Saline County Executive Association

03/05/2026

Last week, SCEA met with our own Brooke Plack leading our Business Brief.

Brooke is the owner and founder of Empire Kids, Connect Kids, Empact One Foundation, The Space, and a podcast helping individuals navigate their personal growth. This empire was not built without a lot of hard work, long hours, passion, failures and good luck.

Brooke comes from a hard-working blue-collar background. Her dad moved to Bryant to sell cars for Landers
Oldsmobile and her grandparents owned a legendary speedway in Centerville. After graduating high
school in Bryant, Brooke went to the U of A where she cheered for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Brook received a degree in business and moved back to Bryant to work in the IT field. After a short while she recognized that IT was not her passion so she started on a journey to find her passion.

She chose to get an education degree and became a teacher. While teaching she was also the cheer coach at Bryant Middle School. These two opportunities laid the ground work for her to teach cheer and affect the lives of hundreds of kids.

In order to meet the needs of her small family Brook began coaching cheer students after hours in her garage. This “extra money” quickly grew into a large business. She rented space in the back of McClure Fitness, out grew that so she moved next door to the Luigi’s all while still teaching at Bryant. In about a year and a half (2015) she took the leap and became a self-employed business owner. Within the next few years, Brook purchased the building next to 10 Fitness and the old Ranch and Rider building.

Brooke has faced many defining moments, but none more providential than COVID. Prior to COVID, Brook
owned the building that was next to 10 Fitness. This building held her daycare. Shortly before COVID she looked at the numbers and determined that moving the daycare onto the main campus would save thousands of dollars. So, she decided to move the daycare onto the main campus and sell that property.
The move allowed Brook and Empire Kids to weather COVID.

Since COVID, Brooke has expanded the campus, built a new facility, started a non-profit to help under privileged kids stay in sports and prepare for their future, and she opened a unique office space sharing environment in downtown Benton. She also started her podcast Navigating Personal Growth where she
shares the lessons she has learned from both failures and successes in her life. The podcast is possibly her crowning achievement and is helping her personally prepare for the future.

Empire Kids currently employees 48 people, serve 800 kids in program and 103 in the child care center.
Brooke has a true passion for people and for children. She has a talent for starting and building a business
and she has boundless energy. But, most importantly she keeps a laser focus on her dream and her vision. If
something fails, she works harder and looks closer until she finds success. A lesson we all need to embrace!

Such an asset to us and our community! Thank you, Brooke!

01/15/2026

Members of SCEA met last Thursday with Clayton Maertens of Congo Fireplace & Patio leading our Business Brief.

Founded in 1920 by Clayton’s great grandfather, Congo Mercantile has been a family owned and operated business in Saline County for 105 years! Their first location was at Steel Bridge Road and Congo Cutoff. Today they are known by CongoFireplace & Patio located on the I-30 frontage road. Their goal is to be your go to company when you have any hearth or patio needs. They have vast amounts of products along with technicians, chimney sweeps and other supplies. If they can’t meet your need they will connect you with someone who can.

Clayton informed us that they work a lot with builders to outfit new builds and they work with contractors or the general public to repair and/or add to their current home. They have an enormous inventory with the main warehouse and store and six satellite warehouses. They can provide you with stoves, fireplaces, electric fire places, smokers (pellet and wood), along with beautiful and comfortable patio furniture.

Giving your family the gift of a grill, smoker or new patio furniture will make you a hero! Stop by and take advantage of over 100 years of sales experience and knowledge to find the perfect product to fit your needs.

You can be ready for the cold weather that is coming or you can look forward to basking in your new patio furniture in the
near future!

Thank you, Clayton!

12/18/2025

SCEA met last week with Jacob Stone of Elite Movers leading our Business Brief.

Jacob Stone is the founder and CEO of Elite Movers, Inc. He has a wife of 21 years, 4 biological children and 2 adopted daughters. The adopted daughters have given him to wonderful
grandchildren.

Jacob started many years ago working for Melvin Cloud Moving Company. It was hard work, little pay, but challenging both mentally and physically and gave that 19-year boy just what he needed.

After 6 years of learning to be the best mover he could be Jacob started his own moving company with a single truck and lots of experience.

Over the years he has developed his company with the core value of treating each of their clients as they (Elite staff) want to be treated. Elite Mover’s mission statement is to provide clients
with a Move Easy Experience. With this mission in mind Elite Movers do several things that set them apart from the rest.

First, they provide unique services. They move both short and long hauls and can go coast to coast. They provide full packing services and will pack the items you need packed and will help
you get set up when you unload. They have a 20,000 square foot receiving warehouse so they can receive and store specialty items as needed.

Second, they are customer-centric. They talk with you ahead of time and listen to your needs so they can plan meet all of your moving needs your needs. They developing pricing that has a 10-15% built in cushion to avoid “surprises”. Jacob investigates any invoice that is 10% over the estimate and refunds any amount that is their fault. They take your feedback and use it to improve services. Their goal is to make you move very easy!

Third, they use CRM software called SmartMoving to track and schedule each move from beginning to end. The customer receives information and updates from the estimate to completion.

Elite Movers has received rave reviews on Google (4.9 out of 5), Saline County’s Favorite Mover last 3 years, Soiree Recommends and AMP 2025 Best of the Best. Elite Movers keeps their
promises.

As SCEA members Jacob as ready to serve you and anyone you can recommend.

Thank you, Jacob!

12/04/2025

12/04/2025

Prepping for a little Open House tomorrow morning at the store for members of the Saline County Executive Association! Just gotta add a little fruit, Lokal Koffee, and Dale’s! Oh….and all if our amazing members!

If you or your friends, gal pals, or groups would love a private shopping event….these are such fun!

Pretties & Grace…the boutique for your home and gifts from the heart. Gracefully curated interiors & gifts. Wild 2.0. Where faith meets fashion! In our beloved store, you will find intentional details for a beautiful shopping experience.

Come see us at 102 N. Market street in Downtown Benton, our NWA location , and 321 S. Main in Malvern (featured inside Stated Apparel!)

Locally owned and prayerfully operated! Thank you for shopping small!!❤️

Shop online at prettiesandgrace.com! Link in bio.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok! Don’t forget to like, save, and SHARE! Spreading the love helps our little business to grow!💛

“Every good and perfect gift is from above….” James 1:17

11/20/2025

Last Thursday, SCEA met with Dr. Collins Simmons of Simmons Eyecare Clinic PA leading our Business Brief.

So, it all began in the 1960’s when Collin’s grandfather became an optometrist. He passed this love of service through eyes on to literally every member of his family. His sons, grandsons and in laws are all helping people better see the world around them.

Collin is a Benton High School graduate in 2013. Attended the University of Arkansas and Southern Optometry School graduating in 2022. He did a one-year residency in Memphis at the VA before moving back home in 2023. Collin is married to Anna Grace, has one son and a daughter to be born next week. So, his life is very busy but
fulfilling!

Simmon’s Eyecare Clinic was founded by his grandfather and was housed in the small triangle shaped building across from First Baptist Church in Benton. They soon moved to the building on Carpenter Street and shared this space with Dr. Brashears for many
years. Now the entire building is Simmons Eyecare Clinic.

The clinic does glasses and contacts as well as treat Glaucoma and Macular
Degeneration. In 2019 the law was changed to allow optometrist to perform some laser like polishing cataracts and SLT to help relieve pressure from glaucoma.

The clinic also does specialty contacts and glasses. One type of glasses addresses an issue that has become more prevalent in young children, Myopia (near sightedness). Because of the way Myopia progresses it can place a person at risk for retina issues later in life. Simmons Eyecare Clinic uses the cutting edge Stellest Lenses to help slow the progress of Myopia in children thus reducing the risk later in life.

Dr. Simmons continues to serve our veterans at the VA in North Little Rock. He works there one day a week and mostly treats Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma. Thank you, Collin, for continuing to take care of those who have served our country!r

11/11/2025

We received an inspirational business brief this morning from long time SCEA member Mike Clayton of Everett Auto Group. Mike has been with Everett since 2010 and has been actively involved in the growth of Everett Auto Group and their success.

Everett now has 7 different locations from Rogers to Searcy to Benton. They sell Buick GMC, Volkswagen, Chevrolet, Ford, Kia and Infiniti. They are the number one dealer in the US for many of their lines. They provide high quality and personal customer service.

However, with all of the success of the Everetts and Mike, he challenged us to consider what our goals really are. Selling cars is not the real goal in Mike’s life. He shared Philippians 3:13 and 14 with us, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

He challenged us all to look forward to what people really need and do not rest on past successes. Always look at the next opportunity and let that opportunity have a goal for what really matters. He shared that Paul clearly stated in Philippians that our real prize is to hear well done when we reach heaven.

Mike, feels this is important to us as business owners and leaders. We may be successful in business here on earth but, how are we using that success to help others reach the real prize?

He quoted Nick Saban from an interview after one of his national championships. “I don’t think about what was accomplished in the past. I spend all my time thinking about the next challenge to accomplish.”

11/11/2025

Last week, SCEA was honored to have been invited to a morning Open House at The Corner Downtown , the beautiful boutique owned by Alana Morris.

Such an inviting atmosphere, a sweet place to shop or relax and visit!

Thank you for having us, Alana!

10/30/2025

Last Thursday, SCEA had the honor of hearing Kenny Lowman of the Saline Co. Boys & Girls Club bring the Business Brief.

Kenny is not a native of Saline County. However, he did marry a Benton
native Tammy Richie. He has 6 kids and 6 grandchildren. His grandchildren live in Arkansas, Texas and China! Kenny Lowman moved back here almost 3 years ago to be close to family. This is a good season of life for his family.
Kenny took the position of club director when he moved back 3 years ago. The club is known for their after school and summer programming. They have served over 500 families in these programs this year.

The Saline Boys and Girls Club also provide sports programming like flag football, basketball and soccer. Over 1200 kids have been served in these programs. They also started a First Tee (golf) program this year and 40 kids participated. These activities
happen because of volunteer coaches who graciously give their time and knowledge.

The number one thing Kenny wants us to know about the club is the needs they have and how they are working to make sure kids can attend with as much financial assistance as possible. The annual Justin Moore concert took place Tuesday and many of our members attended and sponsored the event. This will help build a pool of funds to help families with Afterschool care. The funds that provided assistance for several years is no longer available. Child care is expensive and hard to find in Saline
County. The Boys & Girls Club fills a huge gap for families. Almost half the kids who attend the club are in the free and reduced lunch program.

It costs approximately $5,762.45 a day to operate the club. Memberships and fees only cover about 20% of that cost. Community support and grants are critical to keeping the cost low. The bottom line is this: Keeping kids in quality programs like Boys and Girls Clubs make successful adults that will work, play and give back to their
community in the future. SCEA is a huge part of making that happen!

10/23/2025

Last week, SCEA met with Rick Cross of A Little Bit Trashy, leading our business brief.

Rick has done a little bit of everything relating to protecting citizens. He is anArmy veteran where he served in Korea. He spent many years as a law enforcement officer in Little Rock where he met his wife Trisha who was also in law enforcement.
Rick’s wife really didn’t want to move away so Rick ended up as a Railroad Officer and was moved to Nebraska in the middle of the winter. Rick served as a Railroad Officer in St. Louis and in El Paso. He has seen the worst of the worst and dealt with a lot of
issues around drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
Now he is committed to protecting you from piles of trash!!
After his wife helped him receive multiple advanced degrees Rick decided to start a business removing trash! Rick focuses on helping individuals and businesses get rid of large amounts of debris and trash. He does by being flexible, offer competitive pricing
and exceptional customer service. The services he provides are listed below:

Dumpster Rental - He has 15 yard, 20 yard and 25 yard dumpsters and provides same day service

Trashy Bags – A very durable bag that holds up to 3,300 pounds or 3 cubic yards. They are a great options for smaller jobs.

Equipter Rental – The Equiptor will extend up to 12 feet and move across 4 feet.This will allow you to remove roofing debris or other debris that is in an elevatedlocation without damaging your yard and leaving dangerous material on the ground.

Rick stressed to call him if you want pricing. He has pricing on his website but he will give you better pricing if you call him. He also stressed that with his pricing there are no surprise charges or overages.

Little Bit Trashy can be a great partner for your business or your home!

09/25/2025

Be sure to grab lunch for your people to support SCEA’s annual scholarships! 10/9/2025!

09/25/2025

Last Wednesday, John Young of Peeler Bend Farms led our group!

John Young grew up in Marshall Missouri and graduated from Marshal High School and University of Missouri. He worked for Standard Oil for a while before ultimately settle in Saline County wherehe has lived for the past 60 years.

John bought, raised and sold cattle for the joy of it. He calls his cattle business his “golf game”. He shared his knowledge with us of cattle ranching in AR and his knowledge of cattle and beef in general.

The first cows came to the U.S. in the early 1800s. The first ones were Herefords and Angus came shortly after that. Herefords (England) and Angus (Scotland) provide they are smaller and they provide the highest quality beef in the U.S. They have great marbling that provides flavor and tenderness. Other breeds came later in the 1900s. They are larger cows with more muscle. They are not as flavorful or tender but still provide a lot of the beef in the U.S.

One of the cool historical points John shared was about the Goodnights of Saline County. They are direct descendants of Charlie Goodnight of Texas. Charlie was a well know rancher in Texas and a trail blazer for having huge cattle drives moving cows to the northern parts of the US. The well known series Lonesome Dove was based on Charlie’s life. The Goodnights of Saline County still have land around Mountain View Road in Benton.

USDA rates beef with as Prime, Choice or Select. Prime is the highest quality and only 2% of the beef in the US is rated Prime. John’s goal as a cattle rancher was to raise cows that produced
quality beef. He really liked the genetics of cattle ranching more than the operational logistics of it. His goal was to raise cattle that had a weaning weight of 450 pounds and adult weight of
900-1,000 pounds. It is important to get cows that have a good weight in order to make money on their beef. However, the larger cow breeds are not as high quality for consumption. So, he worked to find the sweet spot by using genetics and environment.

There are a lot of different breeds of cows and crossbreeding continues to make changes.

Today, the highest quality meat comes from Japan. Wagyu beef can be purchased in some places in the US. Kobe Beef is a type of Wagyu beef and is very lean and tender.

We really appreciate John sharing his knowledge and experience with us. If you get a chance, sit down and visit with John sometime!