AY Magazine – Men of Distinction 2024: Chris Chunn
AY Magazine, June 2024
If Chris Chunn had a favorite name, it might just start with an “S.” Chunn has two important Stephanies in his life. One is his business partner, Stephanie Shine, with whom he founded Arkansas Talent Group and co-hosts the Arkansas Talent Podcast. The other is his wife, Stephanie Chunn, with whom he has twin boys, William and Hudson, and 5-month-old Cecelia. There is no higher honor than being a father and husband, Chunn said, though the coincidence does give him the opportunity for jokes. “When people ask me, ‘How is Stephanie?’ I have to answer, ‘Which one?’” he said. “Even funnier, both of their middle names are Michelle.”
Occupation:
Co-founder, partner, Arkansas Talent Group
Hometown:
North Little Rock
Favorites:
Beverage:
“Nashville was an Inside Job” at Petit & Keet
Restaurant:
Cypress Social for dinner, Homer’s Kitchen Table for lunch
Dream Car:
Fully restored vintage Bronco
Sport:
Playing basketball, watching football
Quote:
“‘You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky”— Michael Scott
How did you get into your career?
By luck, to be honest. I had a high school friend tell me that her company was looking for a business development guy with an accounting and finance background and to come over to their office for a conversation. I knew nothing about recruiting, but that hiring manager was Stephanie Shine. She invested in me and taught me the business. I am now incredibly honored to call her my partner.
How have your experiences shaped you into the man you are today?
I think it’s more about the people in my life rather than the experiences. I am beyond blessed to have had a terrific mother who raised me, grandparents who molded me, mentors who shaped me, and a wife and kids who have completed me.
What is one small change you made in your life that had a much bigger impact that you anticipated?
Reading. One of my biggest mentors encouraged me early on in my career to start picking up books and reading. Still to this day, he buys me one or two books a year. Reading personal development and business books has helped me set future goals and see a bigger picture for myself, and I probably wouldn’t be where I am today without the nudge to read more.
What makes a good man in your opinion?
A good man is someone who puts his family first, is fiercely loyal, stands up for his beliefs, has a strong brand of integrity and trust, and treats everyone with respect.
What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?
I have had candidates throughout the years tell me that the job that I got them changed their life forever, and there is no better feeling.