Collier Wenderoth, Jr.

One of the true pioneers in the Arkansas poultry industry, Collier Wenderoth, Jr. has been instrumental in shaping the poultry business in Arkansas for more than 60 years. Born in Fort Smith and still a resident of the city, Wenderoth took a small feed business and developed it into a fully-integrated broiler company with worldwide sales. He began his career selling feed for O.K. Feed Mills, Inc. and following his father’s death in 1955 became president of the company. When his mother resigned as chairman of the board, Wenderoth assumed that title as well and restructured the company under the name O.K. Industries, Inc., a privately held company owned by his family. In the years that followed and under Wenderoth’s leadership, O.K. Industries and its subsidiaries headquartered in Fort Smith brought industrial development and jobs to the surrounding community. Today they employ more than 4,000 in Arkansas and Oklahoma. The Fort Smith facilities include two poultry processing plants, a feed mill, hatchery, deboning plant and corporate offices. Wenderoth has expanded the operation with facilities in Heavener, Muldrow and Stigler, Okla. His record of public service includes two terms as president of the Arkansas Poultry Federation and two terms as chairman of the National Broiler Council (now the National Chicken Council). Both organizations have recognized Wenderoth with their highest honors. He has received the Poultry Federation’s “Man of the Year” award and in 2004 received the National Chicken Council’s “Broiler Industry Pioneer” award. Perhaps most significantly, Collin Wenderoth, Jr. was named one of 32 founders of the Arkansas Poultry Industry by the Poultry Center of Excellence at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. O.K. Industries, Inc., commitment to cutting-edge technology contributes to increased efficiency across the broiler industry. Collin Wenderoth, Jr.’s vision and leadership have helped establish Arkansas’ position in the poultry industry around the world.