Age: 36
Occupation: Owner of the Oark General Store and CEO of the Clarksville-Johnson County Chamber of Commerce.
Hometown: Born and raised in Aiken, South Carolina, moved to Oark, Arkansas, in 2012 and now resides in Hartman.
Family: Wife Reagan Reagan, three kids, two dogs, 12 cats, eight chickens, and seven cows.
1) What is your favorite book and why?
Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged. Its over 1,100 pages, but to pick an overall theme, the book contends that the outcome of any individual’s life is a function of their ability, intelligence, and perseverance. Any individual can overcome adverse circumstances, given these traits.
2) Dog or cat?
Depends on my mood. If I want some company, a dog. If I want to be left alone, a cat.
3) What’s the best thing about living in the River Valley?
Traffic. Coming from Washington, DC, I love the fact I am five minutes away from anywhere in Clarksville. Russellville or Ozark? I’ll see you in 20 minutes.
4) What’s something no one would ever guess about you?
I had my own language until I was six years old. When I started school it became a problem. I guess my friends and family knew what I was up to and didn’t recognize it was an issue. We laugh about it now, and I’ve made sure my three kids all speak plain Arkansan.
5) What is your favorite music genre and artist?
I like all kinds of music. However, since arriving in Arkansas and keeping in the spirit of the old Store, I’ve been immersed in Country music. There are so many classic singers and songwriters I would like to list here, but one that has a special place in my heart is John Prine. I mean, Spanish Pipedream has basically been my anthem for the last seven years. But he has a lot of great songs.
6) What do you nerd out on?
While most people skip over commercials on TV, I love watching commercials and dissecting them. Hidden logos, overall marketing trends, I love that stuff.
7) If you could change one thing about the River Valley, what would it be?
High speed internet for all!
8) Where is the one location in the River Valley you would tell a first-time visitor that they must go?
Everyone can find a different adventure in the River Valley, that’s what makes it so great. I’d tell them to head into the National Forest and don’t be afraid to take a wrong turn. If you get lost, ask for directions because the people you meet are part of the trip. I’ve literally witnessed complete strangers become life-long friends in Arkansas.
9) Pizza, tacos, cheeseburger, or fried chicken?
There may not be anything more American or nostalgic as a burger, fries, and milkshake. But if I had to have a last meal between these four, I’d go with a Brooklyn style supreme… cooked just right.
10) What is your favorite quote? Could be from an inspirational person or an original.
“Swim upstream. Go the other way. Ignore the conventional wisdom. If everybody else is doing it one way, there’s a good chance you can find your niche by going in exactly the opposite direction. But be prepared for a lot of folks to wave you down and tell you you’re headed the wrong way.”
~ Sam Walton
10 Things About: Brian Eisele
