Monticello Live

Allen and Ruby Lee Maxwell gave life to six children, one of which they named Tommy. It was May 4, 1949 when Tommy Maxwell came into the world in Warren, AR. Warren would be the city he would call home for all of his years growing up.

Life growing up was good in the Maxwell home. Allen worked with Arkansas Power and Light plus other side jobs that the kids were allowed to work with him.

“As kids, we helped dad with little odds and ends jobs like wiring and trimming trees. For fun, we loved to hunt and play sports. My favorite sport was football. I played until I hurt my back as a Junior in high school. I was injured during a game against Monticello High.”

After graduating from Warren High School in 1967, Tommy went right to college at UAM. He majored in Business and Marketing with a minor in Political Science. He was President of Student Government Association and he graduated in 1971.

College offered Tommy more than just an education; it was also where he met his future wife, Beth.

“We met at UAM, she had transferred from A-State. She was a cheerleader and she loved football. As much of a fan as I am, she was an even bigger fan.”

Tommy and Beth Maxwell were married on May 15, 1971. They went on to have two children, Kristi and Will Maxwell.

During college Tommy worked at Bradley Flooring Mill, and after graduation he became the manager at the Crossett Chamber of Commerce. From there he had ended up in banking at First State Bank of Warren, and then the start of his future career began with his decision to work at Sykes Flooring.

“Sykes Harris recruited me to work for him in the mid 70s, and I’ve been in hardwood flooring ever since.”

“After working for other companies for 20 years, including working for the largest and second largest companies, in 1991 I decided it was time to put myself on the map. My family helped me purchase this property from P.E. Barns Lumber out of Hamburg. Without their help I couldn’t have done this. I can’t do anything by myself, it’s all team work.”

Mr. Maxwell says that teamwork is what’s helped his business become so successful.

“When we first started, we’d sit and talk about we did that day, what worked and what didn’t work, and the next day we’d do it all again. We might meet until 9:00 at night, but it was necessary. Today we still have staff and production meetings daily, and prayer and safety meetings every Monday.”

Mr. Maxwell’s idea of teamwork is obviously working, with the expansion of Maxwell Hardwood Flooring into Warren.

“I feel very positive about this new plant. It’s an extension of our already very extensive hardwood line. I think it is going to work out great.”

Tommy Maxwell isn’t only known for his business. He is also on the Board of Visitors at UAM, the Vice President of M.E.D.C., a member of 20 for the Future, on the board of Union Bank and Trust, the board of National Wood Flooring Association, which is the largest in the world, and also a member of First Baptist Church where he rotates as a Sunday School teacher for an older adult class. He also received the Distinguished Alumni Award from UAM.

Tommy and Beth Maxwell have many blessings, but one of their favorites is the gift of their 3 grandchildren. Five-year old, Sarah, Three-year old, Rachel, and Two-year old, Addy Beth.

“Being a grandfather is a lot of fun. My grandchildren are really special.”

When he’s not working, Tommy enjoys spending time preparing hunting properties for customers. North Glory Hunting Club serves as a place for fun, and work preparation. The Maxwell’s bring in around 150 customers a year to hunt and visit the plant and receive training.

“I work very hard and I have been truly blessed by the good Lord. You have to have faith, and share what you’ve been blessed with. When I die I hope that people will say that I was fair and generous… to our people and to the community.”

FAVORITES
TV Show – The Unit
Movie – The Blind Side
Actor – Charlton Heston; John Voight
Food – Steak and Catfish
Restaurant – Ruth Chris Restaurant

This entry was posted on Monday, November 1st, 2010 at 6:20 am and is filed under Feature: OML. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.