Happy 100th Birthday Ralph Miller

Patrick Thornton

age: 30 | Owner | Pop Pop Shoppe

Ragin Cajun. Pickles Pickles. Butter Cream Caramel. Salt & Vinegar. Blueberry. Who doesn’t love to try all of these popcorn flavors? As the owner of Pop Pop Shoppe, Patrick Thornton’s responsibilities are quite varied and diverse. “Roughly, I attempt to balance the needs of Sales and Operations in the business and ensure that neither wins out over the other,” he says. Through trial and error, Patrick has learned the key to the success of his businesses and now has numerous Pop Pop Shoppe locations in Texarkana (as well as locatons in Little Rock and Conway). He continues, “I wanted to build a great business in my hometown to prove that you didn’t have to leave Texarkana to accomplish big things.”

Best piece of advice:

“IF IT’S GONNA HAPPEN, IT’S GONNA HAPPEN OUT THERE.” – CAPTAIN RON

Making gourmet popcorn that pleases his customers and keeps them coming back for more is Patrick’s mission. Coming up with a Cornferno flavor, also known as “the hottest popcorn in the world,” is a professional feat that makes Patrick very proud while reading the Kindle version of The Chesterton Collection three times is his most noteworthy personal feat.

It’s fair to say that Patrick Thornton is appropriately dubbed “Lord Popcorn.” When asked where he sees himself in 10 years, he replies, “Building a great tower to overlook a fine field and watching as the hay beneath is collected and pressed into bales.”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“Given the nature of the industry I am in and the intentionally specific wording of the claim I am about to make, it is almost entirely certain that I, Patrick Thornton, am the greatest high volume gourmet popcorn maker in the history of the known universe.”

Dr. Jessica Trichel Smith

age: 33 | Optometrist | Wiggins Eye Center

Dr. Jessica Trichel Smith knows being an optometrist is exactly what she is supposed to be. She applied to Optometry School on a whim, and things seemed to just fall into place. “God put me in an exact place at an exact time and moved every obstacle out of the way,” she explains. “In no way am I here, in this place on my own. It just doesn’t work that way.”

As an Optometrist with Wiggins Eye Center, Jessica diagnoses, treats and manages many ocular diseases. She also writes prescriptions for glasses and contacts. Passionate about her career choice, Jessica loves extending eye care and wants her patients to know they receive top notch care right here at home from someone who cares about them and extends a caring heart.

Best piece of advice:

“WORK HARD, BE KIND AND EVERYTHING ELSE WILL FALL INTO PLACE.” – MIKE SMITH, JESSICA’S HUSBAND

In her free time, Jessica can be found traveling, gardening, and spending time with her husband, Mike, and daughter, Caroline. She also loves snow skiing, being on the water and losing track of time working with her flowers.

Supporting local schools is important to Jessica. She explains, “Education is a passion of mine. I am also involved with Women for the Arts and recently showcased a piece of art in the 18th annual Party with Picassos event. I have also volunteered with Texarkana Community Ballet in their annual production of ‘The Nutcracker.’”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I was in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2001, 2002 and 2003 with the Mike Miller Dance Team.”

Olivia Sheppard

age: 28 | Attorney | Trammell Piazza Law Firm, PLLC

Representing clients in a variety of areas ranging from family law cases to complex civil litigation such as railroad crossing accidents and nursing home negligence is Olivia Sheppard’s duty as an attorney. No matter the case, Olivia’s job is to help put her clients in a better situation moving forward than when they came to her amidst crisis or tragedy.

After attending law school, Olivia moved back to Texarkana to practice law. Involved with many organizations and initiatives, she enjoys giving back to her hometown. “I’m a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Ashdown, a member of Women for A&M, and a member of the Texarkana Chi Omega Alumni chapter,” Olivia says. “I’m also a member of the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association of Justice, both of which maintain advocacy efforts that span across areas including our Texarkana area.”

Best piece of advice:

“BE PATIENT AND PERSISTENT.” – CHARLES TRAMMELL, OLIVIA’S GRANDFATHER

Every chance she gets, Olivia enjoys taking vacations with her family. “If I can find the time to leisurely read a book on the beach or see a Broadway play with my Mom, I’m in my happy place,” she explains. “I also love a good baseball trip, whether it’s to watch the Ashdown Panthers, my 7-year-old nephew, or to see my younger cousin play for LSU. I bleed Razorback red and am a University of Arkansas alumni, but I’m a baseball fan of whichever team my family plays for above all else.” Being an aunt to her nephew, Isaac, and niece, Charleigh, is very special to Olivia. She considers them to be “the very best.”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“The first concert I attended was to see Prince at Madison Square Garden. I have my Mom to thank for that one. I don’t think I fully appreciated it at the time.”

Morgan Smith

age: 34 | Entrepreneur | President of TXK Marketing,Phone Pros and Texarkana Gameday

An entrepreneur to the core, Morgan Smith loves starting new ventures. “We live in a time where you really can do anything you can dream up,” he says. “My wife, Jennifer, and I are into several different areas of business, and I like that we can have a very diverse business model.”

Although Morgan has had his fair share of awards, he is most proud of being able to give back and promote the community that made everything possible for him and his family. He gives back to the Texarkana area by sponsoring two community events every year. During Phone Pros’ annual Christmas event, the Smiths provide professional photos for free, and invite children to visit and meet Santa. Over 2,000 people have attended this event. During the Easter event, they provide Easter photos for free, as well as fun activities for families.

Best piece of advice:

““DOING WHAT IS RIGHT ISN’T ALWAYS THE BEST BUSINESS DECISION, BUT IT IS WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO.” — FAY J DURRANT

For fun, Morgan enjoys golfing and being with his children: Stella, Walker and William. Looking back and seeing the changes he has made professionally in the last couple of years makes Morgan sit back and ponder his future. “I’d like to have a few more businesses open and see the current ones grow,” he explains. “It will be exciting to see what happens.”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“In high school, I could dunk a basketball... I have pictures to prove it.”

Anna Lee Powell

age: 29 | Executive Director of UAHT Foundation & Institutional Advancement | University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana

In her role as Director of Institutional Advancement, Anna Lee Powell leads the Institutional Advancement Office in promoting and developing the U of A Hope-Texarkana brand, which includes managing the Marketing and Communications Department. “I utilize and establish public and private partnerships to continually develop our brand and increase services, opportunities, and programs in the Hope and Texarkana area. As the UAHT Foundation Director, I am responsible for scholarship generation and advancing opportunities for higher education,” Anna Lee explains. “It is important to me, as a first-generation college student, to help offer equal opportunity to higher education through private and public scholarships. Because of scholarships and a part-time job, I was able to graduate without student loans. Starting without student debt was the leg up I needed as a young graduate, and I hope to make this opportunity available to other students through my role in the UAHT Foundation.”
Anna Lee serves on several local boards, including the United Way of Hempstead County and Southwest Arkansas Arts Council. She is Vice President of the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce, and an ex-officio of Hope Junior Auxiliary. She also recently completed the second of three years at the Community Development Institute.

Best piece of advice:

“WHEN I STAND BEFORE GOD AT THE END OF MY LIFE, I WOULD HOPE THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE A SINGLE BIT OF TALENT LEFT BUT COULD SAY I’VE USED EVERYTHING YOU GAVE ME.” – ERMA BOMBECK

Finding a steal deal or a really good bargain is what Anna Lee looks forward to when she is not working. When asked what her greatest personal achievement has been, Anna Lee answers, “Flipping a 30-year-old house with my husband, Colby, and my dad in only three months was a huge personal accomplishment for me.”

For now, Anna Lee’s focus is on promoting U of A Hope-Texarkana to those she meets and helping students achieve a quality higher education. For the future, she hopes to continue to enrich this community and region through volunteerism and engagement.

Name something about you that very few people know:

“In college, I was featured in the reality TV show ‘Not Your Ordinary Beauty Pageants’ on TLC about Festival Pageants across the United States.”

Dr. Torin Marracino

age: 40 | Dentist/Owner | Pleasant Grove Family Dentistry

Caring and compassionate, Dr. Torin Marracino strives to provide a relaxed and friendly environment while taking care of his patients. Their oral health is important to him because beautiful smiles are a result of receiving optimal dental care. “It is so fun to get to know my patients. They all become more like family to me and my team at Pleasant Grove Family Dentistry. Going to the dentist really can be fun!” Torin describes. “It is my passion to help others. I love my job, and I am blessed to go to work and truly enjoy what I do.”

To stay up-to-date on new dental techniques, Torin takes hundreds of hours of continuing education courses each year. Most recently, he earned fellowship status with the International Dental Implant Association, an honor in which he is very proud.

Best piece of advice:

“SON, DO NOT WORK YOUR LIFE AWAY. PUT UP FOR RETIREMENT BUT BE SURE TO ENJOY LIFE, BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT TOMORROW WILL BRING.” —ROY SIMS, TORIN’S GRANDFATHER

Marrying the love of his life, Michaelyn, ranks on the top of Torin’s personal accomplishments. Hunting, traveling, old muscle cars, hanging out with friends skiing and being in the mountains are some of Torin’s favorite activities when he is looking for some rest and relaxation.

Torin plays an active part in Texas Mission of Mercy. This dental clinic travels around the state providing free basic dental care to people with limited resources. He explains, “I host the pre- screening for Texarkana at my office where we take X-rays and do exams, and then I provide services, among other local dentists, at the clinic which is held at Texas High School. This takes place every three years. This past year, we saw over 400 people in two days. It is so rewarding to help those who are less fortunate. They are so appreciative, and it is the least I can do to give back to our great community!

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I took a bowling class in college, and I’m actually still pretty good at it!”