Johnelles friend rode up front with Johnnie, but Johnelle was so taken with the dashing young man that when he passed through town the next night she outran all her friends so that she could sit next to him. (At the time he was involved in close to 90 projects. Johnnie Bryan Hunt, Sr. (February 28, 1927 - December 7, . She still has the ring more than 70 years later. Bryan serves on the board of J.B. Hunt and also is Chairman of Global Dealer Group, a private company with operations in . His gut told him when things would work. Innovative, driven, disruptive, integrity all terms we heard often with great passion. Ignoring advice to close up shop, the Hunts kept going. With our scale and fleet density, we are equipped to deliver. This site and all content is copyright 2020 J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. The Early Years. He formed another lucrative partnership with the Santa Fe Railroad. One of her friends who also fancied Johnnie didnt talk to her for three days, but the race was indeed over. 114 Scott Street This K-5 elementary school is located on Silent Grove Road in Springdale, Arkansas. Hunt is . Nearly 1,000 of them are members of the female-focused employee resource group named GROW that aims to recruit and develop leaders with diverse backgrounds, experience and unique points of view. . CONTENT MAY BE COPYRIGHTED BY WIKITREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. Today, his company is one of the largest employers in the state, with nearly 15,000 employees and a . "Many truckers and truck lines scoffed at this new operation and said we would fail. He headquartered his company in Lowell, Benton County. However, on arrival to Rogers Johnelle realized that the truckloads of company paperwork that had been moved from Stuttgart were in disarray and wouldn't make sense to the new team, so she decided to go in for just a few weeks to get everything organized and orient . Dec. 8, 2006 12 AM PT. People you trust, technology that empowers, and capacity to deliver are the ideals J.B. Hunt uses to help us keep moving freight forward. All she ever wanted was to take care of her family and home, but Johnnie, her husband of 54 years, and the legendary founder of J. Hunt; Fayetteville, Arkansas, 2006© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #52: Still frame from Pryor Center video interview with Johnelle and J. Hunt, standing beside her on the driveway© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #45: J. Your email address will not be published. I was actually driving a truck when I was in high school, she recalled in a July 2017 interview. Arkansas Business Publishing Group None of us can see it, but the people that are passing by can. career with a company that is always finding new ways to grow, search jobs to find an opening near you, Ignoring advice to close up shop, the Hunts . I was hungry once. Johnelle Hunt, who co-founded J.B. Hunt with her late husband, Johnnie Bryan Hunt, said that when they moved the company to Northwest Arkansas over 50 years ago, its major industry was poultry . To this day, the blackandyellow scroll is one of the most recognized symbols in transportation,proudly markingthousands of trucks and trailers moving across North America. Required fields are marked *. Because if you're afraid of losing, you'll never make it.". Hunt sitting in an Adirondack chair© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #17: Johnelle DeBusk (Hunt) in a Heber Springs letter jacket with J. Haverty had written a thesis in business school about how a railroad and a trucking company should team up to provide door-to-door deliveries, but when he first promoted the idea, people said, "this guy doesn't understand that railroad companies and trucking companies hate each other," Haverty recalled. Without Mrs. Hunt, there isnt a J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. And without J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., there would be far fewer opportunities for women in the trucking and logistics industries. With those values as a bedrock, all kinds of growth are possible. Our culture is one where we care about people, we care about our employees and we care about our communities. Mrs. Hunt once said of her husband, Theres an imaginary sign outside this building. "We never lost any money in the rice hull business after that. Johnnie Hunt is 64 years old today because Johnnie's birthday is on 06/21/1958. Its late founder is being inducted into the Supply Chain Hall of Fame tomorrow (alongside Henry Ford and Malcolm McLean) for his industry-changing deal with the Santa Fe Railway Company, which made intermodal transportation work for the first time. Eight years later, the couple bought . So much so that they used to host company picnics in their home in Springdale, just down the road from headquarters. We also bring our readers the best of Little Rock's cultural offerings, cuisine, events, party photos, and attractions, and the most comprehensive event calendar in the city. Then Michael Haverty from the Santa Fe Railway Co. approached Johnnie Hunt with a new idea. opportunities in driving, technology, and office jobs, both at our corporate campus and at field locations across Throughout our storied history, J.B. Hunt has always been a company deeply rooted in growth and innovation. We offer career People you trust, technology that empowers, and capacity to deliver are the ideals J.B. Hunt uses to help us keep moving freight forward. Find loads for owner-operators, fleets, power only carriers and home delivery carriers. are driving the change we see for ourselves down the road. Cooking Up Down-Home Dishes for Youth Ho Voices Carry: Sharing Stories of Addicti Accents: Highlights of the March Issue Ballet Arkansas Presents "New Works" at Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Be a Part of the Cure Walk benefiting the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Cirque Over Broadway presented by Arkansas Circus Arts, Equip Small Business Series: Creating a Promotional Video Script for your Business, Little Rock Hope CARE Workshop with Alzheimer's Arkansas, Little Rock Soire Head of the Class 2023, Little Rock Soire Mental Health Resource Guide 2023, Life Cycle: Pedaling Out a Passion for Cancer Care, Mental Health Resource Guide: Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System. Hunt and other business leaders in Lowell, Arkansas, 1979© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #43: Johnelle Hunt (right) with Harry Ward and Hillary Clinton at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #44: Johnelle Hunt on a motorcycle with her husband, J. He was one of northwest Arkansas's most active promotors for business development. They were a perfect pair. Hunt with his grandchildren: Martin Tinnin; twins, Tessa and Phoebe Hunt; Bailey Hunt; Tarra Tennin; and her cousin, Ellen Tennin; 1991© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #47: Hunt family at the beach, 1995© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #48: J. Hunt introduced computers to truck drivers in the 1990s. B. ", Esper said students with work experience at the company "are much more attuned to the issues out there and are looking at those issues in a much more innovative way.". The deal would have macroeconomic effects, too. Good to meet you. shake-hands-and-move-on kind of thing, Hicks says. Hunt began J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. in 1969 with five tractors and seven trailers. We know that Johnnie's political affiliation . 4. I can rent that out for a lot!". The Hunt family in 1984, from left: Bryan, Johnelle, Johnnie (J.B.), and Jane. contracting opportunities that arise at the email address you provided. It wasnt just a little quick Hi, how are you? In many cases, this helped both drivers and the company. JB Hunt- Early Life, Real Name, and Family. [1][2], In 2004, he stepped down as chairman of the company and retired from running the company's daily operations. We have always been this way, and I learned this from my parents because they went through the Depression. Hunt with his daughter, Jane Hunt, in front of their Pontiac, 1958© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #26: Johnelle Hunt with her daughter, Jane, and her son, Bryan; 1959© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #27: J. Find loads for owner-operators, fleets, power only carriers and home delivery carriers. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, What the work-from-home era has done to office politics, Regulators seize First Republic Bank, sell to JPMorgan Chase, First Republic up in air as regulators juggle banks fate. [1][2], In the 1990s, the company grossed over $1 billion annually, employed thousands of people, and operated in Mexico and the United States. "The thing that I know for sure about J.B. Hunt is that they really pride themselves on being innovative," said Esper. In the following decades, as the two built the company into one of the largest and most influential transportation providers in the nation, Mr. Hunt never took his finger off the pulse of the road. The Hunts have passed the torch on to todays J.B. Hunt leaders, who continue to stress the core of the companys culture. Thats the power of the platform. [1][2] He lived in Fayetteville, Washington County. Her son Bryan Hunt is on the board of J.B. Hunt Transport Services. It was just what we did, things like that. Trucking magnate J.B. Hunt dies at 79. The 10-year-old had to go to work cutting timber at his uncle's sawmill. Hunt Rice-Hul truck© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #30: DeBusk family reunion, 1964© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #31: J. So, too, have the J.B. Hunt drivers who put in mile after mile to make sure our customers shipments get to the right place at the right time. Hunt Transport Services. Hunt in his red pickup truck, Heber Springs, Arkansas© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #15: J. The criteria for admission? To capture the style and culture of Little Rock and its people and to be the ultimate guide to the best the city has to offer. Heber Springs, Cleburne, Arkansas, United States, Springdale, Washington, Arkansas, United States, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/16959483/j-b-hunt, 1930 US Census, Cleburne County, Arkansas, West Peter Creek Township, Cleburne County, Arkansas, 1950 US Census, Cleburne County, Arkansas, Giles Township, Cleburne County, Arkansas, Pinnacle Memorial Gardens, Rogers, Arkansas. In 1969, the Hunts relocated to Northwest Arkansas, where we are headquartered Johnelle Hunt is a business icon who mainly wanted to be a full-time wife and mom. Thats regardless if they are man or woman, in Lowell or located in a field location, whether they drive for us or they're in an office setting, in one of our maintenance shops, introverted, extroverted, person of color or not.. Want to receive more stories like this in your inbox? B. In the impromptu conversation that followed, Mr. Hunt sought to go deeper than surface level. We have made great strides throughout our company history, but this is truly just the beginning. B. J.B. Hunt employees are the human capacity working to create . Hunt Rice-Hul Company, Stuttgart, Arkansas© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #29: J. Johnelle recounts how she really wanted to be a full-time mother and homemaker, but Johnnie must have seen her business potential and her magical way with people. Book loads in Carrier 360 to get savings and earn rewards on thethings you need most to keep your fleet moving. Johnnie would later buy Johnelle a ring with a significantly larger diamond, something more befitting a multimillionaires wife, but to this day Johnelle treasures the simple ring with the tiny diamond, because she knows how hard Johnnie had to work to pay it off. Over the past few years, we have developed new capabilities that improve the experience of our drivers and automate efficient carrier solutions for our customers. Stuart Scott, chief information officer and executive vice president, saw that firsthand during a new employee orientation in 2016. I also did the hiring, but that was when we were smaller. Hunt and still frame from Pryor Center video interview© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #2: Red River Feed Company owned by Johnelle Hunt's father, Johnie DeBusk; Heber Springs, Arkansas© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #3: Childhood photo of J. And because she broke into the industry and forged her path, others could follow in her footsteps. And you know what, that was just like pouring fuel on the fire, is when he would come up with these ideas and I would say, Now, Johnnie, why would they do that? Or, Why could you do that? And I think that was the driving force. She continued to serve in a variety of roles until 2008, when she stepped away from the companys board of directors. We hold a big celebration for each driver when they pass a landmark distance like 100,000 miles., When asked what she is proudest of, she says: Im proud of everything about my family and all the people we work with. Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 After completing seventh grade, Hunt worked at his uncle's sawmill and sold lumber. B. Were building a technology platform for everyone and creating a digital space where previously unconnected networks can come together to drive out the inefficiencies and waste within the industry. Before he and his wife Johnelle Hunt started this company in 1961, Mr. Hunt was a driver with a regular route between Little Rock, Ark. "Let's just say I have been laughing a lot.". When asked if she gets tired of it all she says, well, yes, but I promised Johnnie Id look after things.. -- the center of the universe,'" Johnelle Hunt recalled. In this multi-part series, we dive into the key components driving our mission to create the most efficient transportation network in North America - thinking big and taking risks, building a talented workforce unlike any other, and offering stellar customer service. B. [5], In 1950, he lived in Giles Township, Cleburne County, and worked hauling lumber to make a living. B. Weve invested. Johnelle Hunt dubbed it "our golden goose.". There is so much more to J.B. Hunt than trucking. It makes me feel so great because this will always be my baby. 2008 - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. Hunt and Johnelle DeBusk (Hunt) (right) with their friends on Petit Jean Mountain, Arkansas© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #20: J. Our six-week newsletter will help you make the right decision for you and your property. He was able to carry more freight and provide more work for the drivers. Johnnie Hunt Sr is Notable. Our office and field employees and maintenance team have all played vital roles in helping us build North Americas most efficient transportation network. B. The Hunt family donated the land for the school, valued in excess of $500,000. I did shipping and generally anything that needed to be done. At that time, as today, the two industries competed intensely for freight. Johnelle Hunts late husband, J.B. Hunt, will be honored Tuesday by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals inaugural Supply Chain Hall of Fame class. By completing this web form, you are agreeing that your information will be used in accordance with J.B. Hunt Transport's. He also sold the mills wood shavings to poultry farmers for ground cover in their chicken coops. B. and Johnelle Hunt (center) with (on left) her mother and sister, Ollie DeBusk and Gloria Duckworth; and (on right) brother-in-law, Jack Duckworth, on their way to Spain, 1971 © Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #38: Hunt family, 1975© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #39: Johnelle Hunt (left) and her sister, Gloria Duckworth© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #40: Johnelle and J. As our founder, Johnnie Bryan Hunt, once said, "Today is going to be better than yesterday." . [1][2][8] He was buried at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens in Rogers, Benton County, Arkansas. spirit to make the company a leader in the transportation industry. I was, therefore, surprised when she said she's thinking about moving. "J.B. Hunt said, 'I'm willing to forgo my driver, truck and trailer and share that with the railroad, because I think it's more valuable for the U.S. economy and my customers,'" said John Kent, director of the supply chain management research center at the Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Forbes currently ranks Johnelle Hunt as the fifth-wealthiest self-made woman in the U.S. One of the reasons for the growth was J.B. Hunt's partnership with the Santa Fe Railway Company in 1989, the first successful venture in intermodal transportation between the rival industries. Arkansas. A few years after what began as a rice hull operation, J.B. Hunt purchased IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE & DISCLAIMER: YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO USE CAUTION WHEN DISTRIBUTING PRIVATE INFORMATION. Johnnie Hunt eventually did, and the family moved to Stuttgart where, in 1961, they founded J.B. Hunt Co. Their first year in business they lost $19,000. To Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, employees were family. 2023 Five Legged Stool LLC. He briefly served in the army before working as a truck driver for Superior Forwarding Company. Powered by our people, the opportunities at J.B. Hunt are endless. Hunt died on December 7, 2006 in Springdale, Washington County, after injuries he sustained when he slipped on ice and fell, hitting his head. The Hunt family's fortune originates with oil wildcatter H.L. When we arrive at her Rogers home for our interview and photo shoot, she immediately apologizes for making us drive all the way to her from Little Rock. He carried a wad of $100 bills in a gold money clip and regularly handed them to people he thought needed the money. B. and Johnelle Hunt, March 9, 2006© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #49: Hunt family © Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas, #50: Still frame from Pryor Center video interview with Johnelle and J. Johnnie was the idea man, and she focused on the fine details that kept things moving behind the scenes. J.B. and Johnelle Hunt on their wedding day, January 19, 1952. That was 42 years ago, and she has been working full time ever since. Capacity to deliver. Being with the drivers is one of my favorite things. And we feel like we really did.. The late Johnnie Bryan "J.B." and philanthropist Johnelle Hunt, the chairman of Hunt Ventures in Rogers, co-founded Lowell-based carrier J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. Jane Hunt Meade and . Hunt passed away on December 7, 2006. Esper is an officer at the council and has been involved with the group for 20 years. His first name is "Johnnie" and his last name is . Soon, he met Johnelle, a 16-year-old from Heber Springs. We're so ready to see what the next 60 years have in store. There were a few other women employed by the company when it was founded, but not many. But Johnnie promised me that if we moved I did not have to work.. She would try to be his voice of reason, but it only inspired him to keep pushing forward. [3] He left school after the seventh grade to work at his uncle's sawmill and later found other work picking cotton and selling lumber. The key is to find out how to maintain a degree of resilience that allows you to keep on moving," said Terry Esper, associate professor in the department of supply chain management at the Walton College. Bryan Hunt is heir to one of the largest transportation companies in North America. Technology that empowers. B. Public asset : 14,729,242 USD. After a bank loan, the Hunts were officially back in the trucking business, and they moved to Northwest Arkansas. Also, the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Center in Springdale, Arkansas, has been established . Mr. Hunt always dreamed big, and Mrs. Hunt provided the She attended Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway before marrying Johnnie Bryan "J. If there was something that the company could do better, after all, drivers would be among the first to know. The ERGs also support the advancement of women, African Americans, Latinos, veterans and individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+. He let everybody know how much he cared about them, what a good job they were doing.. I learned to drive very early and I would take one of Daddy's big trucks on a Sunday afternoon and put my friends all in it and drive around in the neighborhoods right there in town, driving that big truck. Johnnie Bryan "J. B." Hunt Sr. was born on February 28, 1927, in Heber Springs, Cleburne County, Arkansas. We got up the next day, and we just kept working," Johnelle Hunt said. Johnnie Bryan Hunt was born on February 28, 1927, in Heber Springs, Arkansas. I said, 'What's the deal?' May 4 Ballet Arkansas Presents "New Works" at Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, May 6 Be a Part of the Cure Walk benefiting the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, May 7 Cirque Over Broadway presented by Arkansas Circus Arts, May 10 Equip Small Business Series: Creating a Promotional Video Script for your Business, May 12 Little Rock Hope CARE Workshop with Alzheimer's Arkansas, Enews Unsubscribe | About Us Johnnie proposed to Johnelle on their way to her high school graduation with a small diamond ring he had bought with $80 borrowed from his aunt. Johnelle Hunt agreed, saying resilience and lack of fear of failure were key to her late husband's success. rimmel london annual report, strongsville baseball fields, in memory of jack wright arrow,