 8 to 10 miles outside the city. Now, city-level pricing can extend as far as 20 miles out. Buyers willing to drive 30 minutes or more from Arkansas’ major cities can usually find lower prices. Costs still vary based on factors such as water and electricity availability, road access, and whether the land is suitable for building.”

(Photo courtesy of Arkansas Land Co.)

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Whether for farming, recreation or simply to get away from it all, more and more Arkansans are buying rural.

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“When people start talking about moving to a more country setting, they are usually seeking some privacy, but we have also found they still want to be close enough to the convenience of urban life.” — Laurie Henderson, McGraw Realtors

Eason’s clientele may look more like duck hunters than anything else, but his firm also sells to retirees and farmers who intend to live on their rural properties. He said most of his clients prioritize open land with a good-sized pond or creek; easy access to utilities, which he called “a must”; and, for many, a scenic view. The Lay of the Land Report backs him up, finding that demand remains strong for rural land, but the market is bearing less willingness to “stretch on properties that require significant improvements or have clear limitations.” “The gap between top-tier tracts and everything else has become more pronounced,” it states. In Arkansas, the line between urban and rural can sometimes get blurry. The Little Rock metro, for example, home to roughly 750,000 people, encompasses Pulaski, Saline, Lonoke, Faulker, Grant and Perry counties. That is a lot of land with opportunities galore to live rural in a technically urban setting. Britt Jones, 60, retired as an operations coordinator for Entergy Arkansas. He and his wife, Suzanne, found their a spot about 20 years ago. They live on about 2 acres in the East End community just south of Little Rock in Saline County and within the Sheridan (Grant County) school district yet have a Little Rock address. Once he was transferred to Entergy’s Pine Bluff office from south Louisiana, the Russellville native said he wanted to find a place with good schools, elbow room and fewer people but still close to city trappings such as shopping, dining and doctors’ offices. He also cited the benefits of less traffic and fewer “rules,” such as those associated with property-owners associations. “Our house is worth more than twice what it was when we bought it 21 years ago,” he said. “The city isn’t encroaching on us yet, but more people are moving out here,” he said. “There are two big subdivisions being developed now.”

The Arkansas urban-rural dichotomy may be best represented by Hot Springs Village, launched in 1970 as a gated retirement community about 20 miles north of Hot Springs and straddling the Garland-Saline county line. The Village, as it is widely known to residents, is unincorporated, governed by a POA and its population is approaching 20,000. Laurie Henderson, managing broker at the local McGraw Realtors and representing half of the Henderson team with her husband, Ken, called the village a “world of country living and activities combined into the perfect package.” Indeed, proximity to Hot Springs and greater Little Rock enables Village residents to enjoy the best of rural life and the outdoor recreation opportunities that come with it while maintaining easy access to the city. “When people start talking about moving to a more country setting, they are usually seeking some privacy, but we have also found they still want to be close enough to the convenience of urban life,” she said. “The Village brings both of those into one with Benton and Hot Springs being close enough for convenience.” In Arkansas and states like it where outdoor recreation and privacy are highly valued, country living is set to maintain its appeal. Eason said he believes that Arkansans who can afford to live in rural areas will continue to do so. After all, evolving tech has made almost any point on the planet a potential landing spot for an Amazon or Walmart drone. “In my experience, many parents are becoming more intentional about what their children are exposed to, whether their children attend public or private schools,” he said. “The cost of living is high everywhere, but services like Amazon and Walmart delivery have made country living more convenient. Overall, demand for rural living remains strong, and we continue to see people make that move when time and finances allow.”

Waterfowling remains a top driver for rural land buys. (Photo courtesy of Hilburn/Alluvial)

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New Kids on the

Block

Meet some rising stars of Arkansas real estate By DWAIN HEBDA

f all the careers to be had in a capitalist society, sales remains the most single minded. Perhaps nowhere is that point better illustrated than in the field of residential real estate. Few industries rise and fall in more direct proportion to its product; in fact, residential real estate sales are so closely aligned with economic conditions that the number of agents at any given time is a fair at-a-glance barometer of the country’s overall financial performance in general. Consider that when the market collapsed in 2007 and 2008, the National Association of REALTORS® lost more than 140,000 members over a 12-month period and eventually slid to a stop at less than 1 million members in 2012, New Silver Lending states. As things recovered and the market picked up steam, membership did, too, growing by more than 500,000 by 2021 and eventually peaking above 1.6 million in late 2022. As a result, agent headcount is a mercurial thing. RealEstateAgents. com reports there are currently 8,761 agents in Arkansas, 7 in 10 of whom are women. It is one of the older professional jobs out there, having a median age of 55 and fewer than 4 percent under age 30. Latest estimates peg the overall number of agents in the U.S. at about 3 million, fewer than half of whom have formalized their status as REALTORS®.

Of those, about 25 percent have less than three years’ experience, NAR’s 2025 annual Member Profile states. New agents such as those are in the most difficult phase of a typical real estate professional’s career, the 36 months of learning the ropes, getting established and building a clientele. Most do not make it; NAR places attrition during the first three years at more than 8 out of 10 due to high competition, initial inconsistent income and people underestimating the demands of the job. On average, newbies close three transactions representing $500,000 in sales volume, nationally, almost all of it ginned up by cold calling and knocking on doors. On that, they earned about $8,000, real estate consultant Jamil Academy reported. Still, a resilient and resourceful few defy the odds. AY About You took the time to meet three such rising stars to learn what is behind their early success in one of the most challenging industries there is.

Kaitlyn Witherell

Signature Properties Kaitlyn Witherell’s first exposure to the real estate business came during high school, when she went house shopping with her parents and was enthralled with the agent who showed them various properties.

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“I remember being like, ‘I would love to do this as a job,’” she said. “I loved going to the houses, looking at them, and so I’ve always had it in the back of my mind, ‘I should do real estate.’” Three weeks into her college experience, after graduating from Little Rock’s Central Arkansas Christian Schools, she discovered college was not Kaitlyn Witherell for her, reinforcing her youthful career ambition. A detour into a photography career followed before she finally pursued her real estate dream, joining the Signature Properties team. “Signature Properties only has, like, 31 agents but we’re ranked No. 6 in the multiple listings service all over Arkansas,” she said. “I think that really speaks to the experience of the people we have. They help me every single day. I have a really experienced crew behind me that I reference and who I can ask questions. They have taught me a lot of things. “I will ask them ‘What do you say in this situation?’ There’s been times where I will literally copy and paste a message from somebody when they tell me what to say, and that’s how I’ve learned. I really love talking about my company and my super experienced, very talented, amazing team members.” On the strength of this daily coaching, Witherell has advanced quickly. She also credited her creative side, especially as a former professional photographer, which helps her market properties in the best possible light. “I mean, I was definitely talkative growing up, but I was never, like, salesperson talkative,” she said. “I definitely had to learn the language and learn how to not sound pushy. I guess you could say I had learn the right way to use my talkative self.” It did not take long for Witherell to get the hang of things, and before long, she grew comfortable soliciting business in a way that naturally flowed in the conversation. “Anytime I meet somebody or even if I’m just talking to somebody that I’ve known for years, I’ve learned to just kind of throw in that I do real estate but in a strategic way,” she said. “If we end up talking about it, and they’re not in the market right now, I’m like, ‘Send me your friends and family.’ It’s just about doing it in a way that feels natural.”

Witherell gained her professional foothold among first-time buyers, she said, on the strength of being able to relate to that slice of the market. “I’m 25, and a lot of my friends are entering that stage where they’re about to buy their first house,” she said. “I just bought a house for the first time, as well, and that was really cool. I love that feeling of accomplishment and feeling of ‘I’ve made it,’ that it gave me. I just want all my clients to have that same feeling, and I’d love to be the one to help them with that.”

Steele Strauss

The Property Group Steele Strauss got into selling real estate at roughly the same time COVID-19 got into Arkansas, and while the thought of changing careers during a pandemic makes many people wince, it actually served as proof of concept. “It was not too bad,” she said. “I sold a house and a hunting lodge solely through social media.” Strauss, 32, approached personal acquaintances and family friends with her services, and that gave her the early traction that led to referrals. Today, her track record and experience eliminate any client’s hesitancy

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about her age, a more common problem early in her career. “It came up a few times,” she said. “I learned you have to kind of match the personality of a particular person and not to toot my own horn, but I’m very good at that. That, plus being extremely professional, is what got me through some of those tough situations.” Strauss said being a native of Little Rock, growing up in the Hillcrest neighborhood and graduating from Episcopal Collegiate School, added to her credibility and allowed her to speak with authority about different areas of town. By far, the biggest chit she had early on was her mastery of social media, something that is still at the heart of her career selling homes. “I’ve always been into social media and marketing, and I thought that that would be a very good way to switch into real estate,” she said. “I do get a lot of clients through social media, since I have a high following.” Even with that effective tool, Strauss does not let technology do the talking for her. She said for everything there was to learn and adapt to in real estate, overcoming shyness or fear of asking for a stranger’s business was not one of them. “I’ve always been a social butterfly, pretty much,” she said. “I make friends really easily, get along with people. Breaking the ice with someone wasn’t an issue for me at all. I can talk to a wall basically.” Now, six years into her career, Strauss is in high demand. She said success in such a competitive business is gratifying, the result of constant learning and steady improvement, be it dealing with clients or discovering the essential value of self-care. “There is that perception a lot of people have about real estate that’s like, oh, you show a house, you get paid,” she said. “That’s not true at all. It’s very cutthroat out there, and you have to stay calm, not lose your cool and not get stressed. You have to go at your client’s pace, and you have to communicate the way they want: text, emails, calls, FaceTime. You always put the client first, but at the same time, if something’s not working out with a client or a company, you need to know when to walk away from certain situations. “What I’ve learned, particularly, especially at The Property Group, is you have to take time for yourself, too, you know? A lot of people will tell you that you can get burned out of this business very quickly, and so you definitely have to take time for yourself.”

Steele Strauss company she credited with excellent mentorship and support. “I did not interview with any other company,” she said. “When I got my license, I was connected with Ashley Cifreo, who is my broker here at the Searcy office, right before I passed my real estate exam. She helped me, gave me some pointers to pass my exam. I felt comfortable in that she had a heart willing to help me. “Then, when I met Michele Phillips, she was like a mother figure almost — so sweet, so kind. There was just a lot in place here and a lot provided for agents, and so I knew that this felt right.” Burress, 29, said she was not real estate ma-

Sierra Burress

Michele Phillips & Co. Realtors It is not hard to understand why Sierra Burress at Michele Phillips & Co. Realtors has turned into such a rising star in real estate over her first four years in the career. Burress, a 30 Under 30 honoree by the National Association of REALTORS®, landed in an ideal environment to start her career, selling in her home area and aligned with a

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terial coming out of Pangburn High School, but maturity and a desire to succeed drove her to develop the skills she needed. “My high school self was not anywhere near what I was when I started in real estate,” she said. “By then, I had a little bit more knowledge of life. I was a server for about six years, and that helped me open up. “I’m still more of an introvert, but for some reason, I can start conversations with people and be in uncomfortable situations. In fact, I would say prospecting has probably been the easiest for me, trying to figure out ways to get new business.” Not only was Burress good at cold calling,

real estate

Sierra Burress

what many new agents say is their least favorite part of the job, but she relished the chance to take a run at prospective clients who had already decided against using an agent. “I built my business the first couple of years on for sale by owners,” she said. “I would find them on Zillow or Marketplace, and I would text them this little paragraph I had, and they would either call or they would text me back. Some would say, ‘No, thanks.’ I didn’t take rejection to heart. I knew I was going to get rejected a lot. “With the others, I would follow up and follow up and follow up, and after five or six times of following up and the house still wasn’t sold, they wanted help. I didn’t really feel like I was bothering them. I had it in my mindset that if I was consistent in following up, eventually they would listen with me. I’ve converted probably 25 to 30 since I started four years ago.” Now a well-established real estate professional, Burress has big dreams for her career, all of which come down to the same fundamental philosophy. “When I first started, I told myself failure was not even an option,” she said. “I love this whole area — White County and surrounding counties. I think there’s a lot to offer. We’re growing, I love the people, and I just really want to be the local expert for this community.”

Guiding clients to desired results with all of their real estate needs. Becky Finney CRS,GRI Executive Broker

12814 Cantrell Rd. Little Rock, AR 72223 (501) 907-5959 ofﬁce • (501) 907-5958 fax • (501) 258-8867 cell www.BeckyFinney.com 107

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Welcome to MidSouthAR.com. Your one-stop source for Little Rock, Arkansas real estate.

Find Your Perfect Arkansas Home with Debbie Shamlin Today! Discover Your Dream Home with Debbie Shamlin, Your Trusted Real Estate Expert in Turning Visions into Reality. Let's Find Your Perfect Place Today! Start Your Home Journey Now!

Contact Debbie: 501-615-5770 debbie@midsouthar.com @DebbieShamlinRealtor shamlindebbie

Celebrating

Front Row: Kenny Van Patten, Amy Glover Bryant, Jean Hurst, Marie Wall Back Row: Nikki Funk, Kevin Daugherty, Robin J. Miller, Victoria Spears, Courtney Rice, Abigail Miller Not Pictured: Mark Shoptaw, Scott Sandlin, Meredith Elizondo

BHHSARKANSAS.COM 501-255-2000

real estate

Clients to

Neighbors

By SARAH DECLERK // Photo courtesy of THE CHARLOTTE JOHN CO.

After more than 40 years, relationships

ike any industry, technology has changed the face of real estate. According to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2025 REALTORS® Technology Survey, 70 percent of REALTORS® use some form of emerging technology, including 41 percent who said they use artificial intelligence. The top reasons for adopting new technology are to save time and improve client experience, the report states. Founded in Little Rock in 1982, The Charlotte John Co. has witnessed its share of changes. While the company has evolved with the rest of the world over the past 40-plus years, what remains unchanged is an emphasis on human connection both inside and outside the company. “I love my work people,” said Jonie Burks, executive broker, who has been at the company 27 years. “They’re like family. They’re extended branches of my family, so that’s the most rewarding thing.”

She attributed the company’s longevity to its focus on building relationships, not least among its 41 agents, most of whom, like Burks, have long tenures. “We really work as a family,” she said. “We have extremely low turnover.” Burks herself came to The Charlotte John Co. when she was recruited by her friend, now fellow agent Heather McNeil, shortly after earning her real estate license. It did not take long for her to see it as the kind of place she could spend the rest of her career. “I knew immediately it was a good fit because I had just had my third child, so I had three kids under the age of 6,” she said. “I needed somewhere that was family oriented. Family was my main priority.” After nearly 30 decades in the business, Burks said the use of social media for marketing homes and oneself is the most significant way the industry has transformed. However, personal connection remains central to her work. “I think what makes us stand out is we still value our relationships with each other and our clients,” she said. “Even though text messaging,

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real estate “I think what makes us stand out is we still value our relationships with each other and our clients. Even though text messaging, emails, things like that are extremely important, in-person and phone calls are still an integral part of our business.” — Jonie Burks,executive broker, The Charlotte John Co.

still key at The Charlotte John Co. emails, things like that are extremely important, in-person and phone calls are still an integral part of our business.” Monthly enrichment sessions help agents stay up to date on the latest trends, she said, adding that the company is active in the Little Rock REALTORS® Association, Arkansas REALTORS® Association and NAR. While the digital landscape has transformed dramatically, there have also been some changes to the physical map. The Charlotte John Co. primarily works in central Arkansas, Burks said, although the company does some business in Fayetteville and Heber Springs. Burks named the Argenta Arts District in North Little Rock and the SoMa and Pettaway areas in Little Rock as the notable up-andcoming neighborhoods right now. West Little Rock continues to grow, she added, and Benton, Bryant, Conway and Sherwood see ongoing momentum, as well. Today’s buyers are more focused on finding a home that is move-in ready, she said, so it is more important than ever that sellers make sure their homes are in good shape. “With inflation and how expensive it is to live, people need to hang on to their cash, so I think it’s important, especially with first-time homebuyers, that they can walk into the house and not have to deal with the AC going out or the roof having to be replaced or things like that,” she said. “There are people that love to have a house that they can make their own, don’t get me wrong, but the majority of the buyers, at least from the last couple of years, really like houses that are already renovated.” She recommended homeowners seek advice from as many contractors as possible when they are preparing to sell. “We don’t always check things that aren’t broken. We don’t really know of things that we can’t see, which is definitely why you need to hire a real estate agent,” she said. “They can help you find experts that they have relationships with to come in and make sure that things are in the best condition possible, and if they’re not, you can plan for that.” For buyers, she advised finding a quality lender who can give them the information needed to make informed purchasing decisions. Also, do not feel it is necessary to go on endless home visits before finding the one. “It’s OK if you look at one house, and you know that’s the house,” she said. “It’s OK for you to buy that house and write an offer. You don’t have to look for months and think that you have to do that to find the perfect house. It might be that the first time you go out to look at houses that you find the perfect one.”

Burks said she enjoys working with first-time homebuyers because of the excitement they bring to the table. The Charlotte John Co. does not limit itself to any particular type of home or buyer, she said, and she considers that to be another of the company’s strengths. “Even though we may help one person buy a $50,000 house, that same person five years later may buy a half-a-million-dollar house and keep buying or refer us to somebody else,” she said. “That’s why we don’t focus on one particular price point.” Founder Charlotte John was recently honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Little Rock REALTORS® Association, and the company has garnered many other accolades, as well. In June, readers of AY About You named The Charlotte John Co. Best Real Estate Company in “AY’s Best of 2026.” “We feel like we are the best, so it’s very exciting,” Burks said. “We feel like it’s well deserved. We work hard to make sure we do the best we can for all our clients.” The company gives back to the community by supporting various organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Society of Pulaski County, Our House in Little Rock, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and CARTI. Burks said her goals for the company are to stay relationship driven while remaining current with the latest trends to provide the best possible service to clients and the community. She cautioned new real estate agents that it is not an easy industry to get into, and they will need to work hard, especially the first three years, to cultivate a sphere of influence. For those who are dedicated, however, turning clients into neighbors can be worth it. “It’s not just for one time. It’s a lifetime,” she said. “The mom and dad may refer you to their daughter to buy her first house, or it may be a grandparent that needs to downsize, and they need a one-level home, so it’s really a lifelong relationship.”

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AY About You is proud to present its "2026 Best Real Estate Agents" listing, celebrating the best that Arkansas’ real estate market has to offer. The following professionals occupy an industry that we are honored to recognize. For as much as we staple ourselves on being about you, the best real estate agents operate under the same mission — delivering families forever homes while at the same time turning partnerships into lifelong relationships. "AY’s Best Real Estate Agents" is a list tallied from hundreds of nominations and votes cast by you, our readers. If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, these honorees will get the job done. Congratulations to this year's honorees! Kim Wilichowski 1 Percent Lists Arkansas Real Estate Jeremy Cupp 12 Stones NWA, Brokered by Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette Jeff Kennedy 1st Choice Realty Ana Bridges AB Realty Russ Cowen ASC Property Management Paul Amponsah Access Realty Dennis Adkins Adkins & Associates Jennifer Adkins Adkins & Associates Sharon Adkins Adkins & Associates Holly Funderburk Adkins & Associates Gracie Ozdemir Adkins & Associates Sandy Sanders Adkins & Associates Belinda Burrier Advantage Property Management Scott Hilburn Alluvial Land Co. Lacey Gramling Arkansas Elite Realty Susan Penn Arkansas Elite Realty Melissa Glidden Arkansas Home Collective Realty Courtney McNally Arkansas Home Collective Realty Trey Clifton Arkansas Land & Realty Jonathan Stone Arkansas Land & Realty Robert Eason Arkansas Land Co. Kyle Hood Arkansas Real Estate Collective Eddie Bailey Bailey & Co. Real Estate

Sarah Bailey Bailey & Co. Real Estate

Kirklin Smith Beaver Lake Real Estate

Heather Marshall Blair & Co. Realtors

Jessica Baxter Bailey & Co. Real Estate

Amy Glover Bryant Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty

Cody Burnett Burnett Real Estate Team

Lindsey Blaylock Bailey & Co. Real Estate Krystina Bullard Bailey & Co. Real Estate Jared Coleman Bailey & Co. Real Estate Rachel Furrer Bailey & Co. Real Estate James Harkins Bailey & Co. Real Estate Barbara Jordan Bailey & Co. Real Estate Elisabeth Roedel Bailey & Co. Real Estate Jessica Rogers Bailey & Co. Real Estate Kirt Thomas Bailey & Co. Real Estate Francesca Tolson Bailey & Co. Real Estate Joanna White Bailey & Co. Real Estate Mary Bassett Bassett Mix & Associates Jesse Baxley Baxley-Penfield-Moudy Realtors Tom Baxley Baxley-Penfield-Moudy Realtors Jennifer Carter Baxley-Penfield-Moudy Realtors Mark Chilton Baxley-Penfield-Moudy Realtors

Kevin Daugherty Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty Meredith Elizondo Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty Nikki Funk Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty Jean Hurst Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty Abigail Miller Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty Robin J. Miller Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty Courtney Rice Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty Scott Sandlin Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty Mark Shoptaw Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty Victoria Spears Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty Kenny Van Patten Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty

Kim Creighton Baxley-Penfield-Moudy Realtors

Marie Wall Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty

Jonathan Dixon Baxley-Penfield-Moudy Realtors

Natalie Edwards Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

Dan Moudy Baxley-Penfield-Moudy Realtors

Mayer Team Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

Lance Penfield Baxley-Penfield-Moudy Realtors

Paula Prince Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

Layne Penfield Baxley-Penfield-Moudy Realtors

Ryan Blackstone Blackstone & Co. Real Estate

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Becky Allred Capital Sotheby's International Realty Susan Desselle Capital Sotheby’s International Realty Kathy Goings Capital Sotheby's International Realty Mattie Hatcher Capital Sotheby's International Realty Chris Marsh Capital Sotheby's International Realty Karen Moulton Capital Sotheby's International Realty Will Smith Capital Sotheby's International Realty Dave Carlton Carlton Lake Realty Crystal Harderson Century 21 Glover Town & Country Justin DuBar Century 21 Portfolio Stacy Murry Century 21 Portfolio Patti Reed Century 21 United Vicki Templeton Century 21 United David Austin The Charlotte John Co. Mollie Birch The Charlotte John Co. Jonie Burks The Charlotte John Co. Jill Childers The Charlotte John Co. Jenn Cook The Charlotte John Co. Tami Cooper The Charlotte John Co. Stacie Corbitt The Charlotte John Co. Courtney Corwin The Charlotte John Co.

CONGRATULATIONS

to our

Top row, from left to right: Laurie & Ken Henderson, Abbi Netzel, Angela Banks, Kimberly Gaines, and Lindsey Roddy. Bottom row, from left to right: Karen Hudspeth, Kayla Jones, Amy Gossman, Hollie Byers, Carrie Gibson, and Royce Duncan.

Real Estate, Elevated. With nine offices across Central, North, and West Arkansas, we’re proud to serve the communities we call home. Because real estate is more than a transaction. It’s about building relationships and being here for our communities every step of the way. Exceeding expectations isn’t a goal. It’s our standard. Scan the code to find out more about our team.

mcgrawrealtors.com

April Findlay The Charlotte John Co. Amber Gibbons The Charlotte John Co. Margaret Holt The Charlotte John Co. Mandy Jackson The Charlotte John Co. Charlotte John The Charlotte John Co. Brandy Jones The Charlotte John Co. Jeff Ledbetter The Charlotte John Co. Tiffany Lindsey The Charlotte John Co. Sheryl McKelvey The Charlotte John Co. Heather McNeil The Charlotte John Co. Michelle Miller The Charlotte John Co. Myranda Randle The Charlotte John Co. Jordan Roehrenbeck The Charlotte John Co. Matty Ross The Charlotte John Co. Amanda Shue The Charlotte John Co. Jowaun Wright The Charlotte John Co. Emily Young The Charlotte John Co. Becky Biggs-Hartin Coldwell Banker RPM Group Marva Caldwell Coldwell Banker RPM Group LaKesha Crow Coldwell Banker RPM Group Amber Cullipher Coldwell Banker RPM Group Eleanor Day Coldwell Banker RPM Group Anna Kaye Dover Coldwell Banker RPM Group Whitney Elmore Coldwell Banker RPM Group Maggie Emerson Coldwell Banker RPM Group Kim Floyd Coldwell Banker RPM Group Jerald Gardner Coldwell Banker RPM Group Ryann Hilson Coldwell Banker RPM Group Stephanie Hurst Coldwell Banker RPM Group Dana Kellerman Coldwell Banker RPM Group Kara Kellerman Coldwell Banker RPM Group

Sarah Kemp Coldwell Banker RPM Group Thomas Lipsmeyer Coldwell Banker RPM Group Clark Marshall Coldwell Banker RPM Group Maradyth McKenzie Coldwell Banker RPM Group Lynn Pangburn Coldwell Banker RPM Group Allison Pickell Coldwell Banker RPM Group Melinda Purvis Coldwell Banker RPM Group Inez Reeder Coldwell Banker RPM Group Kim Robbins Coldwell Banker RPM Group Eden Roberts Coldwell Banker RPM Group Angelica Rogers Coldwell Banker RPM Group Brittni Terlecki Coldwell Banker RPM Group Karen Upton Coldwell Banker RPM Group Russell Wren Coldwell Banker Village Communities Jill Bell Collier & Associates Nicky Dean Collier & Associates Lauren McClure Collier & Associates Margaret Schloss Collier & Associates Jim Irwin Colliers | Arkansas Todd Rice Colliers | Arkansas Andrea Andrews Compass Rose Realty Lenore Cottrell Concierge Realty NWA

David Kirkland David Dalton Real Estate, licensed under Danali Real Estate

Amanda Gainey Concierge Realty NWA

John Ridgway EPIC Real Estate

Donna Ibbotson Crye-Leike Maumelle

Shelli Stine EPIC Real Estate

LuAnn Campbell Crye-Leike North Little Rock

Amy White EPIC Real Estate

Roe Team Crye-Leike Pleasant Grove

Taylor Baker Equity Partners Realty

Kristi Brawley Crye-Leike Real Estate Services

Jared Ellison Equity Partners Realty

Micah Carpenter Curtis Realty Group

Ryan Russell Equity Partners Realty

Adam Hubbell Curtis Realty Group

Kerri Turner Equity Partners Realty

Sarah Wingate Curtis Realty Group

Telicia Wade Perry ERA Doty Real Estate

Ashley Branch Edge Realty Caleigh Dumas Edge Realty Bethany Kidd Edge Realty Zack May Edge Realty Greg Hughes Elite Realty Shakerah Moody Empact Realty Group Bethany Avery Engel & Völkers Little Rock JoJo Carter Engel & Völkers Little Rock Laura Gerstner Engel & Völkers Little Rock Victoria Killough Engel & Völkers Little Rock Kenny Long Engel & Völkers Little Rock Jena Selva Engel & Völkers Little Rock John Selva Engel & Völkers Little Rock Ryan Stephens Engel & Völkers Little Rock Lindsey Talbert Engel & Völkers Little Rock Laura Westendorf Engel & Völkers Little Rock Priscilla Cunningham EPIC Real Estate Jennifer Maune EPIC Real Estate Sarah Meyer EPIC Real Estate Jen Meyer-Harper EPIC Real Estate

Beau Durbin ESQ Realty Group

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Shawna French ESQ Realty Group Jerry Larkowski ESQ Realty Group Baylee Price ESQ Realty Group Taylor Ransdell ESQ Realty Group Jason Ryles ESQ Realty Group Jeffery Vaughn ESQ Realty Group Deanna Crook Exit Realty Harper Carlton Group Renita Trumbo eXp Realty Laura Labay eXp Realty Now: Labay Real Estate Team Jimmy Williams Fathom Realty Clinton Bennett Focus Commercial Real Estate Ashley Cook Gateway Properties James Gibson Gibson Real Estate Amber Latimer Gibson Real Estate Jared Smith Gibson Real Estate David Hall The Goff Group Real Estate Co. Chris Polychron The Goff Group Real Estate Co. Kelly Dowdy Goodwin & Herman Associates Connie Eldridge Griffin Realtors Amy Hubbard Halsey Real Estate Marie Markland Halsey Real Estate Cass Harris Harris Heights Realty Bryan Crow Hathaway Group Stacy Hamilton Hathaway Group Jeff Hathaway Hathaway Group John Hathaway Hathaway Group Ashley Boyd The Heritage Group Real Estate Co. Dustin Turner The Home Team at eXp Realty Hope Hartness Hope & Co Realty Tammy Bates Hot Springs Realty Landon Carter Hot Springs Realty

Left to right: Matt Ferrell, Amber McGoogan, Jordan Ross, Ray Ellen, Sara Thorpe

e’re truly thankful for the recognition as AY’s Best Real Estate Agents. This honor is a testament to the trust and support of our incredible clients. Your success motivates us, and we look forward to continuing to serve you with the dedication that earned this recognition. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey.

501.319.7557 | pixelproperties.com 400 W. Capitol Ave. Suite 1700, Little Rock

Valerie Cooper Hot Springs Realty

Karl Freeman Keller Williams Realty

Kelsey Roemer Lindsey & Associates

Cindy Meyers Meyers Realty

Bob Pfautz Hot Springs Realty

Lolly Honea Keller Williams Realty

Angela Warner Lindsey & Associates

Sierra Burress Michele Phillips & Co. Realtors

LaRhonda Glover Lisa Attwood Realty

Tina Newsome Michele Phillips & Co. Realtors

Chrissy Dougherty Lotus Realty

Erika Peters Michele Phillips & Co. Realtors

Tara Helgestad Lotus Realty

Lizzi Phillips Michele Phillips & Co. Realtors

Angela Banks McGraw Realtors

Michele Phillips Michele Phillips & Co. Realtors

Hollie Byers McGraw Realtors

Karen Thornton Michele Phillips & Co. Realtors

Royce Duncan McGraw Realtors

Terry Keck Michele Phillips & Co. Realtors — The Property Sisters

Brandy Chapman Michelle Honea Howell-Rickett Real Estate Professionals Keller Williams Realty Sam Carrasquillo Johnny Mitchum iRealty Keller Williams Realty Tamika Edwards Gwendolyn Parker iRealty Keller Williams Realty Austin Evans Christy Robinson iRealty Keller Williams Realty Kelly Fernandez The Sumbles Team iRealty Keller Williams Realty Austin Franks Kelley Cullen iRealty Kelley Cullen Real Estate, Brokered by Collier & Associates Alexia Frederick iRealty Kendra Murphy Denise Hipskind Kendra & Co. Realty iRealty Kelly Harrison Christine Johnson King-Rhodes & Associates iRealty Karen Ferguson Team Jon Kennon LPT Realty iRealty Staci Medlock Kristen Kennon LPT Realty iRealty Keith Pike Sara Lynn LPT Realty iRealty Sally Adams Aleisha McIntire Lake Homes Realty iRealty Rachelle McClard Rachel Rushing Lake Homes Realty iRealty Jim Gallagher Jennifer Smart Landmark Real Estate & Investment iRealty Aaron Hawes Bob Bushmiaer Landmark Real Estate & Investment The Janet Jones Company Daniel Hawes Joanna Fureigh Landmark Real Estate & Investment The Janet Jones Company Rick Hawes Conley Golden Landmark Real Estate & Investment The Janet Jones Company

Kimberly Gaines McGraw Realtors Carrie Gibson McGraw Realtors Amy Gossman McGraw Realtors Ken Henderson McGraw Realtors Laurie Henderson McGraw Realtors Karen Hudspeth McGraw Realtors Kayla Jones McGraw Realtors Abbi Netzel McGraw Realtors Lindsey Roddy McGraw Realtors

Gina Myers-Gunderman Michele Phillips & Co. Realtors — The Property Sisters Kari Clay Mid South Realty Nick Counts Mid South Realty Debbie Shamlin Mid South Realty Amber Wood Mid South Realty TJ Mohler Mohler NWA Homes Gina Wilkins Moore and Co. Realtors Randall Nichols Nichols Realty Express

Mark McKenzie McKenzie Realty Group

James Pratt Ozark Land & Home | Keller Williams Market Pro Realty

Beth Ann Johnson McKimmey Associates, Realtors

Sarah Ledford Patriot Co. Real Estate

Becky Looper McKimmey Associates, Realtors

Ray Ellen Pixel Properties

Scott Goodrich The Janet Jones Company

Jerry Noland Landmark Real Estate & Investment

Ginger Marshall McKimmey Associates, Realtors

Matt Ferrell Pixel Properties

Casey Jones The Janet Jones Company

Kindale Briggs Laughter Realty

Marilyn McKimmey McKimmey Associates, Realtors

Amber McGoogan Pixel Properties

Kevin Newcomb The Janet Jones Company

Melissa Lax Lax Realty & Vacation Rentals

Brooks McRae McKimmey Associates, Realtors

Jordan Ross Pixel Properties

Susan Reynolds The Janet Jones Company

Brooks Jansen Level Up Realty

Connie Nutt McKimmey Associates, Realtors

Sara Thorpe Pixel Properties

Dawn Scott The Janet Jones Company

Elizabeth Douglas Limbird Real Estate Group

Chad Taylor McKimmey Associates, Realtors

Tami Davis PorchLight Realty

Debbie Teague The Janet Jones Company

Somer Adams Lindsey & Associates

Stan McLellan Rita French McLellan & Associates Real Estate Group PorchLight Realty

Marti Thomas The Janet Jones Company

Alicia Demarest Lindsey & Associates

Whitney McLellan Alicia Averitt Haley McLellan & Associates Real Estate Group PorchLight Realty

Shannon Treece The Janet Jones Company

Rachel Fulfer Lindsey & Associates

Misty McMullen McMullen Realty Group

Tonya Perkins PorchLight Realty

Daniel Short Keller Williams Land

Martha Cornwell Haguewood Lindsey & Associates

Don McNaughton McNaughton Real Estate

Lauren Boozman Northey Portfolio Sotheby's International Realty

Becky Finney Keller Williams Realty

Kendall Riggins Lindsey & Associates

Sarah Bentley Meyers Realty

Dee Rodes Portfolio Sotheby's International Realty

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CONGRATULATIONS James Dillard For Being Named One of Arkansas’ 2026 Best Real Estate Agents

501 E Race Ave | Searcy

501.203.0763 | ucnaturalstate.com u n ite d c o u n tr y

u n ite dco untry real es tate

We are proud to be locally owned and operated since 2020.

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uni tedco untry real es tate

420 N. Arkansas Ave., Russellville 479-968-3057 beautyzonear.com beautyzonerussellville beautyzonear

aymag.com

Phillip Bridges The Property Group

Reed Gibbons RPM Group

Bethany Brasfield Trademark Real Estate

Heather Campbell Weichert Realtors — The Griffin Co.

Cara Hazlewood The Property Group

Janie Hay Select Properties

Tammy Browning Trademark Real Estate

Erica Lanning Weichert Realtors — The Griffin Co.

Kristen Hinson The Property Group

Lori Vardell Select Properties

Melissa Chadick Trademark Real Estate

Trecia Quast Weichert Realtors — The Griffin Co.

Hannah Howe The Property Group

Michelle Blalock Signature Properties

Jan Culp Trademark Real Estate

Sandra Kelley Weichert Realtors Home Source

Margaret Bell Hughes The Property Group

Jay Calhoun Signature Properties

George Dooley Trademark Real Estate

Robert Klein The Property Group

Diana Dominguez Signature Properties

Jan Galloway Trademark Real Estate

Hayes Olson Weichert, Realtors — The Property Shoppe Real Estate

Kris McKenzie The Property Group

Holly Driver Signature Properties

Ron Galloway Trademark Real Estate

Nate Perry The Property Group

Lanie Driver Signature Properties

Cindy Gildner Trademark Real Estate

John Porter The Property Group

Beverly Dunaway Signature Properties

David Hanson Trademark Real Estate

Sara Slimp The Property Group

Tracy Norwood Signature Properties

Judy Hanson Trademark Real Estate

Abbie Stalnaker The Property Group

Ashley Parker Signature Properties

Debi Jones Trademark Real Estate

Steele Strauss The Property Group

Dane Pruitt Signature Properties

Debbie Mills Matlock Trademark Real Estate

Dana Yates The Property Group

Megan Seyler Signature Properties

Rachel Mundy Trademark Real Estate

Dana Patterson-Sims RE501 Realtor Partners

Lee Smith Signature Properties

Vianey Soria Trademark Real Estate

Andrew Webre RE501 Realtor Partners

Heather Stuart Signature Properties

Jeff Clifton True North Realty Group

Butch Higginbotham Realty One Group Pinnacle

Mitsy Tharp Signature Properties

Cody Hill True North Realty Group

Laura Osborne Realty One Group Pinnacle

Tracie Walker Signature Properties

Kyndra Hill True North Realty Group

Taylor Velasco Realty One Group Pinnacle

Ranae Ward Signature Properties

Chris Hinkle True North Realty Group

Reagen Kirkland Realty Studio

Bill Williams Signature Properties

Joe Barnett Twin Oaks Realty

Lee Teed RE/MAX Advantage

DJ Williams Signature Properties

Sam Costner Twin Oaks Realty

Jody Huffmaster RE/MAX Encore

Shelby Finch The Sudar Group

Stan Oller Twin Oaks Realty

Nancy Wright RE/MAX Mena Real Estate

Charity Stevens The Sudar Group

Clay Osbon Twin Oaks Realty

Michael and Kelly Sims Real Estate RE/MAX Preferred

Corrine Sudar The Sudar Group

Dan Schwieder Twin Oaks Realty

Kimberly Minor RE/MAX Real Estate Results

Doug Sudar The Sudar Group

James Dillard United Country/Natural State Home & Land

Evelyn Dean RE/MAX Ultimate

Andrea Parmelee Team Parmelee Real Estate

Jeff Pratt United Country Property Connections

Adam Treece RE/MAX Ultimate

Tyrone Parmelee Team Parmelee Real Estate

Jeff Van Patten Van Patten & Co.

Cindy Cooper Trammel Resource Realty

Bart Hester Third Street Realty Services

Ryan Hill The Virtual Realty Group

Jamie Hoffman River Rock Realty Co.

Marsha Baker Trademark Real Estate

Jan Dyer Warnock Real Estate

Melissa Leal Roger Turner Realty

Jenny Bledsoe Trademark Real Estate

Lori Brittain Weichert Realtors — The Griffin Co.

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Lance Arguello White Stone Real Estate The CARE Team White Stone Real Estate Julia Mathews White Stone Real Estate Keely Sanders White Stone Real Estate Tracey Wheelington White Stone Real Estate Amber White White Stone Real Estate Destiny Wilson White Stone Real Estate Karen Wright White Stone Real Estate Connor Wilkerson Wilkerson Real Estate Co.

Congratulations to our AY’s Best Realtors! Bob Bushmiaer, Shannon Treece, Marti Thomas, Susan Reynolds, Casey Jones, Scott Goodrich, Joanna Fureigh, Dawn Scott, Debbie Teague, Kevin Newcomb and Conley Golden

7915 Cantrell Road | janetjones.com | 501.224.3201

real estate

Shine Bright Like

a Diamond

By SARAH DECLERK // Photo by JANE COLCLASURE

Staci Medlock is at the top of her game —

consistent multimillion-dollar producer earning Diamond and Double Diamond recognition from the Little Rock REALTORS® Association, not to mention being named Best Real Estate Agent by AY About You readers in “AY’s Best of 2026” in June, Staci Medlock, real estate agent at LPT Realty, has risen to the pinnacle of central Arkansas real estate over the past 20-plus years. What is the secret to Medlock’s success? “I think mainly me being successful, aside from me being truly blessed, is I just really work hard at it and do whatever it takes to take care of them — my clients, that is,” she said. Medlock said she always had a passion for real estate, even during a stint of about 15 years spent working at a salon, and renovated some houses for herself before becoming a real estate agent after she married a builder. She just likes taking care of people, she said, and real estate is one good way of doing it. After spending much of her career with RE/ MAX Elite, Medlock made the switch to LPT Realty with her broker, Keith Pike. The company has offices in North Little Rock, Little Rock, Bryant and Conway. “It’s a newer company, but it is fast growing,” she said. Serving all of central Arkansas, Medlock said she is familiar with market areas from Searcy to Hot Springs and has “done it all, from the bottom of the barrel to the top of the barrel, new construction to dirt.” Not only that, but Medlock has since 2015 served as Justice of the Peace representing the 15th District on the Pulaski County Quorum Court. “The JP in my district was not running for office again, and I don’t know who approached me and had mentioned that they thought I should look into doing that. They thought I might be good at that,” she said. “I looked into it, and it goes hand in hand with what I already do as far as I’m the voice for my district, my constituents, basically, on the quorum court.”

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Medlock said she feels fortunate that most of her clients come from within her circle of family, friends, neighbors and referrals. “I love my people. My people are like family. They’re friends. I’m so blessed,” she said. “Probably 95 percent of my clients are repeat or relative of a relative or friend of a friend. They are literally like family, so I love that. I love the people.” Relationships alone do not make a real estate career, however, especially not one as prestigious as Medlock’s. Hard work and industry savvy are also requirements. Therefore, at any given

real estate “I’m a big believer in marketing, always have been, and I think it has proven its worth because it has helped sell many homes.” — Staci Medlock, LPT Realty

and she has no plans of slowing down. moment, Medlock can be found multitasking, whether she is coaching sellers, scouting for buyers or fine-tuning her skills. When it comes to buyers, the key is to get to know them and what their needs are — an easy task for someone with as many relationships as Medlock. For sellers, Medlock prioritizes getting the home ready to go to market, staging the house for professional photos to make a good first impression on prospective buyers and, of course, marketing. “I’m very competitive,” she said. “I mean, whatever it takes to get it sold — marketing, the ground work, all of it. I have several strategies; I’m a big believer in marketing, always have been, and I think it has proven its worth because it has helped sell many homes.” Marketing is more than just sticking a sign in the yard, she said, and she credited the creative part of her brain with helping her develop her own marketing ideas at a time when others are outsourcing the task. When she first started in her career, newspaper advertising was the standard and Facebook had just begun, she said. Now social media marketing is ubiquitous, and she is seeing more and more real estate agents introducing themselves and their homes through social media videos. “You can do a lot of marketing with Facebook alone,” she said, “but marketing is very important, however you do it — hard copy, social media.” Yet another way the industry has changed is with the advent of artificial intelligence, something Medlock has already added to her marketing toolbox. “I have used AI to help me come up with creative MLS descriptions, assist with some marketing things,” she said. “I think it is a good tool to help coordinate with what you already have in mind.” She added that she keeps current on the latest trends through weekly training classes with her company. Not only have the tools changed, the market has changed, as well. Interest rates are staying steady at about 6 percent, Medlock said — higher than they were previously but something to which buyers have begun to acclimate. “I feel like in central Arkansas, our market is a little bit different,” she said. “We have so many things, like the [Little Rock Air Force Base], Camp Robinson, several things that bring people in or out that help our market stay afloat when the rest of the world might see a difference, a dip or what have you.” She said it is hard to categorize the current environment as either a buyer’s or a seller’s market. “I do feel like buyers are buying, which always helps move inventory,” she said. “We still have people trying to sell their homes, and so I am

seeing some of them do price adjustments occasionally just to kind of move it if it hasn’t moved fairly quickly. I would have to say it’s a buyer’s and seller’s market.” Fewer buyers are looking to make renovations to their homes, which, especially for homes with older roofs, is something for which sellers should be prepared, she added. As far as hot areas, Cabot remains on a growth trajectory, she said. Beebe is also gaining momentum; in fact, Medlock is currently teaming up with builder Chassie Sharpmack, founder of CS Custom Homes, on a development there. Bryant is also continuing its momentum, she said, and she has seen more and more people moving to Hot Springs. For all she does at the office, however, Medlock is also active at her church, Levy Church of Christ in North Little Rock. She said her favorite mission project is at nearby Ridge Road Elementary, where church members help uplift the students and faculty by making teacher appreciation gifts and opening car doors at drop-off. “I love doing that, as crazy as it seems,” she said. “It’s so cool to open the door and see the smile of the kids getting out of the car because a lot of those kids come from, you know, a [low-income] area and they don’t have a lot of parent involvement, so I think they’re very appreciative of our help.” When asked about her future plans, Medlock said she is in a good spot personally and with her community service, but there are always ways to do better. “I like where I’m at,” she said. “I just really want to keep doing what I’m doing — taking care of my people, taking care of anybody they send me. I love that I can multitask and do things I’m passionate about. I want to stay on the forefront of things. That’s just kind of my personality — staying on the forefront of what’s new out there that helps our industry.”

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aymag.com

real estate

REALTORS

of the Year

eing a REALTOR® is about more than selling homes. It requires adaptability, resilience, and a deep commitment to the work. From late-night and weekend showings to fielding texts and calls around the clock, REALTORS® dedicate themselves fully to serving their clients. The individuals recognized here embody that dedication and so much more. Each has been nominated by their local member board or association to be considered for Arkansas REALTOR® of the Year, in honor of their outstanding achievements and their service to the communities they proudly represent. Selection is made by the Arkansas REALTORS® Association, with the award granted to the REALTOR® who has contributed most to the advancement of the profession and the community during the year. The program honors members’ dedication, showcases their impact to the public, identifies future leaders, and inspires a spirit of healthy competition within organized real estate.

Arkansas Valley Board of REALTORS®

Batesville Board of REALTORS®

GINA WILKINS

HAYES OLSON

Moore and Co., Realtors®

Weichert, Realtors® The Property Shoppe Real Estate

Cleburne County Board of REALTORS®

Conway & Perry Counties REALTORS® Association

DAVE CARLTON

CASEY RUCKER

Carlton Lake Realty

CMR Real Estate

Eastern Arkansas REALTORS® Association

El Dorado Board of REALTORS®

KINDALE BRIGGS

SHAKERAH MOODY

Laughter Realty

Empact Realty Group

Faulkner County Board of REALTORS®

Greater Central Board of REALTORS®

BELINDA BURRIER

HEATHER MARSHALL

Advantage Property Management

Blair & Co. Realtors®

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Congratulations to our 2026 Realtor Of The Year

Conley Golden of The Janet Jones Company On behalf of the board of directors: Congratulations on being named Little Rock’s REALTOR® of the Year! Your leadership, dedication, and service have made us stronger, and we are incredibly grateful for the lasting impact you’ve made on our association and its members. (501)225-1987 300 Natural Resources Dr. Little Rock, AR 72205 123

aymag.com

real estate

REALTORS

of the Year Greers Ferry Lake Area Board of REALTORS®

Harrison District Board of REALTORS®

RANDALL NICHOLS

MELISSA LEAL

Nichols Realty Express

Roger Turner Realty, Inc.

Hot Springs Board of REALTORS®

Hot Springs Village Board of REALTORS®

JULIA MATHEWS

KAYLA CASADA

White Stone Real Estate

RE/MAX of Hot Springs Village

Jefferson County Association of REALTORS®

Johnson County Board of REALTORS®

LaRHONDA GLOVER

SUZY WELDON

Lisa Attwood Realty Inc.

Coldwell Banker Premier Realty

Little Rock REALTORS® Association

Mena Area Board of REALTORS®

CONLEY GOLDEN

NANCY WRIGHT

The Janet Jones Company

REMAX Mena Real Estate, Inc.

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Congratulations Kindale Briggs for being selected as Realtor of the Year by the Eastern Arkansas Realtors’ Association!

kindale@laughterrealty.com (870) 732-5200 610 N. Missouri St. Ste. D West Memphis, AR 72301

Congratulations from your Lindsey family!

2026 Northwest Arkansas Realtor of the Year

Kelsey Roemer 125

aymag.com

real estate

REALTORS

of the Year

North Central Board of REALTORS®

Northeast Arkansas Board of REALTORS®

TELICIA WADE PERRY

MARIE MARKLAND

ERA Doty Real Estate Flippin

Halsey Real Estate

Northwest Arkansas Board of REALTORS® Paragould Board of REALTORS®

KELSEY ROEMER Lindsey & Associates

SANDRA KELLEY Weichert, Realtors® Home Source

Searcy Board of REALTORS®

LEE TEED

South Central Arkansas REALTORS Association ®

REMAX Advantage

Southeast Arkansas Board of REALTORS®

AMY HUBBARD Halsey Real Estate

RUSS COWEN ASC Property Management

Texarkana Board of REALTORS®

Tri-County Board of REALTORS®

CONNIE ELDRIDGE

KELLY HARRISON

Griffin Realtors®

King-Rhodes & Associates, Inc.

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Presented by BankOZK and co-chaired by Kevin and Leigh Ann Newton, Gala for Good 2026 celebrates 99 years of helping Arkansans change their lives through education, training and employment — and invites you to be part of what grows next. Experience an unforgettable evening rooted in Arkansas tradition, featuring live bluegrass, whiskey and cocktail tastings, a curated silent auction, a custom hat bar and an immersive mission experience that brings Goodwill’s impact to life.

KEVIN & LEIGH ANN NEWTON 2026 GALA FOR GOOD CO-CHAIRS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 / 6 PM NORTH LITTLE ROCK EVENT CENTER SCAN OR VISIT THEGALAFORGOOD.ORG for tickets, event information and sponsorship opportunities.

DEEP ROOTS. BOLD SPIRITS. LASTING GOOD.

food

to beat

On menus

h a rd

ever

t s i l l s e o c a a s t y t o ea , e r eh t

By M

A K MI L L A R D

asual, shareable and endlessly customizable, it is little wonder why the taco has turned into such a cornerstone of the American diet. Like other foods introduced by immigrants into the nation’s culinary melting pot, variations on the form abound. Depending on one’s location in the country, authentic Mexican taco styles and flavors might be close at hand, while diners elsewhere might be more familiar with the Americanized version from certain fast-food behemoths. Opinions on that aside, the dish has undeniably got range. Pew Research analysis from 2024 found that 85 percent of U.S. counties have at least one Mexican restaurant, but fusions incorporating everything from Korean barbecue to Indian spices likewise speak to the taco’s adaptability and popularity from coast to coast. Whether at a food truck or a drive-thru, a beloved local restaurant, or even an upscale dining spot, the taco can find its place on most any kind of plate. Moreover, one will be hard-pressed to find any diner complaining when it comes to delicious fillings and warm tortillas. Some things are just better eaten than said.

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food “Tacos gave us the permission to be playful.” — Brittany Colclasure, Camp Taco

CAMP TACO Little Rock

Camp Taco’s own Strange Trip Cheez(ish) Dip made with cashews and mushrooms. Vegan and vegetarian options are not an afterthought on the Camp Taco menu, Colclasure said, as the Shrooms & Sauce Birria tacos prove, illustrating how one does not need meat to nail the same complex, satisfying flavor profile. When it comes to birria and beer pairings, she recommended the 2nd Rodeo Light Beer from Lost Forty, which provides a “light and bright counterpoint” to the taco’s crispy edges. “Go with pollo frito tacos with Juicy Details IPA for something more adventurous,” she added. “The fried chicken’s richness plays beautifully against the hop bite and citrus notes.” Unlike summer camp, the fun at Camp Taco does not end with the arrival of cooler weather. The team is already preparing to ramp up its fall entertainment with the arrival of Spirit Month in October, which Colclasure called “basically our love letter to Halloween.” “Expect live music, themed events and the kind of weird, wonderful energy that makes people come back,” she said. “More to announce soon.”

acos made an ideal culinary conceit for the team at Yellow Rocket Concepts as they built their summer-campinspired hangout in Little Rock’s East Village. Camp Taco is meant to evoke the nostalgia and easy camaraderie of one’s youth but with the decidedly adult benefit of a cocktail menu and rotating selections from Lost Forty Brewing. The taco’s informal and unpretentious vibe is “exactly what we wanted,” said Marketing Director Brittany Colclasure. “Tacos gave us the permission to be playful,” she said. “Plus, working with our team at Lost Forty, we could push beyond the expected and get creative with things like Mexican ramen and house-made pops alongside elevated taco offerings.” Camp Taco moves nearly 4,400 tacos in the course of a month, Colclasure said. Offerings range from the ground beefladen Americana, complete with lettuce, sharp cheddar and jack cheese, tomato, and taco sauce, to fillings such as classic pork shoulder pastor, fried chicken and grilled mahimahi. Quesabirria tacos, which came to prominence stateside after going viral across foodie corners of the internet, are Camp Taco’s “sleeper hit,” Colclasure said. “That crispy, fried corn tortilla with the tender, spiced, birria-braised meat and the dipping consomme hits all those nostalgic comfort-food notes people crave,” she said. “Plus they’re Instagram worthy.” A meatless version of the popular dish utilizes an ancho mushroom (Photos courtesy of Camp Taco) mix, spicy vegan chili-lime broth, and

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CAMP TACO 822 E. Sixth St., Little Rock 501-353-0884 camptaco.com Sunday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

aymag.com

food “I wanted to feature street food from Mexico City in a modern restaurant setting.” — Joey Godoy, Capos Tacos'

CAPO’S TACOS Hot Springs

asada and chicken tinga fillings are available, along with other interesting nods such as the Southern taco topped with — what else? — fried chicken, jalapeno ranch, lettuce, tomato, chipotle crema and cotija cheese. Before settling on mouthwatering options from the main menu, however, guests should be sure to ask about the latest special. The team at Capo’s Tacos curates a new taco and drink special each and every month. One recent summer selection was dubbed the “Backyard Taco” and came piled high with steak, guacamole, chicharron, pickled onions, queso fresco and cilantro. Godoy is far from done making his mark around Hot Springs, as well, with yet more new ideas in the works to join his portfolio of central Arkansas restaurants. Meanwhile, Capo’s Tacos continues to stand out for hungry patrons exploring everything Spa City has to offer. Being right across the street from a bustling Oaklawn Hot Springs racetrack and casino certainly does not hurt. “We have people come in before or after they head over,” Godoy told AY About You. “People can come get their weekends started here.”

apo’s Tacos opened in 2018 and has spent the years since becoming a go-to taco eatery in Hot Springs — not to mention claiming the top spot for Mexican food in the 2026 AY About You “Readers’ Restaurant Poll.” Restaurateur Joey Godoy, whose Deli Restaurant Group owns a number of concepts across central Arkansas, initially set out to bring something different to Spa City after selling his popular Bleu Monkey Grill. “My idea with Capo’s Tacos was to bring a modern Mexican taqueria to Hot Springs,” Godoy previously told AY About You. “I wanted to feature street food from Mexico City in a modern restaurant setting.” An interior festooned with colorful decor sets the tone for a creative menu where variety is king. The eyes eat first, as they say, and Capo’s capitalizes on that as early as possible with a handy taco guide referred to as the “art catalog” on the restaurant’s website. Patrons can decide between corn, blue corn and flour tortillas, and especially health-conscious customers can swap to a lettuce wrap at no extra charge. From there, options run the gamut. There is the diablo shrimp with fried shrimp, habanero mayo, mango jicama slaw and chipotle crema. The Negra Modelo barbacoa, meanwhile, is a deceptively simple combination of slow(Photos courtesy of Capo's Tacos) roasted angus brisket, cilantro and onion. Classic carnitas, carne

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CAPO’S TACOS 200 Higdon Ferry Road, Hot Springs 501-623-8226 capostacoshs.com Monday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

food

it makes us totally different from

whatever food is out there.” Guisados refer to the stewed or braised fillings which find an excellent home in Tacos Godoy’s fresh, handmade corn tortillas. Each dish is made from scratch and based on family recipes, and when Gutierrez says the concept is from Mexico City, it is no exaggeration. Gutierrez, who moved to Arkansas nearly three decades ago from Illinois, spent much of his childhood selling tacos in Mexico City alongside his family. “It was just a dream that took me many years to make happen,” he told Arkansas Money & Politics. “It was initially going to be a restaurant, and it was pretty hard to find people that would allow me to rent a building without previous experience, so the truck came as an opportunity.” Authentic Mexican tacos on wheels turned out to be a hit for central Arkansas diners, and Gutierrez was eventually able to expand to a second truck and a brick-and-mortar location. Those less inclined to seek out the mobile truck’s latest stop can head to the restaurant on Cantrell Road, which offers the same fresh-made fare with indoor and outdoor seating and a bar. The menu has also expanded to include breakfast, giving Tacos Godoy fans even more ways to get their fix. Like a blue beacon for hungry patrons, the Tacos Godoy truck can be spotted all over town and at various events. A clear testament to local love for the traveling tacomobile is the acclaim from AY About You readers Gutierrez and his team have earned on not just one but two different rankings this year. Tacos Godoy took the top spot as “Best Food Truck” in both “AY Readers’ Restaurant Poll” and “AY’s Best of 2026.”

TACOS GODOY Little Rock

hough they can appear in many contexts, tacos are still perhaps best known as the ultimate street food. That makes eating great tacos from a food truck all but nonnegotiable when one has the opportunity. Luckily for Little Rock foodies, Tacos Godoy might just be as good as it gets. Owner Alejandro Gutierrez prioritizes authenticity, and his truck serving up traditional Mexican tacos de guisado was the first of its kind in the capital city when it hit the streets in 2019. “The concept, it’s basically from Mexico City,” Gutierrez previously told AY About You. “We play with a lot of peppers. We play with a lot of different condiments. Basically,

“It was just a dream that took me many years to make happen.” — Alejandro Gutierrez, Tacos Godoy

TACOS GODOY 1 4710 Cantrell Road, Suite A1, Little Rock 501-367-8631 tacosgodoylr.com T uesday through Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

(Photos courtesy of Tacos Godoy)

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Regular OR Unleaded?

MOCKTAILS PLAYING AN INCREASING ROLE IN LOCAL RESTAURANTS, BARS By DWAIN HEBDA

here are few indulgences that do not come home to roost in life. Eat a steady diet of fast food, and you get fat. Skip paying taxes, and you get a visit from Uncle Sam’s less-then-charming representative. Mess with the bull, and you get the horns. Throughout all of civilized history, the same fact of life applied to alcohol. Ever since, as some historians suggest, beer’s forefather sprang from grain stored in conditions that encouraged natural fermentation, humanity has sought to take the edge off with a little libation. That dance ultimately demanded the band be paid, which it has been in ways memorable, painful and even tragic ever since. Then a funny thing happened on the way to the local bar or liquor store: the emergence and growing popularity of nonalcoholic beverages. Such products are not new; lower-alcohol “near beer” and sacramental wine used in religious services have been around for generations, though they commanded admittedly less shelf space than what is seen today. All that changed a few years ago, and the result has been nothing short of transformative for brewers, vintners and distillers the world over.

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“Nonalcoholic beverages are no longer a niche alternative — they’re reshaping how people socialize, unwind and decide what to drink,” wrote Louis Biscotti for Forbes in May. “Alcohol isn’t disappearing, but the role is changing. Consumers are drinking it less often, saving it for premium occasions and making room for a wider range of beverages.” The trend has been led by younger generations, many of whom eschew alcohol in spurts or full time in a movement dubbed “sober curious.” Food Navigator reported as many as 40 percent of consumers, especially among Gen Z, have climbed on the wagon, a buying bloc that got beverage companies’ attention and quickly. As Biscotti noted, beverage spending overall is up 4.4 percent, and nonalcoholic sales are up 6.2 percent versus 2.4 percent growth for alcoholic beverages. Today, a much wider lineup of significantly more palatable low- and no-alcohol packaged beverages can be found at the store. The same can be said for the hospitality industry, where mocktail menus are far more common than they used to be. Chalk it up to generational differences, changing tastes, a focus on health, less glorification of drunkenness or merely a fad with legs, but NA has become an important component of the beverage industry and a consumer preference that bars and restaurants ignore at their own peril. AY About You visited some well-known Arkansas establishments to find the local impact of this sobering new trend.

J&S HOSPITALITY GROUP

Hot Springs One could be forgiven for assuming J&S Hospitality Group of Hot Springs would be among the last to embrace the mocktail and low/noalcohol trend. After all, the restaurant company owns two of the city’s most iconic bars, The Ohio Club and Copper Penny Pub, neither of which exactly built its reputation on unleaded beverages. The company owns Fisherman’s Wharf, where few things in life can top oysters on the half shell and a hoppy India pale ale. Plus the company owns J&S Italian Villa, a purveyor of fine Italian fare that begs to be paired with a primo bottle of wine. However, the seasoned restaurateurs — company owners Saddiq and Jeannie Mir — did not get to where they are by ignoring the voice of the dining public, which had led to a number of nonalcoholic creations that are quickly becoming mainstream. “In the restaurant business, you have a whole bunch of data; some places have small data, and we are fortunate enough to have big data,” he said. “The data tells us that over the last two years, there’s been increased demand for mocktails. “I believe there are different reasons for this. Some people don’t drink, but they’re out with friends who do. Some people are the designated driver for the group, or they have one regular drink and then don’t want to have another one because they have to drive home. A mocktail takes care of all of that.” Mir said he does not see any difference between catering to those customer preferences and modifying a dish to meet dietary needs. “Our food menus are very, very focused and concerned about people’s needs, let’s say people who are allergic or sensitive to some mixed nuts or seafood or whatever,” he said. “We take the same approach for mocktails.” Formulating the beverages took some doing but not as much as even a few short years ago, Mir said, because of better and more accessible ingredients. “Even five years ago, the drinks were not commonly around. You had to ask for them,” he said. “I’ve been up in Vegas, and I was at other places, and I can tell you, five years ago, a bartender would have to scramble to make one up. Today we have 10 mocktails at The Ohio Club alone, and some nights, honestly, I am pleasantly surprised that we sell 50, 60 mocktails.”

(Photo courtesy of The Ohio Club) Saddiq said while being stubborn and resistant to change misses the point of the hospitality business, there is also something to be said for alcohol’s historic role as a bonding agent among guests, whether at a tailgate, a group dinner out or a formal celebration. Providing a beverage that allows nondrinkers to commune with their friends fixes that while still respecting patrons’ individual lifestyle choices. “Let’s say there’s a wedding party, and they want a champagne toast, and one person doesn’t drink. You don’t want them to feel, like, ‘Oh my goodness, everybody is going to be looking at me,’ or ‘Everybody else is going to be uncomfortable around me if I’m not drinking,’” he said, “or let’s say your 15-year-old children are sitting with you, and they want to participate like the adults, right? Well, we just put the mocktail in a fancy glass just like a regular cocktail or something sparkling in a champagne glass, and everyone is happy. We try to make it fun.”

ALLSOPP & CHAPPLE RESTAURANT + BAR

Little Rock Some things never go out of style, such as the chef-inspired American fare at Allsopp & Chapple Restaurant + Bar, making the downtown Little Rock restaurant a favorite for regular and special occasions alike. Other things do bend to the winds of change and public taste, such as reducing red meat intake and the rise of vegetarian and vegan dishes. To that list, add low/no-alcohol beverages, from mocktails to NA beers, some of the best of the genre can be had at the upscale eatery. General Manager Dillon Garcia said the very recent trend continues to grow mostly in the name of clean living. “I think a lot of it has to do with people living healthier,” he said. “You know, when I was in my early 20s, the cool thing to do was to go to the club and get drunk and close down the 5 a.m. bars. I think with this current generation, people in their early 20s, we’re just not seeing that anymore. Some of them will drink but not to the extent my group did. “Then the older generation still wants to have a great drink, but they’re not interested in drinking too much like

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(Photos at top courtesy of Allsopp and Chapple)

they did when they were younger. They want something fun, something that’s not just a soda or tea, but they’re also not trying to be irresponsible with it.” Garcia said the emergence of quality nonalcoholic or low-alcohol components has also accelerated the trend. Where once teetotalers had to suffer through mixers that carried a strong artificial taste, today’s creations have none of that. “There’s so many more options to work with nowadays,” Garcia said. “Used to, if you wanted a nonalcoholic flavor, you had something that was full of high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors and artificial food colorings. Now we have products made by great companies that actually imitate different spirits. “For example, Giffard, out of France, has been known for years in the bartending community as one of the most high-quality liqueur options to get whatever flavor,” he said. “Their grapefruit actually tastes like grapefruit. Their banana actually tastes like banana.” About the only thing the new low- and no-alcohol components cannot replicate is the burn associated with regular spirits. Flavorwise, however, everything can not only be recreated but used in entirely new ways, Garcia said. “None of the [manufacturers] have been able to master that burn effect, and you probably don’t want to sit there and drink a nonalcoholic bourbon by itself,” he said, “but they have been able to add that oakiness and the wood notes and the caramel notes and stuff like that to it. That makes it perfectly acceptable for mixing into a mocktail.” In other situations, substitution is the name of the game. Garcia said in the hands of the right bartender, a mocktail can deliver all the flavor and none of the regret the next day. “We do a ginger spritz using different flavors that we make in the restaurant,” he said. “It’s very similar to a mule with the lime juice and the ginger beer. A regular mule does typically use vodka, but we’ve chosen not to use any nonalcoholic spirit substitute. We’re just adding a little extra flavor to it so it’s not like you’re just drinking ginger beer. It’s ended up being the best seller of our nonalcoholic options.”

CYPRESS SOCIAL

North Little Rock When one of the most popular restaurants in central Arkansas leans into something the way Cypress Social in North Little Rock has leaned into no- and low-alcohol drinks, it is a pretty good barometer of where the consumer is moving. “It creeped up about two or three years ago, and it’s slowly gotten busier and busier in terms of how many mocktails we sell,” said Rob Roy Armstrong, bar manager. “I’m seeing more steady growth, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to wane at all.” Despite the short length of time NA beverages have been a thing, the industry has responded quickly, Armstrong said. Drink components and self-contained beverages such as no- or low-alcohol beer or wine are greatly improved and much easier to find. “I’ve noticed the quality of nonalcoholic beers and sparkling and still wines have improved greatly because there’s a market for it, and suppliers are trying to meet that demand,” he said. “Nonalcoholic IPA beers, for instance, are hop-forward and delicious with a great depth of flavor. In terms of the mocktails I create, I can create any mocktail with the flavor of a cocktail. “For instance, we have a spicy margarita that has tequila in it called The Hissy Fit, and we’ve created a nonalcoholic spicy drink to match that, The Bright Burn, with jalapeno dragon fruit syrup made from scratch, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice and ginger beer. All these ingredients are nonalcoholic while still adding to the experience of our guests.” Armstrong said the popularity of such drinks has opened new doors and turned on new audiences to the restaurant. Cypress Social hosts special menus from time to time, and having nonalcoholic options that are tasty and fun have proven a valuable addition. “We have many special occasions here at Cyprus,” he said. “We have a Taylor Swift menu and a Comic Con menu and menus for whenever a special artist is in town. Oftentimes, people want to come out and participate in the fun and be part of the party but don’t necessarily want to drink alcohol. “For example, our Taylor Swift event is a huge event for mothers and daughters to spend time together. They come out, wear fun clothes, friendship bracelets, and they can have a fun drink and not feel terrible afterward. Even underage daughters can participate.” Armstrong said while beverages of this sort are often lumped under the generic header of “nonalcoholic,” people should be aware that the term can be misleading. Some mixers and other drink components used to construct the cocktail can contain trace amounts of alcohol. Therefore, adults looking to avoid it completely or parents ordering something for their children should always ask for specifics on any drink to avoid issues later. “There are certain nonalcoholic drinks that are on the nonalcoholic menu that we do not serve to kids under 21,” he said. “Nonalcoholic beers might have trace amounts of alcohol and bitters have a trace amount. As bartenders, we make sure that there’s no trace of alcohol in our mocktails that are going out to kids. We don’t play around when it comes to that. However, an adult who wants to avoid alcohol due to medications or other lifestyle choices should ask about a given drink.”

(Photo courtesy of Cypress Social)

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recipe

Grandma’s Just Like

Rustic apple yogurt cake with lemon and rosemary a comforting seasonal dish

By MARGIE RAIMONDO // Photos by MARGIE RAIMONDO

here is something timeless about an apple cake. This one is the kind of recipe that fills the kitchen with the aroma of baked apples, warm butter, bright lemon and just a whisper of rosemary — a subtle herb that brings surprising depth without overpowering the fruit. Greek yogurt gives the crumb an incredibly tender, moist texture, while tart Granny Smith apples melt into the cake as it bakes, creating pockets of soft fruit beneath a beautifully caramelized top. A generous dusting of powdered sugar is all it needs before serving. Serve a slice alongside an apple cider old-fashioned, in which crisp apple cider, smooth bourbon, maple syrup and aromatic bitters echo the cake’s warm fall flavors. The combination of sweet apples, bright citrus and herbal notes makes this pairing ideal for an autumn dinner party, a holiday gathering or a quiet evening on the porch as the weather begins to cool. Like many of the best country desserts, this rustic cake celebrates simple ingredients transformed into something unforgettable.

Rustic Apple Yogurt Cake With Lemon and Rosemary INGREDIENTS Apple Mixture • 5 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced (about 2 pounds) • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • Zest of 1 lemon • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried) Mix together and let stand while making the batter. Dry Ingredients • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Wet Ingredients • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened • 1 cup granulated sugar • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar • 2 large eggs • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt • 1/2 cup whole milk • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Finish • Powdered sugar for dusting

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan. 2. Combine apples, lemon zest, lemon juice, rosemary and cinnamon. Let rest 10 to 15 minutes. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. 4. Cream butter and sugars. Beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (3 to 4 minutes). 5. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla.

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Arkansas Black Apples: Arkansas’ Legendary Heirloom

Deep burgundy to nearly black when ripe, the Arkansas Black apple is one of the state’s best-known heirloom varieties. Originating near Bentonville during the late 1800s, it has become a symbol of Arkansas’s rich apple-growing heritage. Unlike most apples, Arkansas Blacks improve with storage. Freshly picked, they are firm and tart; after several weeks in cool storage, they become sweeter and offer hints of vanilla, spice and honey. Their dense texture makes them ideal for baking, holding their shape beautifully in cakes, pies and tarts while developing a rich, concentrated apple flavor. Where to Find Them Harvested from late October through November, Arkansas Black apples are often available through winter. Look for them at: • Friend Orchard (Harrison) • Friend Orchards Fruit Market (Mountain Home) • Drewry Farm & Orchards (Dover) • Caubble & Son’s Orchard & Ranch (Wynne) • Arkansas Local Food Network

6. A lternate mixing in 1/3 cup flour, 1/2 cup milk, 1/3 cup flour, Greek yogurt and remaining flour. Stir until just combined. 7. Fold about two-thirds of the apples into the batter. Spread into pan. Arrange remaining apples over the top. Pour any remaining lemon juice from the bowl over the apples. 8. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until golden brown and a tester comes out clean. Cool for 20 minutes. Dust generously with powdered sugar.

Baker’s Tip Store freshly picked Arkansas Black apples in the refrigerator for a few weeks before baking. As they age, they become sweeter and more aromatic and develop the rich flavor that has made them an Arkansas favorite for generations.

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er Old-Fashi Apple Cid il) (Makes 1 cockta

INGREDIENTS • 2 ounces bourbon le cider • 2 ounces unfiltered app syrup ple ma e pur • 1 teaspoon black walnut bitters or tic ma aro hes das 3 • 2 to • 1 large ice cube • Orange peel • Cinnamon stick • Thin apple slice • Star anise DIRECTIONS er, maple syrup e the bourbon, apple cid 1. In a rocks glass, combin dissolved. tely ple com is maple syrup and bitters. Stir until the 2. Add a large ice cube. its oils, and then over the glass to release l pee nge ora the t wis T 3. drop it into the drink. star anise. slice, a cinnamon stick and 4. Garnish with the apple extra sweetness, with cinnamon sugar for Optional: Rim the glass version. hot y and omit the ice for a coz or warm the apple cider m the bourbon ktail’s caramel notes fro Ser ving pairing: The coc cake, while the the of ment the butter y crumb emary woven and maple syrup comple ros and on lem the us brighten like fall in tes fresh apple cider and citr tas t is an effortless pairing tha throughout each slice. It Arkansas.

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Everlasting Love Together, Jimmy Doyle and Patsy Gayle gave country music a home in Arkansas By DOUG CRISE

Jimmy Doyle and Patsy Gayle at Country Music Awards. (Photo courtesy of Patsy Gayle Brewer)

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immy Doyle has lived the kind of life they write songs about. Before he even left home as a young man, Doyle’s destiny had pretty well presented itself to him. He grew up on the Arkansas Grand Prairie near Stuttgart, learning the timeless arts of farming and moonshine production from his father. Like Johnny Cash himself, Doyle came from one of those Arkansas spots that managed to duck under the sight of maps, a little hamlet founded by his ancestors called Brewer Bottoms. Doyle himself was born James Doyle Brewer, but it is best to bid farewell to formalities now — to the countless who have seen him on stage, hearing the sawdust lilt of his voice and the song of his everpresent fiddle, he is simply Jimmy Doyle, and he is well and truly an Arkansas original.

people It may very well be overshadowed by Doyle’s stage life and the most beloved honky-tonk bar in Arkansas history — more on that in a bit — but Doyle also happens to be the funniest thing in boots. There is always a remark locked and loaded with Doyle, who is just as likely to deliver a zinger at his own expense as anyone else’s. Country music does not always jibe with the Jimmy Doyles of the world. Like jazz, it is a distinctly American art, and like all the best forms of art, it became a platform for the feelings that can be left unsaid. Love, requited and unrequited, is of course a celebrated theme. So, naturally, is loss. Looking back, Cash sang of depression and desperation long before any such concepts were part of American popular music. That said, country music is no sad trudge, despite the convenient

(Photo by Dwain Hebda) Make no mistake, Arkansas loves Doyle right back. In May, he and his wife, Patsy Gayle, were inducted into the Arkansas Country Music Hall of Fame, putting a fine finishing bow on a lifetime spent performing. “I tell you what, it’s sort of a nightclub atmosphere,” Doyle said, speaking of his and Gayle’s recent induction. “We can’t go anywhere without being recognized.” With that, Doyle let out a raspy laugh, joined by a few giggles from Gayle. Many roadways and many nights of blood, sweat and beers have passed since Doyle crossed paths with Gayle, a sweet-as-sugar native of Humnoke, back in 1974. Now in the twilight of their lives, Doyle and Gayle are the exact sort of couple most everyone hopes to end up as when they tie the knot — equal parts lovers and sidekicks on a lifelong journey. “She’s a great little co-pilot,” Doyle said, which drew another laugh from Gayle.

stereotype. Awful feelings were rarely given much time on Doyle’s stage before sounding the ever-present call to dance and fill a glass. For 47 wonderful years, Arkansans and out-of-staters, regulars and the curious, made their way to Jimmy Doyle’s Country Club, where the beer was cold, the music was good, and the host’s knee-slapping stories got better and more extravagant with age. Before closing in 2021, Jimmy Doyle’s Country Club sat on an unassuming tract just off the Galloway exit in North Little Rock, taking up space among the truck stops common to the area. The club, from the outside, lacked any sort of pretension, just a square box of a brick building, but the music and commiseration inside was always first class. The club’s spot just off a well-traveled stretch of Interstate 40 made it both appealing and convenient for touring musicians. Some of those musicians carried instantly recognizable names with them. Toby Keith.

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people Marty Stuart, Johnny Paycheck, and even R&B and gospel dynamo Percy Sledge, of “When A Man Loves A Woman” fame, all performed there among many others. People came for the tunes and the simple good vibes that come from any music scene, but they also came for Doyle, who would hold court from the stage with Gayle, his fiddle and the backing Arkansas River Bottom Band. Yet before all that, Doyle, like so many performers, was a man looking for a home, unaware that it had been there the whole time. In 1954, he left Arkansas to join the Navy, wherein he would form a band known as The Hayseeds. He also dabbled in standup comedy, zero surprise to anyone who has met him. “Jimmy, of course, is always teasing somebody,” Gayle said. Upon ending his military stint, Doyle landed in San Jose, California, just as the West Coast was experiencing a country music resurgence. Doyle threw himself into the scene, primarily as an opening act. One of those opening gigs was for a musician and songwriter named Merle Haggard. Yet Arkansas eventually beckoned and, with it, his life’s calling. First came the magical moment that he met Gayle while performing at a tiny Arkansas supper club. Music, to Doyle, had always been a means of connecting with others and enjoying their company, so it is little surprise that Gayle ended up joining Doyle on stage to sing on that first night. In Gayle, Doyle did not just find a promising vocalist; he found a kindred spirit who relished music and the company of others, someone whose desire to lead a life less ordinary matched his own. All of that meant Gayle was ready to go along with it when Doyle proposed a first date that only a performer would understand. “She came in the club, and I said, ‘Well, I’ve got a gig to play in Monroe, Louisiana,’” Doyle said. “I called her the next day and asked her if

she wanted to go on a little two-day trip.” “I don’t think we’ve been separated since,” Gayle said. Doyle opened his club soon after and, in what should come as no surprise, did it by his rules. Jimmy Doyle’s Country Club was primarily a weekend affair with karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays reserved for Doyle’s house band and special guests. People would arrive, typically the same sort of working-class folks who Doyle grew up around in Brewer Bottoms, and curl themselves up in the nooks and crannies of the music, whiskey and cigarette smoke. Like the best music clubs, it represented a second home for many and a brief respite from the push and pull of daily life for all. “It makes you feel great that we made a difference in so many lives,” Gayle said. “I mean, we’ve listened to so many stories. People want to share their stories of what’s happened in the club.” For more than 40 years, music and stories poured out in equal measure, even as both country music and the world in general grew increasingly more complicated. The tail end of the 20th century brought with it a crossover explosion in the popularity of country music, setting the stage for the mass appeal of the music today. With progress and notoriety came concessions, and while more people than ever are in love with country, many of the cozy honky-tonks like Jimmy Doyle’s Country Club have given way to commercialized venues or arenas. Doyle and Gayle retired in 2021 but remain inseparable. Like any performer and lover of live music, Doyle steadfastly remains a night owl, and woe to anyone who calls before 10 a.m. As a couple, the two are as madly in love as they were on that two-day jag to Monroe, both enjoying the mutual warmth of lives well-lived together. “We’ve just had a great time,” Gayle said, “47 years of it.”

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The thriving Argenta Arts District in North Little Rock is about to become even more lively. (Photo courtesy of NLR Tourism)

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The Beat Goes On

North Little Rock’s atg Pavilion to honor state’s musical giants By DWAIN HEBDA

few years ago, noted Arkansas painter and sculptor Kevin Kresse found himself in northeast Arkansas, stopping for the night in Forrest City. It was a sleepover that would change the face of central Arkansas forever. Known for many things, including a complicated racial past, Forrest City is also the taproot from which sprang some of the greatest musical artists of the 20th century, headlined by soul crooner Al Green. Kresse, who is as steeped in music as he is in sculpture, struck up a conversation with locals about the Rev. Green at the hotel, only to be met with blank stares. The employees had no idea who he was referring to, let alone that he had come from Forrest City. Kresse left town stunned. “Neither the manager nor the front desk knew who I was talking about,” Kresse said. “Driving back from the Delta, I was just thinking about all the influential musicians that came from Arkansas. I thought, ‘We really have not done anything to highlight and trumpet all these amazing artists.’

“That’s when I started on my own build-it-and-hopefullythey-will-come project, just sculpting these artists on my own with no idea of what was going to happen.” Kresse’s vision is now coming true in the form of the atg Pavilion, coming soon to the Argenta Arts District in North Little Rock. The contemporary sculptural addition, set for a late October opening, is being completed as a true public/private partnership between North Little Rock Tourism and the Argenta Arts Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Karen Trevino, president and CEO of North Little Rock Tourism, said the development will complete what officials are calling the Argenta Music Complex, made up of the pavilion and Argenta Plaza. She said the pavilion will serve several functions, including as a covered setting for smaller events and as a living classroom and gallery featuring Kresse's bronze busts of the artists, all while broadening North Little Rock’s reputation as a musical center in Arkansas and gaining Arkansas more exposure for its cultural contributions.

Set to open in October, the atg Pavilion will feature sculptures of notable Arkansas musicians and provide a covered space for smaller events.

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travel “A group of us came together and started talking, and it turns out we all had been thinking that we ought to do something like this,” she said. “The more we talked, the more we realized that this is a really big idea, recognizing artists who were so influential in not just American music but transformative of all music. What came out of here affected the music that was going on in the United Kingdom, and those artists came to America to learn about the blues, to learn about rock ‘n’ roll.” The project came together as a result of an alignment of movers and shakers, people with a vested interest in the community and, above all, a love for the state and its culture, including its musical legacy. Most of all it illustrates how small and close knit the state really is, since the various pieces of the vision all came together on the strength of relationships.

own,” Kresse said. “One idea was that wide alleyway behind the Butler Center [for Arkansas Studies in Little Rock]. I was thinking, well, I could do one sculpture and then, every year, add another one. That would have been fine.” Enter John Gaudin, local investment manager and who many in North Little Rock consider the godfather of Argenta, having led the effort to convert it from a shabby, dangerous-after-dark stretch into one of the most vibrant arts and entertainment districts in all of Arkansas. Gaudin and Kresse had known each other for more than three decades, and when Gaudin heard the artist’s vision might bloom across the river, he leaned in. “He had this idea of doing something small, recognizing five or six musicians, and then Kevin got the commission to do the Johnny Cash sculpture for the U.S. Capitol at the statuary hall,” Gaudin said. “He kind of threw all his eggs in that basket for a while, and when he was done, we started talking about if he was going to do a second copy [of the Cash statue] somewhere in Arkansas. He said he’d love to, but he didn’t have any plans, and nobody had contacted him about anything. “I started thinking about it and talking to Karen and Scott Landers, who’s a local philanthropist here. I said, you know, I think this is something that has legs if we did something recognizing the icons of Americana music that came out of our state. We started brainstorming, and I knew there was a strip of property on the Argenta Plaza that would be an ideal place for something.” As each piece fell into place, the vision for what would become atg Pavilion came into sharper focus. Spradlin and Kresse spearheaded The pavilion will include a replica of Kresse’s Johnny Cash statue a committee that compiled a list on display in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Dwain Hebda) of musicians to be included in the display, a roster of 21 groundbreaking musicians across a variety of genres. For example, Greg Spradlin, owner of marketing com“It was really interesting the feedback we got. As soon pany Arkansas Explorer, was working with the family of the as it was announced that we were doing this, people came late Levon Helm, noted Arkansas musician and member of out of the woodwork saying, ‘Oh, you forgot so-and-so,’” The Band, to which he would recruit Kresse to participate. Trevino said. “The list boils down to transformational artists. “They wanted to create a bust [of Helm] as kind of a meThere were a lot of artists who had a lot of talent and had remorial project in his hometown of Marvell, Arkansas. That cordings and did things, but did they make such a difference was about 2014,” Spradlin said. “They were looking for an artin the industry such that it changed the way that music was ist to create the bronze bust of Levon, and they were originally seen worldwide? That was the list we were going for.” looking at someone in Las Vegas, which made absolutely no Honorees will be represented in the pavilion display by a sense whatsoever. Meanwhile, I’d known Kevin as one of Arbronze bust, sculpted by Kresse and done in phases, except kansas’ foremost artists and sculptors and has been for years. for Cash. The Man in Black will be a central figure in the “In Arkansas, everything starts with, ‘I know a guy,’ and space thanks to an 8-foot exact replica of the 2024 statue that’s how Kevin got involved, and it became kind of a pasKresse was commissioned to create for display in the U.S. sion project for him.” Capitol, one of two works representing Arkansas and the Kresse, in turn, in addition to filling up his living room first statue in the collection honoring a musician. with one musician’s bust after another, was casually scoping Spradlin, an Arkansas music fanatic on par with Kresse, out potential locations where the bronzes could be placed for said he found the process of compiling the list of artists to be the public to view, learn about and enjoy. displayed exciting, as well as daunting. “I was poking around at different little places just on my

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“What came out of [Arkansas] affected the music that was going on in the United Kingdom, and those artists came to America to learn about the blues, to learn about rock ‘n’ roll.” — Karen Trevino,

Al Bell, North Little Rock Big Bill Broonzy, Pine Bluff Glen Campbell, Delight Johnny Cash, Dyess Jimmy Driftwood, Mountain View Lefty Frizzell, El Dorado Al Green, Forrest City Ronnie Hawkins, Fayetteville Levon Helm, Marvell Scott Joplin, Texarkana Louis Jordan, Brinkley Albert King, Osceola Florence Price, Little Rock Charlie Rich, Colt Granny Almedia Riddle, Heber Springs Pharoah Sanders, North Little Rock William Grant Still, Little Rock Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Cotton Plant Conway Twitty, Helena Sonny Boy Williamson, Helena Howling Wolf, West Memphis

NLR Tourism

“The music that’s made here is the most diverse out of all the other Southern states, other than Tennessee. We punch way above all the other states,” he said. “If you just considered our counties in the Delta, we are comparable to Mississippi in terms of our blues history. Then you factor in the Ozarks, which transformed the modern folk movement that started in the ‘50s and ‘60 that spawned Bob Dylan and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and the whole folk scene. South Arkansas produced Lefty Frizzell. We produced Glen Campbell. We produced Scott Joplin, the King of Ragtime. “We’re not talking about C- and D-level musicians nobody ever heard of. Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a fashion icon, social icon, a rock ‘n’ roll icon. There is no Jimi Hendrix, there is no Johnny Cash, as he would tell you, without Sister Rosetta Tharpe. There’s certainly no Elvis. There’s no Little Richard. I mean, we have the most diverse, rich musical soil here, and we’re long overdue for recognizing our role in creating popular culture.” Meanwhile, just as much work was going into fashioning the structure that would house the collected sculptures. Gaudin and Kresse had a mutual friend in Landers, founder of design software company atg, which stands for Advanced Technology Group, who not only became a major financial backer but lent his design team to draft what the building would look like. “Kevin was saying a lot of these musicians played in old barns and churches and stuff like that, so we didn’t want a real

building. We really wanted a structure,” Gaudin said. “Because the strip of land was long and narrow, it lent itself to a type of a pavilion. Scott’s people came up with the design that’s kind of an homage to the Thorncrown Chapel [in Eureka Springs], which gave it a good indoor-outdoor kind of a feel.” “Scott’s design team took that and ran with it and gave it more of a high-end barn look, almost like a temple meets a barn,” Kresse said. “When I saw it, I went, ‘Oh, that’s really more apropos. I could see this at night, the way the light could really do some wonderful things.’ Their idea was way beyond my original dream.” For his part, Landers said he got behind the project be-

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travel With the addition of the atg Pavilion, Argenta Plaza will be able to host even more musical experiences. (Photo courtesy of NLR Tourism)

cause of the multiple benefits it delivers to the community and visitors alike regarding the state’s history, present-day attractions and future potential. “You know, what keeps coming to my mind is the opportunity it presents for education,” he said. “What really drew me to this was introducing the general Arkansan and the visitor to how impactful music has been out of Arkansas. I think that story is untold. I don’t think many people really understand the impact that the musicians in Arkansas have had worldwide, and this gives a very approachable, very easy way to explore this. “At the same time, as we expand the facilities in Argenta, we expand our ability to bring more and more music into the neighborhood. That’s going to bring more people into the neighborhood and allow even more education, so it’s this cascading effect” While not technically a music venue, the pavilion’s use is envisioned for certain community events both by itself and as part of the larger Argenta Music Complex. Chris Kent, executive director at the Argenta Downtown Council, said combined with other musical venues and events in the neighborhood, the pavilion further solidifies the district’s reputation. “I think the gap that this fills really puts us on the map as a music destination,” he said. “Simmons Bank Arena has recently been tagged as one of the most-attended venues in the United States and the world, for that matter. We have other smaller spaces and venues for music, and what this does is tie things together and show us as a regional destination and a national destination instead of just local. “While the original concept of the plaza was as a gathering place, not really designed to be activated as a musical venue, with the pavilion being built, we’re also having a new [plaza] stage built that will allow us to accommodate bigger acts, more regional touring acts and more national acts to come through. All together, I see the [complex] hosting more live music events, and we’ll be able to do more inside the pavilion, which will provide protection from the sun and rain.” The pavilion is also envisioned as a prime educational piece on Arkansas history. Everett Gaither, vice president of marketing and communications at North Little Rock Tourism, said all ages of local residents, Arkansas natives,

“What really drew me to this was introducing the general Arkansan and the visitor to how impactful music has been out of Arkansas. I think that story is untold.” — Scott Landers,

atg

and guests from all over the country and the world will learn something by visiting the attraction, as well as experiencing nearby arts, dining and entertainment. “This is one piece of the wider scope of what’s happening in Argenta,” he said. “There is a ton of construction going on right now in our downtown with the opening of the event center and the new hotels and the things that have been going

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Karen Trevino

Kevin Kresse on over the last five to seven years in Argenta, in our downtown, that are really making it a cultural hub for our region. “Yet I was having a conversation this morning about how the majority of people in the U.S. don’t have a direct connection. We’re still kind of an unknown. There are very few things that they know about Arkansas, so this is a great way for us to tell a story that goes beyond North Little Rock. Argenta continues to develop these new and exciting things to see and do and learn right in front of us. It’s just very exciting to be a part of all of this at this time.” The pavilion is the city’s boldest move yet to leverage music tourism, a multibillion-dollar industry, not only as a standalone attraction but as part of a wider network of the honored musicians’ hometowns. Each community will receive for display a bronze bust like the one that will reside in North Little Rock to help them promote the artist right in his or her community of origin. Future plans include lining up communities into the Arkansas Music Trail, formalizing the guest experience. “There’s such a demand for authentic music tourism around the country,” Gaudin said. “You’ve seen it in Mississippi and Alabama and some of these other places. We felt like we really have as good as any other state in the lineup, we just weren’t taking advantage of it. “One way to tell those stories is to acknowledge their hometowns in each part of the state. To do a bronze in each of these communities is, we think, really important for economic development in these cities, celebrating a hometown hero in a place like Brinkley or Colt or Mountain View.” Landers said it is easy to see what would bring people across state lines and even international destinations to follow their love for music and to learn more about creators. “Music isn’t political, and even when it’s political, it’s not

political,” he said. “You go visit Scotland, and you listen to the music that’s being sung in the pubs. All of it’s got a political undertone, but nobody really sees it that way. “You and I can find any 10-year-old and listen to their playlist, and it’s probably got favorites of mine from when I was a teenager or even today. Music just transcends across generations, across religion, across race. It becomes this unifier that brings people together. Frankly, we need a lot more of that.”

The development of the atg Pavilion and the Argenta Arts District as a whole was a result of collaboration among North Little Rock Tourism, the Argenta Downtown Council and others. Seated (left to right): John Gaudin, Karen Trevino, Chris Kent Standing (left to right): Kevin Kresse, Greg Spradlin, Scott Landers (Photos by Jane Colclasure)

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History’s

Edges American blades, Arkansas icons and an ongoing legacy define the Bowie knife

By MAK MILLARD

n 2019, the Arkansas state legislature passed a bill that would become Act 510, naming the Bowie knife the official state knife. Later that same session, Act 818 christened Washington, Arkansas, the “Birthplace of the Bowie Knife, Arkansas Heritage Site,” and directed the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana to “promote and protect the art of bladesmithing and the Bowie knife crafted there.” Thus came to be the James Black School of Bladesmithing & Historic Trades at Historic Washington State Park. “The thought behind that was to honor the legacy of James Black, the legendary bladesmith that is credited [with creating] the original Bowie knife and, hopefully, to preserve the craftsmanship of modern bladesmithing and also an ode to the historic trades,” said Jennifer Teresa, dean of business, trade and industry at UAHT. To commemorate the occasion, the UAHT Foundation commissioned a blade from internationally renowned master bladesmith and National Living Treasure Jerry Fisk, whose own interest in the craft had been sparked in part by visits to the blacksmith shop in Historic Washington. Every element of Fisk’s design, called Arkansas No. 1, was carefully chosen, from 1,836 layers of steel representing the year Arkansas became a state to a handle fashioned from the James Black Walnut Tree located in the cemetery where the school’s namesake blacksmith is buried. In a press release from UAHT announcing the blade dedication to open the school, Fisk said, “It’s almost like the tree sprung up for this very purpose, to keep the history of James Black and Jim Bowie alive.” “I think this is definitely a source of pride for our community that we have the Bowie knife, which is known all over the world. To have that and have the school in the location where it was believed that it was forged it’s just a really cool thing,” Teresa said. “As far as for the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, we look for things that are innovative. We look for ways that we can meet the needs of our community, and I think this is just one way that we’re able to do that.” (Photo courtesy of Lin Rhea)

arts&culture “I just don’t think people quite grasp how common the Bowie knife form was in American culture.” –Victoria Chandler,

Historic Arkansas Museum

From a unique one-piece knife by Arkansas blacksmith Lin Rhea, opposite, to other pieces both historic and contemporary, Historic Arkansas Museum tells the stories of bladesmiths past and present. (Photos courtesy of HAM) A KNIFE LIKE BOWIE’S; A KNIFE LIKE BLACK’S The legend of the blade wielded by Bowie runs right through Hempstead County, where frontier Black, it has been said, crafted the knife that would become associated with Bowie and his exploits, from an infamous sandbar in Mississippi to the mission walls of the Alamo. Bowie No. 1, attributed to Black and believed by some to be the first Bowie knife, can be found in the knife gallery at Historic Arkansas Museum in downtown Little Rock.

“The Bowie knife is kind of a quintessential American knife,” said Victoria Chandler, curator of collections for the museum. “It is as American as it gets.” The man Bowie first made national headlines by surviving a spectacular, nearly fatal encounter after the “Sandbar Duel” of 1827 in Natchez, Mississippi, where he used his knife to kill one of his attackers and wound another. His death in 1836 at the hands of the Mexican Army in Texas later vaulted him to hero status,

This monument at the James Black School of Bladesmithing & Historic Trades at Historic Washington State Park stands as a reminder of the early Bowie knife's creator, James Black. (Photo courtesy of UAHT)

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and the singular sidearm became irrevocably linked to the Bowie name. Picking up monikers such as “Arkansas toothpick” along the way, “a knife like Bowie’s” became a staple accessory during the years leading up to the Civil War. By some accounts, the Bowie knife made an appearance at the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, while Hollywood later placed it at the side of John Rambo and through the undead heart of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, among countless other cameos. “I just don’t think people quite grasp how common the Bowie knife form was in American culture,” Chandler said. The problem with legends, however — especially those born along the settler fringes of a young nation — is in the details. Despite what popular imagination has claimed over the years, there is much uncertainty about the origins of Bowie’s knife as such. Later exaggerations and the blurring of related, though not identical, terms such as the “Arkansas toothpick” only complicate matters further. “I define the Bowie by its use, not its form,” said Bill Worthen, former longtime director of Historic Arkansas Museum and a preeminent historian of James Black and knifemaking. “It’s a 19th century American self-defense knife. Once the frontier settlements ‘settled down,’ it fell into disuse, to be revived in the Civil War as a military knife — not too practical in battle in the days of rifles, artillery and repeating pistols — to a style of hunting knife.” In fact, the blade Bowie used to defend himself against all odds in Natchez was described as merely “a big knife” or “large butcher knife” with little else to go on by way of looks.

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“What came about, as the idea of the Bowie knife became popular, was carrying a larger knife and carrying it openly.”

–Mark Zalesky,

Knife Magazine

Bowie’s brother, Rezin, claimed to have designed the knife used at the sandbar, and even then, he simply referred to it as a hunting knife. According to Mark Zalesky, leading Bowie knife historian as well as publisher and editor of Knife Magazine, it was only after Bowie’s death at the Alamo that stories playing up his connection to the popular blade started to circulate. “What came about, as the idea of the Bowie knife became popular, was carrying a larger knife and carrying it openly,” Zalesky said. “As a result, the knife had more utility than just a dagger for stabbing, and also, if you’re carrying it prominently, you’d like it to look like something nice. You want it to convey the message, ‘I have fine taste; look at this elegant object I have. I can afford an object like that — oh, and by the way, I have this knife handy, so don’t mess with me.’”

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arts&culture Rather than referring to any one feature, the term Bowie knife captured a whole host of knives concerned with more conspicuous modes of selfdefense. The lack of a specific origin date, Worthen said, is because the knives were already being used before they came to be associated with a certain name. Worthen and Zalesky presented as much — and much more — in their exhibit “A Sure Defense: The Bowie Knife in America” at Historic Arkansas Museum from 2013 to 2014. Arriving as the most extensive public exhibit of Bowie knives ever held, the collection comprised more than 200 knives important to the blade’s history. A book of the same name documents the exhibit over the course of 400 pages, along with essays and an indepth telling of the Bowie knife story from two men at the forefront of the field. What, then, of Black? As it turned out, his place in history was almost a victim of the blade’s success — at least as it was spun up in subsequent retellings. By the 1950s, the Bowie knife had become, similar to the man, an avatar of American frontier folklore and the aggrandizing of a bygone era. “We had this whole wave of people during this craze for the Alamo and Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie and all that, so people are writing stories left and right, and they’re pure fiction, and they’re all associated with James Black,” Zalesky said. The mid-1900s saw audiences enthralled by such works as Raymond Thorp’s Bowie Knife, published in 1948, and The Iron Mistress, a 1951 novel by Paul Iselin Wellman adapted to film in 1952. Though familiar enough with the

Modern-day bladesmiths such as Jerry Fisk keep the tradition alive, while schools such as those in Historic Washington and Texas introduce new generations to the craft. (Photos courtesy of UAHT) Black story, Thorp nevertheless took artistic liberties when it came to illustrations of the famed knife. The Iron Mistress went so far as to have the bladesmith incorporating the remains of a meteorite into Bowie’s legendary weapon. “When people started coming along in the ‘60s and became interested in Bowie knives as the ultimate knife collectible — in America, anyway — they saw all this baloney about James Black that had started being created in ‘48, and they took all of it and threw it in the trash,” Zalesky said. “The whole James Black thing was ignored because of the nonsense that came along in ‘48 and all through the ‘50s and ‘60s.” Black’s rightful place in the true story of the Bowie knife was at risk of being thrown out with the bathwater, as it were, trapped between layers of fiction and midcentury myth-making. It was Worthen’s research that

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Then-Gov. Asa Hutchinson, from left, then-Arkansas Parks Secretary Stacy Hurst and Rhea attend the James Black School opening. (Photos courtesy of UAHT)

James Black's original Bowie knife is displayed side by side with Fisk's blade honoring Arkansas. (Photo courtesy of UAHT) would eventually help bring Black out of the mire of skepticism into which Black had sunk over the years. “Bill Worthen, in ‘92, wrote the story that started turning the tide on Black and got us looking back at Black again,” Zalesky said. “It’s kind of fascinating how this little bit of fiction involved turned into a big bunch of fiction turned into, ‘Ah, it’s all baloney,’ and then it took Worthen to start bringing it back.” According to Worthen, Black did make a knife for Rezin Bowie, and he likely made one for Jim Bowie. It was not until 1841 that the Bowie knife’s “invention” was attributed

to Black by the Washington Telegraph. Yet it was nevertheless Black’s version of the blade — with an eye-catching coffin-shaped handle and silver wrapping — that had taken off in the meantime. Cutlers as far away as England eagerly copied the look, and they seemed well aware of the design’s Arkansas origins. “It was the marketers of the knives who really established the names,” Worthen said. “The folks in Sheffield, [England], etched ‘Arkansas Toothpick’ and ‘Bowie knife’ on their blades until some states passed laws controlling their use, and then they started using more generic terms like ‘hunting knife.’”

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THE FORGED-BLADE RENAISSANCE The bladesmithing world was not yet done with southwest Arkansas after that, though time had taken a serious toll on the blacksmith trade by the 1950s. Mechanization and modernization pushed a large number of blacksmiths into other professions, many later listed as mechanics. “There is such a thing as knifemaking, knifesmithing, and then there is bladesmithing, and they’re very different,” Chandler said. “You can grind a knife and make a knife by different means, but when you’re forging a knife with an anvil, with a fire, it’s a different process. You have to know how to be a blacksmith first.” New enthusiasm for forged rather than grinded blades was spearheaded by pioneering bladesmith Bill Moran, who at midcentury was one of few remaining blacksmiths in the United States. His rediscovery of “modern Damascus” or pattern-welded steel in the 1960s followed by the founding of the American Bladesmith Society in 1976 set the stage for a resurgence in interest in the art. Collaboration between the ABS, Arkansas officials and Texarkana College in nearby Bowie County, Texas, led to the opening of a first-of-its-kind bladesmithing school in 1988. The school, located on the grounds of Historic Washington State Park until 2019, was renamed the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing following Moran’s retirement from teaching in 2001.

arts&culture “There was an — let’s call it an explosion over time, to where the largest knifemaking group in the world is now bladesmiths, forging knifemakers, knifemakers who hand-forge, and it’s all centered around Arkansas and North Texas and all because of the presence of the school,” Zalesky said. “The school caused that to happen.” Attracting students from all over the world to Historic Washington, the school trained up scores of bladesmiths near the very place where Black had quite literally forged his own legacy well more than a century and a half earlier. One such alumnus, master bladesmith and Arkansas Living Treasure Lin Rhea, studied at the ABS school while it was still in Washington and teaches classes at the newer University of Arkansas outfit. “I was a knifemaker first, before I became a historic blacksmith, and after I started going down that road of historic blacksmithing, it changed everything for me,” Rhea said. “It changed the complexion of my work, literally. I had new ideas. I had new confidence.” As a blacksmith trained in historical techniques, Rhea has also played an integral role at Historic Arkansas Museum’s reproduction blacksmith shop since it opened in 2011. Having access to several historic knives through the museum gave Rhea insights into his own evolving craft, and his perspective as a contemporary bladesmith has likewise aided ongoing research efforts into the blades, their construction and the original forging techniques of blacksmiths such as Black — an area of investigation still turning up new information all the time. “We had archaeologists, historians and people who had their areas of expertise that had not made a knife,” Rhea said. “They had worked around knifemakers and knew something about knifemaking, but they hadn’t really completed knives directly themselves. I had that perspective, and so I could give the perspective of a knifemaker. “What would this guy do in this case, if there was a problem? How would he make it better? What about the historic knives that we see and that we’ve researched — what about them makes them either superior to other knives from that period, or what weaknesses do they have, and does it correlate with the condition that we find the knives in?” Rhea is also a particularly apt example of the interplay between historical knowledge and modern innovation in bladesmithing today. During his training as a historic blacksmith, Rhea was making objects with the assistance of Peter Ross, whom Rhea called “one of if not the best historic blacksmith in the United States.” Learning a variety of techniques he could mix and match to suit his creative needs, Rhea found he could “get out of that historic mindset and come right back into the 21st century,” borrowing from the old ways to “give the new objects a totally different look.” In the course of that work, he decided he would craft something new but with an added challenge — he would only use one piece of material with no additions. “It took me a while to do it. I’m talking about probably two to three years I had to develop a forging process [and] a design that was improving year by year,” Rhea said. “I went back and looked at my photographs on my phone year by year, and I could see the improvements, and when this feature, this little

improvement took place, and then this other improvement the next year, and so on.” The result was the X-Rhea Knife, Rhea’s original design forged from a single piece of steel. In an online description, Rhea called the development of the X-Rhea knife “a fine exercise in hammer control for the smith, yet it produces a strong, beautiful and unique knife.” Rhea then set to work on another, this time in the Bowie knife style, and said it was “quite a shock” to people when he first began to show off the new blade. “People just didn’t know what to think,” he said. “They thought it was going to be really, really heavy or not be strong enough or something. They just thought it was [going to] have problems, but it didn’t, and it doesn’t. I considered all those things that I learned in historic blacksmithing, and the principles that I used in making everything from padlocks to scissors to pliers to anything else.” BLADES OF YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW Rhea’s namesake contribution to the American bladesmith canon is also on display in HAM’s knife gallery. The first gallery in the country dedicated to the history of the Bowie knife and the forged blade in America, the knife gallery has been a part of HAM since the museum center opened in 2001. “That’s our focus with Historic Arkansas Museum’s mission is to talk about and educate the public on Arkansas’s early history but also its creative legacy,” Chandler said. The gallery was refurbished in 2023, giving the museum team a chance to recalibrate and sharpen the exhibit’s focus. With every exhibit, Chandler said, the question is one of what story HAM wants to tell and what visitors will take away. In considering the next chapter of the knife gallery, it became clear that the revival of bladesmithing past and present would take center stage. (Photo courtesy “Part of the exhibit that we wantof Lin Rhea) ed to touch on a little bit more was less about the history of the Bowie knife in pop culture and more looking [at] the artisans themselves,” Chandler said. “We have a new section in there, and it’s all about the art of the forged blade and looking at [the history], from Bill Moran starting the American Bladesmith Society and rediscovering Damascus steel and how blacksmiths kind of disappeared to today, with all the contemporary makers and especially celebrating our Arkansas contributions to that.” Central to meeting that aim has been HAM’s ongoing partnership with the American Bladesmith Society. A large feature of the exhibit has always been to display American bladesmith knives, Chandler said, and the gallery is also home to the American Bladesmith Society Hall of Fame. “The case that’s kind of in the center or in the middle of the gallery is this double view-through. On one side, it has historical blades, and on the other side, it’s contemporary blades,” Chandler said. “It’s just looking at the influence so you can see that continuity of what styles remain the same, how they’re forging the blades. You can physically see that [and] make that connection.”

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Dinner and a

Murder The Dinner Detective offers a night of crime-solving entertainment By ALEX HARDGRAVE // Photos courtesy of THE DINNER DETECTIVE

an audience through the night’s Two actors playing detectives lead at interactive murder-mystery show mystery at The Dinner Detective k. Roc e Littl n ntow dow in tial iden the Holiday Inn Pres

Dinner and a movie can be such an overdone date idea; instead, why not try something new and exciting, such as solving a murder together? OK, not actually, but attending The Dinner Detective in Little Rock promises to be a night of fast-paced entertainment that offers the chance to try one’s hand at cracking a case, said Whitney Axley-Andrews, owner. “We are unlike any other murder mystery show out there,” she said. “We are a one-ofa-kind experience. We are a very high-energy, comedic show. We’re like Saturday Night Live meets Law & Order.” The Dinner Detective was started by Scott O’Brien, a screenwriter who has worked on scripts based on real crime cases. One night, he went to a murder mystery dinner show with his wife, and the rest is history. “He hated it. He thought the show was terrible,” Axley-Andrews said, “so he thought, ‘I can do better than this.’ He decided he was going to develop a murder mystery that was an improv-based, very dynamic, flexible, relevant, modern take on the show.” The first show took place in November 2004 Culver City, California, and it was a hit with the audience. Axley-Andrews had recently moved from Charlotte, North Carolina, to California and saw an audition notice for the new show. She joined the cast and performed in about 80 Dinner Detective shows the first year.

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“Everything was brand new; they were just learning starting out,” she said. She worked with the show for about four years and then decided she wanted to move back east. O’Brien had begun to franchise the show in Denver and offered her a chance to franchise, as well. A few years later, in 2014, she started her first Dinner Detective attraction in Atlanta. “Twenty-seven locations later, we basically own all of the shows The experiences in the Southeast, anywhere from take place twice a month and South Carolina to Miami over to include a meal wi th every ticket. San Antonio, Texas,” she said. Axley-Andrews started the Little Rock location in 2017. The group has contracted with a few different local hotel venues for their events and landed at the Holiday Inn Presidential in downtown Little Rock, where the show has been for many years now. The public Dinner Detective show in Little Rock runs twice a month, typically every other Saturday night. Audiences can expect a night full of surprises, starting when guests’ are greeted by the host, who is one of the actors. As soon as people enter the room, they become suspects. Everyone is encouraged to mingle and observe the space before the show starts. There are also actors hidden among the guests Next, the crime occurs, suspects are introduced, and the investigation starts. As dinner arrives, the mystery unfolds. After that comes the time to interrogate suspects, compare notes with others and compete for the title of top sleuth. Anyone in the room could be the killer. Finally, everyone submits their answer form naming who they think did it, and the killer is unmasked. “When someone comes to our show, they’re going to be wowed, they are going to be surprised, and they are probably going to really have to think outside the box,” she said. In addition to the bimonthly shows, The Dinner Detective does command performances for birthday parties, corporate events or any private event where the host wants their guests to experience an interactive show. “Private events are really customized and personalized to the group themselves,” AxleyAndrews said. “We set up a conference call with the client and really do a deep dive into their show.” About eight actors are needed for every show, and the cast is made up of locals who auditioned for spots after seeing casting calls. Michaela McCollum has been with the show for years. When she is not doing a Dinner Detective show, she

arts&culture

is working as an educator, attending school full time or teaching dance classes. Steven Brashear is still new to the game, having been hired earlier this year. A National Guard recruiter by day, Brashear said he enjoys the chance to show his creative side when performing. He had done improvisation work in the past but did not see himself doing it professionally until he tried out for The Dinner Detective. “I am more of an introvert at heart, but I have always enjoyed being goofy, having fun with folks, entertaining,” he said. Even though a lot of the show is improvised, there are five different scripts that rotate through the act as the bones of the story. No matter the script the actors are using, every single show is different from the last. “If somebody came one month and then two months later, they are going to have a very different experience,” Axley-Andrews said. “[Repeat guests] just mean that they love what we do,” McCollum said. The improvisation that the shows call for help keep actors engaged show after show. “It’s challenging to put myself into different scenarios and having to think on my feet quickly,” Brashear said. “I really enjoy that challenge.” Both McCollum and Brashear agree that the best part of their jobs is seeing the excite-

Guests participat e in the show, he lping piece together clues to solve the crime. The best sleuth of the night wins a prize package.

ment from the audience and putting smiles on the guests’ faces. “Maybe somebody is coming to a show, they’ve bought tickets, but they’re having a rough night, and they’re probably thinking ‘I bought these tickets, but I don’t really feel like going. I wish I could just stay home,’” McCollum said. “We get to make them forget about their problems and be happy that they came.” Tickets for the public show in Little Rock are $71.68 per person, which includes the experience, as well as dinner. “My greatest joy for my work is to be able to provide so much fun and laughter to people,” Axley-Andrews said.

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2018

When you you walk walk into into the the Robinson Robinson Nursing Nursing && Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Center Center you you will will feel feel aa comfortable comfortable atmosphere atmosphere different different When from any any other other facility facility you you have have visited. visited. We We feature feature tall tall ceilings ceilings and and an an open open floor floor plan. plan. We We have have aa lovely lovely dining dining room room and and from covered outdoor outdoor patio patio area. area. aa covered We specialize specialize in in short-term short-term rehabilitation rehabilitation and and long-term long-term care care services. services. The The short-term short-term rehabilitation rehabilitation area area has has its its own own We diningarea areaand andday dayroom. room.From Fromthe themoment momentyou youenter enterour ourfacility, facility,we wewant wantyou youto toexperience experiencethe thedifference differenceour ourfacility facilityhas has dining to offer. offer. From From our our light-filled light-filled day day areas areas to to our our beautiful beautiful outdoor outdoor areas, areas, we we want want you you and and your your loved loved one one to to feel feel comfortable comfortable to and safe safe when when staying staying with with us. us. You You will will also also notice notice the the pride pride we we take take in in our our facility facility by by keeping keeping our our building building sparkling sparkling clean clean and from the inside out. from the inside out. Our team team isis dedicated dedicated to to providing providing aa safe safe and and comfortable comfortable environment. environment. Robinson Robinson Nursing Nursing and and Rehab Rehab offers offers modern modern Our conveniences in a gracious setting. We provide daily planned activities led by certified activity directors, like social events conveniences in a gracious setting. We provide daily planned activities led by Certified Activity Directors, like social events and outings and pastoral services with spiritual care for all religions. We strongly encourage family participation in group and outings and pastoral services with spiritual care for all religions. We strongly encourage family participation in group activities, meals and celebrating family birthdays and special days. activities, meals and celebrating family birthdays and special days. To help help you you plan plan your your visits, visits, we we provide provide aa monthly monthly event event calendar calendar and and aa monthly monthly meal meal planner. planner. Robinson Robinson Nursing Nursing and and To Rehab does does not not have have set set visiting visiting hours. hours. We We view view this this facility facility as as the the “home” “home” of of each each resident. resident. Rehab We try try our our best best to to communicate communicate with with patients patients and and families families to to help help alleviate alleviate the the anxiety anxiety that that accompanies accompanies this this journey. journey. We Our team team of of nurses, nurses, therapists therapists and and support support staff staff work work closely closely together together to to develop develop aa plan plan based based on on the the individual individual needs needs of of Our each person. person. We We recognize recognize that that rehabilitation rehabilitation involves involves not not only only the the patient, patient but the entire family. each

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nonprofit

More Than Cookies

Annual fundraiser Camp 501 shows what it takes to be a Girl Scout By ALEX HARDGRAVE // Photos courtesy of GIRL SCOUTS — DIAMONDS

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he Girl Scouts organization is well known for its yearly sweettreat fundraiser. The cookies — Thin Mints, Trefoils, Tagalongs to name a few — taste great, but what tastes even better is helping support the mission of Girl Scouts. Cookie sale profits go straight to the local troops and help power activities that teach girls confidence, courage and character. In addition to the beloved cookie fundraiser, Girl Scouts — Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas, has an annual fundraiser called Camp 501. Since the event’s inception in 2024, Girl Scout supporters around the area have been invited to step into a night of camp experiences to see what it is like being a Girl Scout. “Camp 501 is your chance to play like a Girl Scout and party like a grownup,” said Mary Grace Herrington, president of Girl Scouts — Diamonds. “You get to leave the ball gowns and tuxedos at home.” Instead, attendees are encouraged to dress up how they would if they were going to camp, meaning all manner of hiking boots, flannel shirts and blue jeans. This year, the event will take place the evening of Sept. 18 at The Venue at Oakdale. Attendees will be given a sash and have the opportunity to visit different activity stations, where they will earn merit badges to pin to their sash throughout the night. Activities will include crafts, archery and more. There will also be a silent auction and a short presentation about the organization. The night will be complete with a barbeque dinner from Whole Hog Cafe with Girl Scout Cookies for dessert, naturally, and drinks that are sure to pair nicely with both. Herrington said the events typically raise somewhere from $75,000 to $125,000 to support local Girl Scout troops. “We’re investing in the next generation of leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs, and however you support that — if you’re a volunteer, if you’re able to buy a ticket or a table or make a contribution to our annual fund — that’s what’s meaningful to Girl Scouts,” she said. Herrington said organizers want the event to also serve as an important connecting point for the community while showcasing the important work Girl Scouts does. “It’s most important for us to get people together to understand that girls thrive when they have access to positive role models and supportive peer relationships and leadership opportunities,” she said.

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nonprofit Becoming a Girl Scout not only connects young girls to other girls their age in their community but also connects them to a network of more than 2.5 million people nationally. This breaks down to 1.7 million girls and 750,000 adults, the organization’s website states. More than 50 million women in the U.S. are Girl Scout alumna, according to a 2024 report. Many well-known women were Girl Scouts growing up, including notable names such as Gloria Steinem, Venus Williams and Michelle Obama. The organization has been around since 1912, when a woman living in Savannah, Georgia, named Juliette Gordon Low created the first troop. During an era before women could even vote, the founder encouraged girls to embrace their strengths and create opportunities. More than 100 years later, Girl Scouts now has more than 100 local councils and groups in 92 other countries. These days, troops still do outdoor adventures and teach entrepreneurship through the annual cookie fundraiser, but members are also introduced to science, technology, engineering and mathematics through robotics and coding, as well as other emerging fields. “We’re working with girls at a young age, starting as a Daisy in kindergarten all the way through the senior year in high school, to help them develop their curiosity and their confidence,” Herrington said. “We also introduce them to the skills to imagine themselves as an engineer, a scientist, a programmer, an entrepreneur or a leader in any field they choose.” While Camp 501 is focused on supporting and deepening an understanding of why Girl Scouts is important for girls, the fundraising event is not limited to just women attendees. Everyone 21 and up is welcome and sure to find something they will enjoy doing. “I’ve seen men sitting at the friendship bracelet station making bracelets,” Herrington said. Tickets are on sale now and cost $125 each, or a full table for 10 can be purchased for $1,250. Herrington encourages people to get tickets sooner rather than later, since space is limited. AY Media Group is proud to be presenting sponsor for the 2026 event. “We really hope our attendees get a deeper understanding of the Girl Scouts experience and see that it really is more relevant today than ever before,” Herrington said.

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NURSING & REHABILITATION LIVING PROFILE

Briarwood Nursing and Rehab is a 120-bed skilled facility located in an urban setting within the heart of Little Rock, in the neighborhood of Briarwood. We are located just minutes from downtown Little Rock and are only one block off interstate 630. We provide long-term care and short-term rehab care. All residents are monitored throughout the day with assistance in providing daily care as is needed: bathing, dressing, feeding and providing medications. Briarwood staff also work at ensuring the best care for residents through individual care plans of residents' needs, as well as daily activities, which allow for a variety of interests and abilities. Nearly all - 98 percent - of our rehab residents return to the community as a result of positive, caring therapists. Briarwood's approach has provided healing to many people in the community. At Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, we are committed to ensuring that the best possible care is given to you or your loved one in an atmosphere that is calm, quiet and focused on healing. We endeavor to ensure that all aspects of your well-being — mental, physical and spiritual — are cared for in a peaceful and safe environment. Our staff strive to promote dignity, respect, and independence as much as possible, in a beautiful, soothing enviornment that was designed with our residents' comfort in mind. Briarwood's service-rich environment is made possible by its dedicated staff, from our nursing staff and therapists, to our operations and administrative employees. At Briarwood, our residents enjoy three generations of staff and families. That is over 30 years of service to the community!

501.224.9000 • 516 S. Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock • briarwoodnursingandrehab.com

health

Just Like home

When it comes to elder care, comforting surroundings can make a world of difference By DOUG CRISE

he power of home simply cannot be quantified. It is where people go to rest, to heal, and to be around family and close friends. Familiar settings can and do play a huge role in both mental and physical recovery, just as applying a personal touch to clinical problems can make a world of difference when treating illnesses and conditions. “There’s a reason people say ‘There’s no place like home,’” said Michael Pate, director of home health services at Conway Regional Health System. “We believe healing happens best in the comfort of familiar surroundings.” Such an approach is doubly important when working with the elderly. Having an opportunity to stay in a known and familiar setting while receiving professional care and rehabilitation can make a massive difference both physically and psychologically.

On the same side of the coin, inpatient care facilities that strive to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere generally have better outcomes. As such, projections from Fortune Business Insights predict the American home healthcare industry to generate a value of $176.30 billion by 2032. As technology and access improve, more and more families are looking for homecare services for their loved ones. As the industry grows, so does the menu of available services. Common medical issues facing seniors can include cardiac events, falls, orthopedic injuries, infections and respiratory problems. They are not conditions that can be fixed in one day, and more to the point, they are not necessarily handled by a single healthcare specialist. Increasingly, care services rely on skilled nurses or other professionals who can manage and monitor multiple health conditions at the same time. If all of those conditions can be addressed either in the home or in a home-like facility, the outlook stands a better chance of improving.

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health “It’s about preserving dignity, confidence and quality of life.” –Michael Pate, Conway Regional

“For many older adults, staying at home is about much more than convenience,” Pate said. “It’s about preserving dignity, confidence and quality of life.” To that end, Conway Regional’s Home Health Service offers a robust selection of care for homebound seniors, care that enables them to get better while in their own environment. Qualified patients can be seen by physicians, therapists, nurses and other specialists — all in the comfort of where they live. “Our physical, occupational and speech therapists can identify challenges that simply aren’t visible in a clinic setting,” Pate said. Bailey Smith understands that from both a personal and professional level. As owner and chief operating officer at Executive Home Care in Conway, Smith had already experienced life as a caregiver due to her parents’ battles with multiple sclerosis and ALS. “This business is deeply personal to all of us because Executive Home Care is a true family-owned business built on lived experience,” said Smith, who shares administrative duties with her husband, Chase, and sister Jessica. “We didn’t just stumble into home care — we were called to it through our own journeys of caring for the people we love most. We have all been in the trenches, balancing the immense responsibilities of meeting our parents’ every need while simultaneously raising and caring for our own families.”

That means the relationships built with a patient’s family are also of critical importance, Smith said. From assessment to planning to the whole aspect of making sure a patient feels comfortable, no corners are cut. “Our services range from assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, grooming and meal preparation to specialized care, companionship and medication reminders,” Smith said. “We pride ourselves on creating personalized care plans that evolve with each client’s unique needs, ensuring they receive the highest standard of support.” That process begins with an in-home assessment, but it goes well beyond simply examining the patient and crunching clinical data. The initial visit also serves as the beginnings of a relationship.

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“This isn’t just about checking boxes,” Smith said. “It’s about understanding the individual. We sit down with the senior and their family to listen to their story, understand their health history and identify their specific goals. From there, we work together to build a custom care plan that is responsive to their daily life.” All that said, the fact remains that inpatient care is sometimes necessary, although as more and more service providers demonstrate, it does not have to feel like being stuck in a hospital. Based in Conway, Superior Health & Rehab offers both short- and long-term care plus on-site rehabilitation services. It all takes place in a warm and inviting two-story building that includes a courtyard, a library and even a beauty shop. Patients can enjoy furnished private rooms, a recreation area and, for the musically inclined, a piano room. All those amenities are not just window dressing or a token bonus but play a vital role in the healing and treatment process. “When someone comes to Superior, they are often going through one of the most difficult transitions in their

life,” said Executive Director Vickey Kirkemier. “They may be recovering from an illness, surgery, injury or hospitalization, or they may be making a longer-term transition in their care.” Count Kirkemier among the many believers when it comes to the mental and emotional aspects of senior care. There are plenty of places that can simply provide medical diagnosis and treatment, and the importance of that cannot be overstated. However, holistic approaches, whether in the home or in a care facility, make a huge difference. “We want Superior to feel less like a healthcare facility and more like a place where people feel safe, respected, welcomed and at home,” Kirkemier said. “The environment matters, but more important is how our staff makes people feel. “Our goal is for every resident and family member who walks through our doors to know they are more than a diagnosis or a room number. They are a person with a history, a family, preferences, goals and a story.”

“The environment matters, but more important is how our staff makes people feel.” –Vickey Kirkemier, Superior Health & Rehab

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Not mass-produced health care. Curated care. Conway Regional Home Health brings highly intentional and refreshingly personal care directly to you. Our team provides skilled nursing, therapy, and specialized services tailored to your needs, with a fierce commitment to your health and independence at home. This commitment to personalized care has earned Conway Regional recognition by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Home Health Agencies. See what Curated Care looks like for you and your family.

501-506-2747 conwayregional.org

health

By DWAIN HEBDA

Looking After Loved Ones Myriad resources in central Arkansas help seniors live healthier, happier

etting older brings with it a long list of challenges, from housing options to aging in place to access to healthcare, transportation and companionship. Often, when a person becomes incapacitated or less mobile, quality of life suffers dramatically, especially if their finances are limited or they do not have a family member in the immediate area to look after them and check on their wellbeing. Fortunately, Arkansas is replete with organizations and resources to help seniors navigate the latter stages of life and address the needs that come with it. For instance, many senior living communities now offer therapeutic services and care not just for their full-time permanent residents but for

seniors in the community needing short-stay medical options to recuperate from surgery or other health procedures. “That trend actually started between 10 and 15 years ago,” said Rachel Bunch, executive director of the Arkansas Health Care Association. “It started in just a small handful of communities, and now Arkansas has over 200 facilities in the state that offer long-term care and also speech, physical and occupational therapy in-house. “Having more than 200 facilities now that do that, people are generally finding therapy options closer to home. People who live in south Arkansas, for instance, if they got surgery in Little Rock, used to have to stay in Little Rock for therapy. Now they can go back home for those services.”

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health Therapeutic services are just one way today’s senior living communities are changing, Bunch said. She noted that operators in Arkansas have invested more in the accommodations at all levels, which helps boost quality of life. “I think the biggest change that we’ve seen in the last several years, just thinking about nursing facilities and the availability of different types of beds and options for placement, the biggest change you see today is the increase of new facilities and private room/private bathroom availability,” she said. “That’s something that we’ve worked really hard on as an industry over the last few years. It’s not the majority of the beds for the state, but we have made significant progress there.” Even some senior independent living communities, which, by definition, do not provide nursing care, have taken steps to make healthcare more accessible and convenient to its residents. Grand Village at Clear Creek, an upscale senior living community in Fayetteville, has introduced an innovative program that brings medical personnel to campus regularly for the ease of use of its seniors. “We have a physician’s group that comes in and makes rounds with residents who are signed up with them,” said Rochelle Johnson, chief operating officer. “They’re not having to go get out and go to a doctor’s appointment. The physicians have the ability to do lab work. They can do some radiology. Basically, healthcare can come to the residents.” The medical group offers primary care, as well as urgent care, and services can be paid for by the resident’s insurance. Johnson said the three-year-old program has gone over so well that she is looking for ways to expand it to include additional medical specialties. “We also have an audiologist that comes in probably once every three months and sees people. My goal is to also have an ophthalmologist, as well,” she said. “Again, it’s about making it easier so that residents don’t always have to go out into the community for care.” One of central Arkansas’ largest organizations dedicated to seniors, CareLink provides direct services such as Meals on Wheels, home care, Medicare counseling, legal referrals, operate senior centers and even pet care assistance. Michelle Gilbert, vice president of development, said the organization also acts as an information clearinghouse, helping seniors connect with other organizations that provide additional services outside CareLink’s offering. “This is a service we perform multiple, multiple times per day,” Gilbert said. “We really hope that the community understands what CareLink does but, also, that they think about us if they have needs for themselves or

Rachel Bunch

Rochelle Johnson

Michelle Gilbert

for their loved ones. If they find themselves in a situation where they kind of don’t know what to do, we hope that people default to calling CareLink first. “We aim to be a resource for senior services here in central Arkansas, and we are an unbiased referral source. We have a robust resource directory of just about anything you can think of in central Arkansas related to these types of needs and services. We will connect people with a program, a resource, whatever it is that meets their needs, whether it comes from CareLink ourselves or from another agency.” Gilbert said the need for such resources and services has never been greater, and, given the large bloc of aging baby boomers and even Generation X, which is largely made up of people 60 and older, demand will continue to grow substantially in the near term. “By 2030, 1 in 4 Arkansans will be over the age of 60,” she said. “Over the next few years, we will have a total increase in the number of seniors in central Arkansas that is equivalent to the population of Little Rock.” With a surge in the number of aging Arkansans comes the need for resources helping families deal with the onset of certain diseases, including dementia. Kimberly Kinder, interim executive director at Alzheimer’s Arkansas, said the prevalence of the disease is on a tear, exposing more individuals and families than ever to frightening new realities. “About 60,000 Arkansans who are 65 and older are affected by Alzheimer’s. That’s over 11 percent of the senior population in our state,” she said. “Alzheimer’s deaths rose 233 percent between 2000 and 2024,

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Arkansas has over 200 facilities in the state that offer long-term care and also speech, physical and occupational therapy inhouse. — Rachel Bunch, Arkansas Health Care Association

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health which is obviously a huge increase. It is now the sixth leading cause of death in the state of Arkansas. “That also equates to about 175,000 unpaid caregivers — husbands, wives, sons and daughters. Caregivers are often in the sandwich generation, which means they’re also caring for their children, as well as their parents, and estimates are over half of them have their own chronic health conditions.” Kinder said the organization offers a bevy of educational services to help individuals and families dealing with the disease. In addition to support groups and other resources addressing direct caregiving, the group also has services to help with other challenging, often overlooked elements family members face when caring for loved ones. “One of the things people run into a lot is Dad always did everything with the finances, and he has this account sitting out there that no one else knows about," she said. "We have lawyers and financial planning people that will do free consultations not to say, ‘Hey, let me manage your money,’ but more, ‘Let me help you find out what X, Y, Z account is.’” Alzheimer’s Arkansas also acts as a resource for the community at large, distributing

accurate information while dispelling myths about the condition. “There are things that lead to Alzheimer’s that are not genetic; as a matter of fact, most cases of Alzheimer’s are not genetic,” she said. “There are things we can do to help decrease the risk of dementia. One of those, obviously, is taking better care of yourself. I always say, you’ve got to exercise, and exercise is moving the body. Exercise keeps the brain active. “People think, ‘Oh, I’ll do some crossword puzzles,’ but you’re still sitting. You’re not challenging your balance. You’re not making muscles work. The evidence really does show that exercise in and of itself works the brain more than almost anything else.”

There are things we can do to help decrease the risk of dementia. One of those, obviously, is taking better care of yourself. I always say, you’ve got to exercise, and exercise is moving the body. Exercise keeps the brain active. — Kimberly Kinder, Alzheimer’s Arkansas

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU AY About You will never miss an opportunity to shine a spotlight on women, and the DECEMBER 2026 issue of our magazine is no exception. We want to hear from you — our readers — on who you think should make the cut. Be it a physician or pharmacist, nurse practitioner or CNA, if she represents exemplary work in any medium of healthcare, nominate her now at aymag.com through September 29!

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I N - H O M E C A R E • CO NWAY, A R K A N S A S

Care That Feels Like Family FAMILY-OWNED, NON-MEDICAL IN-HOME CARE SERVING CONWAY AND CENTRAL ARKANSAS WITH DIGNITIY, COMPASSION AND DEPENDABLE SUPPORT.

About Us

How We Help

Executive Home Care provides dedicated, non-medical care services designed to support aging clients, disabled clients, and individuals managing chronic illnesses. Our caregivers assist with daily living activities to ensure clients stay safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes—or provide supplemental care and companionship for loved ones residing in independent or assisted living facilities.

ERRANDS AND COMPANIONSHIP

HOME AND HOUSEHOLD

PERSONAL CARE

 Companionship Visits  Hospital and Facility Bedside Sitter  Groceries, Shopping and Errands  Transportation  Transferring Assistance  Specialized Care Plans

 Meal Preparation/Feeding Assistance  Light Housekeeping  Laundry  Other Activities of Daily Living  Respite Care for Family Caregivers  Recovery Support After Illness or Surgery

 Personal Care and Hygiene  Bathing, Grooming and Dressing Support  Medication Reminders  Mobility Assistance/ Toileting Assistance  Alzheimers and Dementia Care

L E T ’ S TA L K A B O U T C A R E

501-205-0044

conway.executivehomecare.com

C A L L TO DAY

FREE IN-HOME ASSESSMENT

Why families choose us  locally owned and family operated  Flexible scheduling  Free, no-obligation assessment  Serving Conway and Central Arkansas

Owners: Bailey Smith, COO | Chase Smith, CFO | Jessica Lawson, CEO

930 Wingate Street | Suite D3 | Conway

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murder mystery

Quick sand By SARAH RUSSELL

t was not a conscious decision. It never is. Susan Cooper was a mother and a grandmother who had become a drug addict. Her life was one of treading quicksand, and soon, very soon, the quicksand would be inescapable. Cooper, a confidential informant, had just been exposed. Rarely had there been sure footing in her life. Among the children her father abandoned, she was the one whose face too closely mirrored his. The target of her mother’s rage, she endured a childhood of physical and mental abuse, along with repeated sexual assaults at the hands of a family friend. At 16, she asked to be legally emancipated, a request her mother accommodated — sort of — by marrying her off to a neighbor in Malvern. By her mid-20s, she had two previous marriages and just as many kids. Then she found real love. Established in the business and church circles of Hot Springs, an older man made her his wife, adopted her children and fathered more babies. Theirs was a sweet life. Then came his cancer diagnosis. In the blur of exhaustion she faced as a fulltime mother and caregiver, Cooper began taking

caffeine pills. Her need for a boost — any boost — only escalated as her husband’s condition became harder for both of them. She moved on to taking substances she thought would just be a temporary fix. Despite her fight to save him, she was soon a widow with a drug problem. By 2016, Cooper was a 45-year-old grandmother proudly posting pictures on Facebook. Hardly anything else in her life was normal. The drugs continued to hold her by the throat. A new love had once again brought hope to her life, but he stumbled, violated his parole and was due to go back to jail. Facing that, he asked authorities about becoming a confidential informant to keep him out of prison or reduce the time he was facing. It was a hard no. As a parolee, he could not be put in a situation where he would have contact with drugs and/or felons, not even for the benefit of the law. Well then, he asked, could Cooper work as an informant on his behalf ? The authorities agreed. In March 2016, he went back to prison, and a deeply conflicted Cooper began trading drug buys for what she believed was time shaved off his sentence. “I have flipped on so many people, it’s more than I can deal with,” she told a friend.

Susan Cooper’s home in Malvern

(Photos provided)

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murder mystery

Standing on the porch, the cigarette gave her raw nerves no relief. When Cooper heard a noise close to the house, she screamed, and both women bolted for the truck. Mason was already in the driver’s seat when she heard the first shot and saw a bloodied Cooper frantically trying to get into the passenger’s seat. A hand pulled her out. Terrified, Mason drove off.

Ironically it was not on the streets but during a court procedure that her identity as an informant was revealed. Regardless of how it happened, she was now marked for death, and she knew it. In August, two men tried to force her into their vehicle. She knew them, and so did law enforcement, but unfortunately, there were no witnesses or other evidence to warrant charges being filed. The two men, Sam Sherman and Don Smith, fumed about bungling the hijacking. Sherman, a former college football player who discovered drug dealing equaled easy money, served five years in federal prison when he graduated to moving drugs interstate. At heart a family man, he was determined to go straight when he made probation in 2013, but after earning a commercial driver’s license and setting up a trucking company, he found it slow going. Frustrated, he told himself he would sell drugs again but only until the business was solidly established. Smith, Sherman’s cousin, bragged about being a baby daddy, but he was no family man, save for Sherman, who he would follow anywhere. Smith was a good wingman to have; while Sherman was not really known for violence, even the Marines had found controlling Smith was challenging. Those who got on the wrong side of Smith’s mood could expect a beatdown, especially any woman who owed him money for the drugs he sold out of his automotive repair shop. After the attempt on Cooper’s life failed, Sherman grew increasingly frantic, knowing that as long as the woman was alive, it meant the possibility of his parole being revoked, along with substantial new drug charges. Smith would be going down, too, because of his involvement. The two needed to rethink their second attempt, leveraging someone just as desperate in their plans. That someone was a woman we will call Donna Mason. Once a teenager in the local drug scene, she was then a former inmate who had recently returned to Malvern. There, she gave life an honest try, reuniting with her children, living with her mother and working at McDonald’s. She posted on Facebook that she was “clean and proud to be in her kids’ lives.” Unfortunately, old neighborhoods sometimes beget old habits. Mason made the ideal Trojan horse for the two thugs. Although the women had known each other for years, Mason did not like Cooper. Others knew that, but Cooper did not seem aware of it. Mason and

Smith also had history, and she knew all too well what he did to women who crossed him. Therefore, she would do exactly as he said. Mason started reaching out to Cooper on social media, knowing the informant’s Achilles’ heel was that she was still addict enough to go around her handler to get drugs. On Monday, Sept. 26, she got in Mason’s truck. Around midnight, they pulled into the circular driveway of an empty house on Grigsby Ford Road. Immediately, reality began to challenge Cooper’s decision to come along as she recognized the place she had previously had a bad drug deal. As total blackness surrounded the house and truck, Mason refused to tell her who was coming with the drugs. Cooper needed a smoke, and the women got out of the truck. Standing on the porch, the cigarette gave her raw nerves no relief. When Cooper heard a noise close to the house, she screamed, and both women bolted for the truck. Mason was already in the driver’s seat when she heard the first shot and saw a bloodied Cooper frantically trying to get into the passenger’s seat. A hand pulled her out. Terrified, Mason drove off. Getting Mason, Smith and Sherman to court for the murder was a long, hard slog that involved multiple law enforcement agencies. One investigator who saw the case to the end was then-FBI agent Jerry Spurgers. Spurgers would later write Murder at Midnight, the book upon which this article is based, in which he detailed not only the intertwined lives of the four people but of those in law enforcement who would not give up on justice for Cooper. There is more to the book, which explains in detail what is rarely revealed to the public, such as law enforcement jurisdictions, the legal constraints law enforcement is held to during an investigation, what electronics reveal in a case and, yes, why it can take so long to get a case to court. In September 2021, justice was delivered for the woman who found the quicksand inescapable. Sherman, Smith and Mason did not escape it either.

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ANNE MARIE DORAMUS A

Conservationist/Businesswoman/ Mother

s the first woman appointed to a full-term as commissioner of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, a term that ended in June, Anne Marie Doramus has made history in more ways than one. Known as a tireless community servant and, through her family’s company Arkansas Bolt Co., a member of the business community, she is most passionate about conserving Arkansas’ wild spaces. She enjoys the wilds as often as possible with her husband, Joe, and daughters Liza and Olivia.

WHAT DID IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE THE FIRST WOMAN APPOINTED TO THE AGFC FOR A FULL TERM? It meant a great deal to me. I am proud to have represented one of hunting and fishing’s fastest-growing demographics, and I hope my service inspires more women and young people to get outdoors.

WHAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED DURING YOUR TIME AS A COMMISSIONER THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? I am proud to have been part of a commission that launched and advanced so many important conservation initiatives. If I had to choose three, they would be the restoration of Lake Conway, the green tree reservoir renovations and Generation Conservation. Each represents an investment in the future of Arkansas conservation — our habitat, our wildlife and the next generation of Arkansans who will care for them.

YOU ARE A LIFELONG ARKANSAS OUTDOORSWOMAN. WHAT DID YOUR AGFC SERVICE REVEAL TO YOU ABOUT ARKANSAS’ OUTDOORS? Just how much opportunity we have in the Natural State. We are incredibly fortunate to have access to so many different types of public land, rivers, lakes and streams. Serving on the commission gave me an even greater appreciation for the diversity of Arkansas’s landscape and the work that goes into protecting and managing those places for everyone to enjoy. HOW CAN WE INCREASE THE LEVEL OF OUTDOOR PARTICIPATION BY WOMEN IN ARKANSAS? The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has fantastic education programs, and our Becoming an Outdoors Woman program is a great place to start. I encourage women to visit the AGFC website or one of our nature centers to learn more. I also encourage them to visit their local outdoors stores. The people who work there possess a wealth of knowledge and are often more than willing to help point you in the right direction. Sometimes all it takes is having someone show you where to begin.

HOW HAS BECOMING A MOTHER DEEPENED YOUR VIEW OF THE OUTDOORS? Becoming a mother is the greatest title I have, and it has given conservation an even deeper meaning. I grew up loving the outdoors, but now I look at these wild places and wild things through the eyes of my girls. I want them to grow up with the same opportunities I had — to see wildlife, explore the woods, hunt and fish, and simply enjoy being outside. My girls and I already spend quite a bit of time outdoors, whether we’re walking through the neighborhood pointing out birds and trees or they’re riding along with me while I put out game cameras. I’ve learned that their appreciation for the outdoors starts with those little experiences. If I can teach them to love it, hopefully one day, they’ll want to protect it too. The monthly “Diamonds” feature shares the lives and views of a diverse roster of proud Arkansans who are doing amazing things and are outstanding representatives of the Natural State. To nominate someone, email dwain@aymag.com.

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