Why We Moved to Metro Little Rock (and Why You Should Too!)
Meet six cool Metro Little Rock residents who chose the area for different reasons—and many of the same!
CAREER
John Kornet
Second Year Analyst at Stephens Private Client Group in Little Rock
Stephens.com
Denton, Texas-native John Kornet ventured to Arkansas to play collegiate basketball for Ouachita Baptist University, just one hour outside Metro Little Rock. Instead of moving home after graduation, John saw value in launching his career in Little Rock. He was quickly hired by Stephens Inc., one of the largest privately owned investment banks in the country.
What sets Metro Little Rock apart?
“This city may be ‘little,’ but its size does nothing to say for the quality of its businesses, the beauty of its parks and trails or the sense of community all its residents are able to share.”
The first place you take an out-of-town visitor:
“It depends on who’s visiting. If it’s my sister, I’ll take her to The Heights to enjoy the various shops and trendy restaurants. If it’s an old basketball teammate, we’ll go hike Pinnacle Mountain before a Travelers game at Dickey-Stephens Park. The beauty of Little Rock lies in the ‘little’ time it takes to get anywhere you want to be.”
Metro Little Rock in three words:
“Proximate. Pertinent. Prominent.”
RECREATION
Erin Taylor
Vice President of Marketing & Co-Owner of Go! Running in Little Rock
GoRunning.com
Before landing in Little Rock, Buffalo, New York-native Erin Taylor first relocated to Northwest Arkansas. While Fayetteville was a great experience for the family, Erin, her London-born husband Gary and their children ultimately chose to open their beloved local business Go! Running in Metro Little Rock. Since then, they’ve become activists within the community promoting healthy, active lifestyles and, through Erin’s professional efforts, promote Arkansas’ beautiful cities to potential newcomers considering The Natural State.
What sets Metro Little Rock apart?
“It’s a smaller, very welcoming city full of outdoor adventure and authentic, engaging businesses.”
The first place you take an out-of-town visitor:
“The beautiful 20-plus mile Arkansas River Trail (both Little Rock and North Little Rock sides)! Then, the River Market for a trolley ride and the Clinton Library.”
Metro Little Rock in three words:
“Authentic, welcoming city.”
FAMILY
Enimini Ekong
Chief of Interpretation & Education at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
NPS.gov/CHSC
Enimini Ekong’s career with the National Park Service can take him anywhere in the country. In fact, the Dallas native and Baylor University grad took his first post in Washington, D.C., before he and his wife Dominique decided Little Rock was a better fit for their young family. The centrally located capital city puts the Ekongs just a half-day’s drive away from their Texas relatives and provides their two young children ample outdoor recreation, natural beauty and activities to enjoy.
What sets Metro Little Rock apart?
“The Metro has the amenities of a larger city, but is small enough that you still feel part of the community. There’s also a great sense of pride in supporting local [business, arts and the like], which is hard to find these days.”
The first place you take an out-of-town visitor:
“Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, of course, but after that to eat at Flying Fish, The Root Café and Whole Hog.”
Metro Little Rock in three words:
“Natural. Gustatory. Conscientious.”
HEALTH CARE
Amy Bezold
Amy Bezold, M.D.
Family Medicine Resident Physician at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock
FamilyMedicine.UAMS.edu
Thirty-year-olds Dr. Amy Bezold and her doctor husband Samuel (he’s in radiology, also at UAMS) chose Little Rock for her residency. Amy, who is a part of the UAMS’ family medicine program, said she originally moved here from her home state of Missouri for a job, but fell in love with the town because of the people, entertainment and beauty.
What sets Metro Little Rock apart?
“The residents of Little Rock are some of the nicest people in the country. On top of that, Little Rock has a great mix of restaurants, entertainment and outdoor adventure opportunities.”
The first place you take an out-of-town visitor:
“I love to take people to Pinnacle’s peak and then to one of the great ethnic restaurants around town—Greek, Indian or Chinese.”
Metro Little Rock in three words:
“Friendly. Fun. Beautiful.”
EDUCATION
James B. Tyson, CFRE
Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement & Development at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
UAPB.edu
From Morehouse College in Georgia to studies at Dartmouth in New Hampshire, Old Dominion in Virginia and more, James Tyson has traveled far and wide to expand his knowledge, groom his skills and share his education and experience with others. He said he wanted to move here to make a difference in the lives of thousands of deserving and well-qualified students. Metro Little Rock is lucky to have him.
What sets Metro Little Rock apart?
“Because of its location in the center of the United States and its relative small size, Arkansas and Little Rock offer access to key centers of commerce, transportation, education and culture.”
The first place you take an out-of-town visitor:
“I would highlight the contrast between the natural beauty and the state’s leadership role with stops at the Clinton Presidential Center and Pinnacle Mountain.”
Metro Little Rock in three words:
“Dynamic. Traditional. Home.”
NATURAL BEAUTY
Margie Raimondo
Owner & Winemaker at Raimondo Winery, LLC
RaimondoWinery.com
Margie Raimondo, a native of Southern California, worked in telecommunications marketing for more than 20 years. After 9/11—through which she suffered the loss of two friends—Margie’s priorities shifted. From an Italian family that has been in the California wine business for three generations, Margie was taught that food is a celebration of life—and wine, an extension of that celebration. Margie wanted to share this experience with others. A fateful road trip brought her to Arkansas, and she immediately fell in love. She opened Raimondo Winery soon after in Mountain Home, and a second location is coming soon to downtown Little Rock.
What sets Metro Little Rock apart?
“I fell in love with its beauty—the parks, lakes, rivers and people—on my first visit. As a busy professional, it’s easy to stay active because of the availability of trails, mountains and recreational areas.”
The first place you take an out-of-town visitor:
“One of the many beautiful state parks.”
Metro Little Rock in three words:
“It’s the vibe!”
