Hi, I'm Neal Adams
I am a Paragould businessman and someone who cares deeply about this city. I have run a local business for the past 34 years weathering the good times and the bad.
I believe in the many opportunities Paragould has to offer and the potential growth of this city I call home.
I was born in Paragould and raised in Walcott by Larry Adams (a CPA in Paragould & former ASU professor) and Rita Adams (an educator & former Greene County Tech Superintendent).
I graduated from Greene County Tech in 1987. I studied accounting at Arkansas State University until my junior year when I left to start my nursery & landscaping business (I am still running 31 years later).
Facts About Me
For 29 years I have been married to Jamie Jamison Adams. We have lived in the same house in Ward 4 for 25 years. We have two dogs - Sawyer and Baxter.
I obtained my concealed carry permit in 2011. I believe in responsible gun ownership.
I have no children, but believe in mentoring and supporting our youth. I have employed a multitude of high school and college students for years. I have watched them grow into amazing members of our community. Many have gone on to be policemen, business owners, firemen, industry supervisors, and community leaders.
I believe the best course of action when it comes to government is to find common ground. The government should be financially responsible while providing services and amenities that offer a good quality of life for our residents.
My Hobbies
I believe a strong work ethic is very important. My businesses keep me very busy, but when I am not working I enjoy a few hobbies:
- Cooking
- Gardening
- Wood Working
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Hiking
Giving Back
Many local and regional organizations and charities have made Paragould better. For me giving back means helping these groups continue their good work. A few of the organizations I have been involved with:
- The Children's Home
- Mission Outreach
- CASA
- Northeast Arkansas Humane Society
- Food Bank of NEA
Business Experience
I am a Paragould business owner and involved in the daily aspects of the following businesses:
- Adams Nursery & Landscaping (34 years)
- 1st Security Storage (18 years)
- NJAdams Properties (Residential Construction) (20 Years)
Governing a city is similar to running a business. You must be able to plan for both the long term and the short term. You must be prepared to weather good times and bad, prosperity and crisis, make tough decisions and compromise. Having business experience is an advantage for a city councilman.
What My Experience Has to Offer
Running these businesses over the years has given me many skills that I believe are important to serving as your alderman.
- A great understanding of financial responsibility
- Working within the parameters of state and local government agencies, including Contractors Licensing Board, State Plant Board, Code Enforcement, and others
- Working with people, listening, and solving problems
- Recognizing the importance of sustainable growth as new property developments are constructed, including proper zoning ordinances that will protect our property values while not overloading our current infrastructure
Leadership
From 1998 to 2010 I was involved in the leadership of the Arkansas Green Industry Association. I served first as a board member, later; I served as vice president and, finally for two years as the president.
During my time with this group I was fortunate to work with some great leaders. I discovered all good leaders must:
- be good communicators
- have respect for the ideas of others
- have the courage to make hard decisions
- be empathetic to the needs of others
- be open and agile when opportunities arise
- know when you need to rely on the expertise of others
I have these qualities.