The following article was originally posted on talkbusiness.net in July of 2025 and is used by permission.
Marty Clark is president and CEO of Fort Smith-based BHC Insurance, one of Arkansas’ largest privately held insurance agencies. A University of Arkansas graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration-finance and insurance, Clark began his career in risk management at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. before joining BHC in 1993.
At BHC, Clark is known for his strategic and visionary leadership, and commitment to building long-term client relationships. His servant-leadership style and dedication to mentoring both clients and team members have been pivotal to the agency’s sustained growth and independence. Clark was part of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 class in 2006.
Clark also is board president of the Fort Smith Boys Home and Fort Smith Cemeteries, Inc., and has served as president of Bost, Inc., the Montessori School of Fort Smith, and the Children’s Emergency Shelter. He is a past board member of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, the UA Walton College of Business Alumni Board, president of the Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame board, and a 20-year board member of First Bank Corporation and First National Bank of Fort Smith. He has also contributed to regional and national agent panels for major carriers including CNA, Accident Fund Insurance, and Cincinnati Insurance.
Following are Clark’s responses to the Executive Summary questions.
• What was your first job and what did it teach you?
My first job in high school was working two summers on the Westark Community College grounds crew. It taught me the importance of showing up on time, working well with a wide cast of characters, and doing hard things – principles that still guide me today in business and leadership.
• What is a principle or value on which you never compromise?
Hard work and perseverance. I believe in showing up, staying committed, and pushing through. Success rarely comes easy, but consistent effort – especially when things get tough – has always paid off in both business and life.
• What’s one belief you held strongly 10+ years ago that you’ve changed your mind about?
I used to believe success was mostly about individual drive and performance. Over time, I’ve come to see that success is truly rooted in collaboration, mentorship, and building up the people around you.
• If you could change one thing about the Fort Smith metro, what would it be?
I’d love to see increased investment in downtown development and infrastructure that makes Fort Smith more attractive to young professionals and families. We have so much untapped potential.
• Can you describe your vision for cultivating a vibrant, attractive community or organizational culture?
Whether in business or the community, I believe culture starts with servant leadership. Creating an environment where people feel valued, challenged, and empowered leads to growth and long-term success – for individuals and the organization. At BHC, we started utilizing EOS 3 years ago and it has made a significant impact on our company and is helping create future leaders for the next generation.
• What was the last thing you did for the first time?
I raced exotic sports cars for 15 laps in Las Vegas – against my wife. She was in a Ferrari Diablo, and I was in a Porsche 991. She lapped me before it was all over. I’m still recovering from the humility and the adrenaline.
• What qualities or approaches do you value most when collaborating with diverse stakeholders or team members?
I value transparency, passion for purpose, and a shared commitment to achieving goals – both business and personal. Diversity of perspective leads to better decisions, and that starts with respecting everyone’s voice at the table.
• What is your favorite streaming series, and/or what streaming series are you now watching?
Pretty much anything Taylor Sheridan creates – Landman, Yellowstone, 1883, Special Ops: Lioness. If he wrote it, my wife makes sure we do our part.
