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{{Short description|American trucking entrepreneur (1927–2006)}}
{{hatnote|This article refers to the founder of an American trucking and transportation company, [[J. B. Hunt Transport Services]].}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Johnnie Bryan Hunt
| name = Johnnie Bryan Hunt
Line 7: Line 7:
| birth_date = February 28, 1927<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pryorcenter.uark.edu/interview.php?thisProject=Arkansas%20Memories&thisProfileURL=HUNT-JB-and-Johnelle&displayName=J.%20B.%20and%20Johnelle%20Hunt&thisInterviewee=507|title=J.%20B.%20and%20Johnelle%20Hunt Interviews}}</ref>
| birth_date = February 28, 1927<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pryorcenter.uark.edu/interview.php?thisProject=Arkansas%20Memories&thisProfileURL=HUNT-JB-and-Johnelle&displayName=J.%20B.%20and%20Johnelle%20Hunt&thisInterviewee=507|title=J.%20B.%20and%20Johnelle%20Hunt Interviews}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Heber Springs, Arkansas]] [[U.S.]]
| birth_place = [[Heber Springs, Arkansas]] [[U.S.]]
| death_date = December 7, 2006 (aged 79)
| death_date = {{death date and age|2006|12|7|1927|2|28}}
| death_place = [[Springdale, Arkansas]] U.S
| death_place = [[Springdale, Arkansas]] U.S
| occupation = Founder and C.E.O. of [[J. B. Hunt Transport Services]]. (1961–2004)
| occupation = Founder and C.E.O. of [[J. B. Hunt Transport Services]]. (1961–2004)
| spouse = [[Johnelle Hunt]] (m. 1952; his death 2006)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.littlerocksoiree.com/post/113242/johnelle-hunt-notes-on-leading-a-billion-dollar-company-raising-a-family|title=Johnelle Hunt: Notes on Leading a Billion-Dollar Company, Raising a Family}}</ref>}}
| spouse = [[Johnelle Hunt]] (m. 1952; his death 2006)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.littlerocksoiree.com/post/113242/johnelle-hunt-notes-on-leading-a-billion-dollar-company-raising-a-family|title=Johnelle Hunt: Notes on Leading a Billion-Dollar Company, Raising a Family}}</ref>}}


'''Johnnie Bryan Hunt, Sr.''' (February 28, 1927&nbsp;–&nbsp;December 7, 2006), better known as '''J. B. Hunt''', was an American entrepreneur who founded [[J.B. Hunt Transport Services]], the largest publicly owned trucking company in the US. The company is based in [[Lowell, Arkansas]].
'''Johnnie Bryan Hunt, Sr.''' ('''J. B. Hunt''') (February 28, 1927&nbsp;–&nbsp;December 7, 2006), was an American entrepreneur who founded [[J.B. Hunt Transport Services]], the largest publicly owned trucking company based in [[Lowell, Arkansas]].


==Early life and career==
==Personal background==
Hunt was born in [[Cleburne County, Alabama|Cleburne County]] near [[Heber Springs, Arkansas]].<ref name=":0" /> His first job was working for his uncle at a [[sawmill]]. After a stint in the [[United States Army|US Army]], Hunt spent the 1950s as a [[lumber]] salesman, [[auctioneer]], and [[truck driver]]. He married [[Johnelle Hunt|Johnelle DeBusk]] in 1952, and they had a daughter, Jane, in 1954, and a son, Bryan, in 1960.
Hunt was born in [[Heber Springs, Arkansas]]. Growing up during the [[Great Depression]] put a large strain on him.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/08/business/08hunt.html|title=Johnnie B. Hunt, 79, Trucking Company Owner, Is Dead|first=Steve|last=Barnes|date=8 December 2006|access-date=4 December 2017|website=Nytimes.com}}</ref>


His first job was working for his uncle at a [[sawmill]]. After a stint in the [[United States Army|US Army]], Hunt spent the 1950s as a [[lumber]] salesman, [[auctioneer]], and [[truck driver]] before starting a [[rice hulls]] business with his wife [[Johnelle Hunt|Johnelle]] in 1961. His first attempt at the trucking business was not successful. He lost roughly $19,000.<ref name="fleetowner.com">{{cite web|url=http://fleetowner.com/news/topstory/jb_hunt_retires_123004/|title=A legend leaves the trucking stage|date=30 December 2004|website=Fleetowner.com|access-date=4 December 2017}}</ref><ref>Smith, J., "In Memoriam, J.B. Hunt", ''World Trade Magazine'', February 2007, p. 62</ref> He returned to the trucking industry in 1969, with five tractors and seven trailers.<ref name="fleetowner.com"/>
Hunt started a [[rice hulls]] business with his wife [[Johnelle Hunt|Johnelle]] in 1961. After initially losing $19,000,<ref name="fleetowner.com">{{cite web|url=http://fleetowner.com/news/topstory/jb_hunt_retires_123004/|title=A legend leaves the trucking stage|date=30 December 2004|website=Fleetowner.com|access-date=4 December 2017}}</ref><ref name=":0">Smith, J., "In Memoriam, J.B. Hunt", ''World Trade Magazine'', February 2007, p. 62</ref> the business became the world's largest producer of [[poultry litter]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Salpukas |first=Agis |date=1992-06-21 |title=When Trucks and Trains Unite |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/21/business/when-trucks-and-trains-unite.html |access-date=2024-06-24 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> In 1969, Hunt purchased a small trucking operation with five tractors and seven trailers, at first as a support for the rice hulls business. By 1983, the operation had grown into the 80th largest trucking firm in the U.S. The same year, Hunt sold his rice hull operation, and [[Jb Hunt Transport Services Inc|J. B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.]], went public, offering more than one million shares of stock.<ref name=":1" />

Hunt was known for his generosity, and carried a money clip containing $100 bills, which he would hand out to people he felt could use the money.<ref name="auto"/>


==Retirement==
==Retirement==
Hunt began to remove himself from the company when he stepped down as president in 1982 but was still a fixture in the company and remained chairman of the board until 1995. On December 31, 2004, Hunt retired from the company but remained its largest shareholder.<ref name="fleetowner.com"/> Although retired, Hunt visited the headquarters located in Lowell, Arkansas, frequently to shake hands and converse with employees. He regularly telephoned the executive assistants to ask "What's the stock doing, Darling?"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.beaconwealth.com/this-months-shining-light-spotlight-j-b-hunt|title=This Month's Shining Light Spotlight: J.B. Hunt|website=www.beaconwealth.com|date=16 May 2019|access-date=27 April 2020}}</ref>
Hunt stepped down as president of his company in 1982 but remained a fixture, staying on as chairman of the board until 1995. On December 31, 2004, Hunt retired but remained the company's largest shareholder.<ref name="fleetowner.com"/>

Hunt was generous. He carried a money clip containing $100 bills, which he would hand out to people he felt were needy.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |last=Barnes |first=Steve |date=8 December 2006 |title=Johnnie B. Hunt, 79, Trucking Company Owner, Is Dead |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/08/business/08hunt.html |access-date=4 December 2017 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>


In 2005, Springdale Public Schools opened a new elementary school named after Hunt. The Hunt family donated the land for the school, valued in excess of $500,000. This K-5 elementary school is located on Silent Grove Road in [[Springdale, Arkansas]]. Hunt was a frequent visitor to the school after it opened.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
In 2005, Springdale Public Schools opened a new elementary school named after Hunt. The Hunt family donated the land for the school, valued in excess of $500,000. This K-5 elementary school is located on Silent Grove Road in [[Springdale, Arkansas]]. Hunt was a frequent visitor to the school after it opened.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}


In early 2006, Hunt bought the site of the abandoned [[Superconducting Super Collider]] in [[Waxahachie]], [[Texas]], for $6.5 million, hoping to turn it into a secure data storage facility.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amusingplanet.com/2010/12/abandoned-remains-of-superconducting.html|title=The Abandoned Remains of the Superconducting Super Collider|website=www.amusingplanet.com|access-date=27 April 2020}}</ref> His death at a hospital in [[Springdale, Arkansas]], on December 7, 2006, after sustaining a head injury in a fall on ice five days earlier, put an end to this project.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/061207/obit_hunt.html?.v=2|title=Yahoo Finance - Business Finance, Stock Market, Quotes, News|website=Biz.yahoo.com|access-date=4 December 2017}}</ref> The property was sold to the chemical company Magnablend for $5 million in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.waxahachietx.com/article/20120131/News/301319859|title=Magnablend acquires Superconducting Super Collider facility|website=www.waxahachietx.com|date=31 January 2012|access-date=27 April 2020}}</ref>
In early 2006, Hunt bought the site of the abandoned [[Superconducting Super Collider]] in [[Waxahachie]], [[Texas]], for $6.5 million, hoping to turn it into a secure data storage facility.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://www.amusingplanet.com/2010/12/abandoned-remains-of-superconducting.html|title=The Abandoned Remains of the Superconducting Super Collider|website=www.amusingplanet.com|access-date=27 April 2020}}</ref> His death at a hospital in [[Springdale, Arkansas]], on December 7, 2006, after sustaining a head injury in a fall on ice five days earlier, put an end to this project.<ref name="auto" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/061207/obit_hunt.html?.v=2|title=Yahoo Finance - Business Finance, Stock Market, Quotes, News|website=Biz.yahoo.com|access-date=4 December 2017}}</ref>


==Awards and Honors==
==Awards and honors==
*1993: Golden Plate Award of the [[Academy of Achievement|American Academy of Achievement]]<ref>{{cite web|title= Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement |website=www.achievement.org|publisher=[[American Academy of Achievement]]|url=https://achievement.org/our-history/golden-plate-awards/#business}}</ref>
*1993: Golden Plate Award of the [[Academy of Achievement|American Academy of Achievement]]<ref>{{cite web|title= Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement |website=www.achievement.org|publisher=[[American Academy of Achievement]]|url=https://achievement.org/our-history/golden-plate-awards/#business}}</ref>
*2001: Arkansas Business Hall of Fame<ref>{{cite web|title= Inductees: Arkansas Business Hall of Fame|website=walton.uark.edu|publisher=U of A Walton College, Arkansas Business Hall of Fame|url=https://walton.uark.edu/abhf/inductees.php}}</ref>
*2001: Arkansas Business Hall of Fame<ref>{{cite web|title= Inductees: Arkansas Business Hall of Fame|website=walton.uark.edu|publisher=U of A Walton College, Arkansas Business Hall of Fame|url=https://walton.uark.edu/abhf/inductees.php}}</ref>

Latest revision as of 12:17, 28 November 2024

Johnnie Bryan Hunt
Hunt in 2004
Born
Johnnie Bryan Hunt, Sr

February 28, 1927[1]
Heber Springs, Arkansas U.S.
DiedDecember 7, 2006(2006-12-07) (aged 79)
Springdale, Arkansas U.S
Occupation(s)Founder and C.E.O. of J. B. Hunt Transport Services. (1961–2004)
SpouseJohnelle Hunt (m. 1952; his death 2006)[2]

Johnnie Bryan Hunt, Sr. (J. B. Hunt) (February 28, 1927 – December 7, 2006), was an American entrepreneur who founded J.B. Hunt Transport Services, the largest publicly owned trucking company based in Lowell, Arkansas.

Early life and career

[edit]

Hunt was born in Cleburne County near Heber Springs, Arkansas.[3] His first job was working for his uncle at a sawmill. After a stint in the US Army, Hunt spent the 1950s as a lumber salesman, auctioneer, and truck driver. He married Johnelle DeBusk in 1952, and they had a daughter, Jane, in 1954, and a son, Bryan, in 1960.

Hunt started a rice hulls business with his wife Johnelle in 1961. After initially losing $19,000,[4][3] the business became the world's largest producer of poultry litter.[5][6] In 1969, Hunt purchased a small trucking operation with five tractors and seven trailers, at first as a support for the rice hulls business. By 1983, the operation had grown into the 80th largest trucking firm in the U.S. The same year, Hunt sold his rice hull operation, and J. B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., went public, offering more than one million shares of stock.[6]

Retirement

[edit]

Hunt stepped down as president of his company in 1982 but remained a fixture, staying on as chairman of the board until 1995. On December 31, 2004, Hunt retired but remained the company's largest shareholder.[4]

Hunt was generous. He carried a money clip containing $100 bills, which he would hand out to people he felt were needy.[7]

In 2005, Springdale Public Schools opened a new elementary school named after Hunt. The Hunt family donated the land for the school, valued in excess of $500,000. This K-5 elementary school is located on Silent Grove Road in Springdale, Arkansas. Hunt was a frequent visitor to the school after it opened.[citation needed]

In early 2006, Hunt bought the site of the abandoned Superconducting Super Collider in Waxahachie, Texas, for $6.5 million, hoping to turn it into a secure data storage facility.[6] His death at a hospital in Springdale, Arkansas, on December 7, 2006, after sustaining a head injury in a fall on ice five days earlier, put an end to this project.[7][8]

Awards and honors

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "J.%20B.%20and%20Johnelle%20Hunt Interviews".
  2. ^ "Johnelle Hunt: Notes on Leading a Billion-Dollar Company, Raising a Family".
  3. ^ a b Smith, J., "In Memoriam, J.B. Hunt", World Trade Magazine, February 2007, p. 62
  4. ^ a b "A legend leaves the trucking stage". Fleetowner.com. 30 December 2004. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  5. ^ Salpukas, Agis (1992-06-21). "When Trucks and Trains Unite". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-06-24.
  6. ^ a b c "The Abandoned Remains of the Superconducting Super Collider". www.amusingplanet.com. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
  7. ^ a b Barnes, Steve (8 December 2006). "Johnnie B. Hunt, 79, Trucking Company Owner, Is Dead". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  8. ^ "Yahoo Finance - Business Finance, Stock Market, Quotes, News". Biz.yahoo.com. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  9. ^ "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement". www.achievement.org. American Academy of Achievement.
  10. ^ "Inductees: Arkansas Business Hall of Fame". walton.uark.edu. U of A Walton College, Arkansas Business Hall of Fame.
  11. ^ "Inductees: Arkansas Business Hall of Fame". drivers.jbhunt.com. J.B. Hunt Driver Blog. 6 October 2016.
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