With the last page of the calendar flipping over comes the inevitable review of the year gone by. For Northwest Arkansas, 2005 has brought even more prosperity and growth to the area we call home. It’s hard to drive far without seeing a new housing development sprouting up or the final touches being put on a new commercial building. One company in particular seems to have signs everywhere, having made quite a mark in the development world and on the Northwest Arkansas landscape – The Barber Group, along with its sister company, Dallas Real Estate. So, who’s behind this phenomenon? Brandon and Keri Barber are not the stereotypical developers. They are a young, vibrant, forward-thinking couple who have barely reached their thirties. Their amazing story reads like a fairytale come true.
The Energy of Youth
As I waited in The Barber Group’s lobby, I mused about how the office décor, the staff and the general atmosphere exuded youth and vitality. After meeting with Brandon and Keri I realized their environment was indeed a reflection of their personalities as well as their business philosophy. We met in Brandon’s office, which is large enough to house a small family but decorated in such a way that you feel comfortable. What immediately struck me was that Keri, with her charm and beauty, certainly doesn’t take a back seat when it comes to business. Her drive matches her husband’s. A good example of this was how she became a Realtor. Brandon explained that as the development group grew they could see the advantages of having their own real estate firm. Though Keri had just given birth to their son, Sloan, she set out to get her real estate license by taking an online course. With her free time at a minimum, she did her studying and virtual classroom work between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. and successfully obtained her license.
Boy Meets Girl
Brandon and Keri met while attending the University of Arkansas. Brandon, a communications major from Jonesboro, arrived on campus ready to meet girls. He asked a friend, who happened to be from Danville, Keri’s hometown, to introduce him to the beautiful co-ed across the room. Keri admits she was not too impressed. Brandon said, “I only hoped all of the girls weren’t like that.” While their paths continued to cross, a relationship never materialized. That is, until Keri’s sister came to visit. Keri explained, “My sister, a high school senior, was playing in a basketball game up here. She was anxious to experience the college life, so I took her to JR’s. She spotted Brandon across the room and asked if I knew him. When I told her I did, she wanted to meet him because she thought he was so cute.” After the introduction, Keri invited Brandon to go to her sister’s game. That was when Keri began looking at Brandon in a whole new light. Four years later, she became his wife. Today, they have two children: their son, who is almost three, and three-month-old Olivia.
On the Go
Though the Barbers’ lifestyle is fast-paced and includes lots of traveling, they both talked about how important their family is to them. Keri says that outside of work their free time is spent with the kids. She said that 90 percent of the time they take the children with them on their trips. “Sloan has actually been to Las Vegas, one of our favorite destinations, six times…and he’s only three years old!” exclaimed Keri. The Barbers also have a home in Destin, Florida, where they enjoy spending family time. Another one of their frequent trips is to the Dallas Cowboys games, where they have a skybox. The Barbers are avid Cowboys fans, which is no surprise since Keri’s uncle is the Jerry Jones. But Keri is quick to point out that much of their traveling is work related. Clients are entertained at Cowboys games, and stays in luxurious hotels usually become scouting trips for Brandon as he collects ideas for his future ventures. Keri said it wasn’t unusual for Brandon to have her taking pictures of unique doorways, well-designed lobbies or just interesting hallways. He’s always looking for something to bring home to Northwest Arkansas. Keri also shared that Brandon seldom stresses over business. He loves what he does and he’s always able to fall asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow.
On Track
Brandon’s career track began with an interest in television. He initially had thoughts of being a sportscaster, but he realized his eastern Arkansas accent did not lend itself to that line of work. After a stint with a local TV station as an early morning show producer, Brandon was seriously considering entering film school in Colorado when Keri’s Dad offered him a position with his bank. Johnny Chambers, Keri’s father, owned the Bank of Danville at the time, which later became Community Bank and now is Chambers Bank. As a loan officer and family member, Brandon was brought up the ladder quickly and had the opportunity to sit in on board meetings and observe firsthand what lenders look for when making deals. After a few years in the banking business and testing the development business waters, it was a family decision that the time had come for Brandon to pursue his greater goals. Brandon and Keri were also anxious to be on their own and do “their thing.” Saying this was a good choice is an understatement: The Barber Group, doubling in size this past year, has 25 developments and 150 homes in the works. And, the duo isn’t stopping with Northwest Arkansas; in fact, Brandon is pursuing several ventures throughout the South. On the real estate side, Dallas has 30 agents and over $200,000,000 in business – a success in its own right.
Cutting Edge
Brandon is admittedly picky about his company’s marketing. He wants it cutting edge but tasteful, just like his developments and homes. He wants to push the envelope and do things differently. He points to his favorite development, The Legacy Building just off Dickson Street, as an example of doing a “sexy project” and giving Fayetteville a new look in the process. He feels that many people are bored with mediocrity. Brandon also pointed out that not everyone wants a yard, so upscale condos are becoming more and more desirable. Keri’s mother, Janie Chambers, has relocated to this area. Keri said, “When it comes to class and taste, no one can deny that her mother, an interior designer, has both.” Brandon added, “Not only is she a great mother-in-law but I depend on her opinion. She’s become an integral part of our team.” Brandon and Keri urge their employees to put family first, and understand the demands that can arise. Brandon refers to himself as “respectfully demanding” but strives to stay in contact and be supportive regardless of where his business takes him. They trust their employees to get their jobs done. To ensure this they give everyone the tools they need to do their work, whether it’s at the office or sending a couple of “thumb types” on their Blackberries from home. They want to give them all the opportunities to succeed.
The Age Factor
Hearing the Barbers talk about their lifestyle and their businesses, it’s easy to forget how young they are. I asked Brandon if his age has posed any problems. He smiled and answered, “My dealings are usually with people a lot older. I’m accustomed to being asked who is really the person behind The Barber Group, with the veiled reference that surely there is someone older running the company. I’ve even thought of bringing a gray-haired person along just for appearance sake. But don’t get me wrong; though we have a lot of young people working here, we also have enough ‘gray hair’ around to keep us grounded.” Brandon went on to say that he has a great respect for those developers who are more established and have brought Fayetteville to where it is today. (I did have to silently chuckle as he named “Mr.” Lindsey as one of those established developers – the use of “Mr.” punctuating the age difference.)
The Barbers in 2055
Owning your own plane, two homes, a skybox, having a personal shopper to tend to the mundane things like buying clothes, traveling constantly, and having not one but two successful businesses begged the question of where the Barbers might see themselves in 20 years. (Mind you, they will only be 50.) They both laughed and said they wanted to be able to do what they want to do…but they want that before 20 years from now. Keri said she felt quite sure that Brandon would probably be happy living in a hotel with a mint on his pillow every night. On a more serious note, she said though they have a lovely home and large yard, they are both really “condo-type” people at heart. So, with the kids in college, she sees them living in a plush condo and doing lots of traveling.
After spending time with the Barbers, there’s not a doubt in my mind that 20 years from now we’ll look around and see the mark that Keri and Brandon have left on Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas. Today’s new subdivisions will then be filled with mature-landscaped homes, the commercial buildings will have taken on a familiarity and become landmarks, the upscale condos will be populated and somewhere a 30-year-old entrepreneur will give credit to the talented and forward-thinking Mr. and Mrs. Barber.
Favorite Food: Keri loves Tim’s Pizza while Brandon has a passion for Herman’s steaks.
Favorite Music: They like everything from hip-hop to Frank Sinatra, but absolutely no country!
Most Admired Person: Brandon quickly answered, “My wife.” Keri said she didn’t want to be a copycat, but Brandon is the person she admires the most.
Favorite Restaurant: They struggled to decide between Bordino’s and Chloe.
Favorite Car: Brandon said he wasn’t much of a car person and loves his six-year-old Land Rover. Keri loves her Escalade, but her dream car is an Astin Martin though, she says, “I know we can’t afford one.”
Favorite Weekend Getaway: Lounging around their home since they only get to do that once a month. They love to get up and go to the Mercantile for breakfast.
Favorite Vacation Spot: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Favorite Snack: Brandon loves almonds. Keri said she snacks on peanut butter crackers from the convenience store.
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