THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING ABLE TO HAVE DREAMS, IDEAS AND GOALS COME TO FRUITION, IS THE CORE OF WHAT WE ARE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE BECAUSE OF THE FREEDOMS THAT ARE OURS IN AMERICA.

- Denise Burnett Stewart

SMALL BUSINESS DRIVES THE AMERICAN ECONOMY. IT THRIVES AND SURVIVES NO MATTER WHAT MAY BE GOING ON IN THE MAIN ECONOMY.

- Dick Gadomski

UNLESS WE PROMOTE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, WE WILL NOT HAVE AN EXCITING BUSINESS ATMOSPHERE IN OUR COUNTRY.

- Allen B. Morgan, Jr.

Stephen A. WILSON

Lee Wilson & Co.
Founder
Entrepreneur

Steve Wilson’s entrepreneurial spirit is no surprise – he comes from a long line of groundbreakers and a strong agriculture and forestry heritage. Founded in 1886, the Lee Wilson & Co. is one of the very few diversified agricultural operations of its magnitude being operated by the direct descendants of the founder. However, despite its long history, shrewd leadership has ensured that the company continually evolves to stay in synch with economic patterns and remain successful.

After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a degree in agriculture, Steve Wilson returned to the farming operation at a time when U.S. government farm policy was significantly impacting production agriculture. Through several decades and a series of major changes in U.S. agricultural policy, Mr. Wilson guided the family business. His direction and entrepreneurial skills positioned Lee Wilson & Co. to better compete in the worldwide marketplace.

Mr. Wilson’s guidance has not been limited to the family farm – his leadership has flowed over into the community as well as several other key businesses. He is secretary/treasurer of Evadale Grain Company, vice chairman of American State Bank, and serves as Commissioner to St. Francis Levee District and several drainage improvement districts.

Mr. Wilson’s community leadership has been recognized through his service to national and regional agricultural boards as well as numerous local and civic organizations. Also, he has been active in promoting education through his work as past secretary of the University of Arkansas Agricultural Development Council, past vice chairman of the University of Arkansas Development Council, past vice chairman of the University of Arkansas Foundation, and was a member of the President’s Advisory Committee to Winrock International.

Description of Business:

Operation and management of owned farmland and client properties.

Year Business Founded:

1886

Year Inducted:

2002

Thoughts on Entrepreneurship:

“Entrepreneurship is one’s inspirational talent to recognize that risk is inevitable, change is imminent, and success is measured in proficiency to manage them.

“Entrepreneurial success requires the mastery of risk and change and is weighed in probability not possibility, anticipation rather than reaction, and implementation instead of procrastination, while acknowledging responsibility for the actions.”