The Natural State Council, Scouting America, will honor the Hunt family at the 2026 Northwest Arkansas Heart of the Eagle on Tuesday, October 13, at the Rogers Convention Center.
The annual event recognizes individuals and families whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on their communities. The Hunt family has played a significant role in Arkansas through decades of business leadership, philanthropy and community investment.
“What stands out about the Hunt’s is that the values carried across generations,” said Tom Allen, president of Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners. “J.B. and Johnelle set the standard, and the family has carried it forward in everything they have built since. Scouting works the same way. You pass character from one generation to the next so it outlasts any of us.”
Johnnie “Bryan” Hunt Jr., son of J.B. and Johnelle Hunt, has continued the family’s entrepreneurial and community legacy. He is the founder of 71B Auto Auction and Progressive Car Finance, co-founder of DTP Real Estate Development, and serves on several Arkansas boards, including the Razorback Foundation and J.B. Hunt Transport Services.
Hunt’s approach to business and community leadership has been influenced by the family’s philosophy of “Return on Community,” emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities that benefit employees, businesses and communities.
Tom Allen, president of Sage Partners, is serving as committee chairman for the event. Allen also oversees Hunt Ventures’ commercial real estate portfolio and previously led real estate site selection and retail property initiatives during his career with Walmart. His community involvement includes nonprofit service and past elected roles on the Benton County Quorum Court and Rogers City Council.
The Heart of the Eagle reflects Scouting America’s commitment to developing young people through leadership, service and character while recognizing community leaders who demonstrate those same values through their work and service.
To learn more or register, visit https://www.naturalstatecouncil.org/north-west-arkansas-heart-of-the-eagle/
About The Natural State Council
The Natural State Council serves youth and families across 67 counties in Arkansas through programs focused on character development, leadership, service, and outdoor adventure. Formed through the merger of multiple Arkansas councils, the Natural State Council is committed to preparing youth for successful lives through the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
