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In 1995, after 35 years in the wholesale building material distribution business, Jerry Merrill founded All American Building Products. His primary goal was to service professional contractors with vinyl siding and windows. Jerrys vision was to be the preferred vendor by providing his customers with superior products, service and wisdom. Mr. Merrill considered it a high compliment when his customers referred to him as "their distributor." In 2000, with the assistance of Kirk Van Vleet, Jerry expanded by opening an office in Tulsa. This opening gave All American full coverage of Oklahoma. Mr. Van Vleet then opened a third location in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in the fall of 2007. Today, it is still our desire to continue with Jerrys vision and to be "Your Distributor." "It is our mission to be your preferred vendor by providing our customers with superior products, service, and wisdom. It is our highest compliment to be called your distributor."
Blue Jay Racing is a student-run design team open to all undergraduate students. The program was founded in 2004. The team competes annually in three international events put on by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Students design, build, and race a single seat off-road vehicle against a total of ~200 teams representing 14 nations and nearly 4,000 young engineers. The award-winning program offers student engineers an educational experience that goes beyond what the classroom can offer. Aside from the technical knowledge gained, the team-based skills learned through such a rigorous endeavor develops leaders well prepared to enter industry and academia. At each competition the team competes in four of six dynamic events (Acceleration, Maneuverability, Rock Crawl, Suspension and Traction, Hill Climb and Sled Pull) as well as three static events (a sales presentation, design presentations and a cost report). To cap off the competition, the team will also race in a grueling four-hour endurance race. Team members learn as much at competition as from designing and building their vehicle throughout the rest of the year. In addition to their own learning it is also important to the team that all members participate. At competition the team is always working, whether repairing their vehicle or planning and preparing for the next days events. With so much to do and so little time every member contributes to the teams success.
Perimeter Solutions is a global specialty chemicals company based in Clayton, Missouri, established in 1963. The company focuses on two main areas: fire safety solutions and lubricant additives. It is a market leader in both sectors, particularly known for its wildfire retardants, firefighting foams, and industrial fire suppressants. Perimeter Solutions offers a range of products, including water-enhancing gels and preventative fire retardants, catering to government agencies, municipalities, and industrial clients worldwide. In addition to fire safety, Perimeter Solutions specializes in niche engine oil additives, holding a significant market share in this area. These additives improve lubricant performance for both automotive and industrial applications. The company is publicly traded under the ticker PRM and is co-founded by Nick Howley, who also chairs the company. With a strong emphasis on innovation and a robust manufacturing and distribution network, Perimeter Solutions positions itself as a premier provider of chemical solutions in its industries.
Southern Bancorp is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and B-Corp based in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Established in 1986, it aims to strengthen underserved communities through financial services and development programs. The organization has grown significantly, now managing assets between $2.6 and $2.8 billion and serving around 65,000 customers in Arkansas and Mississippi. Southern Bancorp operates through three main entities: Southern Bancorp Bank, which provides traditional banking services; Southern Bancorp Community Partners, a nonprofit focused on financial education and support; and Southern Bancorp Incorporated, a holding company for strategic growth. The organization offers a range of services, including checking and savings accounts, loans, financial literacy workshops, and grants for community projects. With 56 locations and a commitment to equitable access, Southern Bancorp emphasizes long-term community impact, particularly in economically distressed areas.