Art Kimbrough Does It All
Although Kimbrough, 63, has spent time in the corporate world far away from those roots, he came back. Now he’s working to sell the world on what a perfect place Jackson County is to start a business and raise a family.
Does It All By Linda Kleindienst Originally published in the Feb/Mar 2011 issue of 850 Business Magazine Art Kimbrough, Marianna, President/CEO Jackson Chamber of Commerce
Art Kimbrough’s roots run deep in Northwest Florida. On his mother’s side, his great-grandfather bought 8,000 acres in Port St. Joe from the Indians in 1868 — for $125.10. His father’s family arrived in Jackson County in 1818, becoming one of the first 10 families to settle the area.
Although Kimbrough, 63, has spent time in the corporate world far away from those roots, he came back. Now he’s working to sell the world on what a perfect place Jackson County is to start a business and raise a family.
“I spent my life as a young man aspiring to go to the big city and become somebody,” he says. “But I realized I was running away from a real treasure.”
When hired as the executive director of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Kimbrough’s job was to bring together warring factions, improve the organization’s reputation and help build a stronger financial base.
“I make it a point to be as visible in as many places as I can,” he says. “Even if I’m on a personal trip, I’ll seize on the moment to build relationships. People like to know you’re out there to pitch, promote and tell the story.”
Staying sane: Running, biking, swimming and triathlon. I just completed a quarter Iron Man in Key West, which included a one-mile swim, a 24-mile bike ride and a 10K run. My younger son suggested it because he knew I was trying to get in shape. I said, “Yeah, you’re just after my life insurance.”
Alma mater: I was a music major, a trombone player, and I graduated from Stetson University with a music degree. I went to Atlanta and built a string program with 3,000 students. The hours were lousy, the pay was worse. I was good but not great.
First job: Busboy and dishwasher in my uncle’s restaurant in Panama City, the old Sully’s Restaurant, when I was in junior high school. It was ugly. I lasted about two weeks.
Best advice: Quote my mother on this one. It was a lesson her daddy told her: “Whatever you do, don’t dishonor my name.”
Must-have: My father’s old pocketknife. It’s worn down to the nub but it’s useful for anything. My frustration is I can’t carry it on the plane with me.
Blackberry or iPhone? I’m a Blackberry-holic. I like touch pad but not touch screen. I like the feel of my fingers on a keyboard.
Business Hero: David Steward of Worldwide Technology. It’s the world’s largest black-owned company. He built the business on strict biblical principles. He understands character, leadership.
Biggest frustration: People who waste their time complaining. If something doesn’t work, figure out how to deal with it. Life is too short to live in a world with moans and groans.
