“The single most important point in being a good entrepreneur is the willingness to give people responsibility and then hold them responsible for their decisions.” With this in mind, Willard R. Sparks has led the people of The Sparks Companies, Inc. in creating an organization that has proven to be a world leader in knowledge and understanding of the entire global agricultural system. With offices all over the world, Sparks Companies provides valuable research and consulting services to others in the agricultural and food industries – all of which Willard credits the talents and experience of his staff for making possible.

Even though Willard Sparks’s professional talents were known worldwide, he has not forgotten about Memphis and dedicated a great deal of time to civic and cultural efforts at home. He has supported the Memphis Arts Council, The University of Memphis Board of Visitors and the Public Building Authority of Memphis and Shelby County. Additionally, he and his wife, Rita, announced that they had assumed 50% ownership of the Redbirds Management Company, Memphis’ own AAA baseball team, ensuring that the city will always be able to enjoy its new favorite pastime.