Rick Williams, 44 Tell us something few people know about you.

Owner, Summit Healthcare/Properties, visionary Hot Springs entrepreneur

Who is Rick Williams?

I was born and raised in central Arkansas, one of three sons of Carolyn Sue (“Suzie Q” was my nickname for her) and Edd Williams, who married and moved to the area from Pine Bluff and Mississippi, respectively.

When I was a young boy, tragedy struck my family: my older brother, Jimmy, was hit by a car and killed as he rode his bicycle. This event, together with the divorce of my parents, spurred me to work extra hard in order to care for my mother.

Leaving school as a teenager with a GED, I trained as a journeyman electrician, becoming a master electrician by age 20. At the age of 19, with only $143, a 6-foot ladder, box of business cards and five screen-printed T-shirts, I started my own company. It wasn’t long before the company grew fairly large, enabling me to employ hundreds of people, both in Arkansas and across the U.S.

When I sold the company in 1997, I was finally able to provide for my mom in the way I had always wanted. Heading in a new, real-estate-oriented business direction, I became the largest developer/landlord for Fred’s stores throughout the Southeast. I also leased to numerous other national tenants and operators. I eventually sold my Fred’s portfolio to the Fred’s corporation in 2007 and shifted from retail real estate to developing, leasing and purchasing medical-related properties.

My transformation of The Atrium, Hot Springs’ premier assisted living facility (featured in Forbes magazine as one of the top such facilities in the nation) was just the beginning of major investments and renovations of important Hot Springs structures. The Landmark Building, the first of my downtown renovations, changed the character of the surrounding area by bringing higher education classes downtown for the first time, housing Henderson State University’s and National Park College’s historic “Downtown Partnership” collaboration.

Having lost both parents to cancer in 2002, I not only wanted to own and lease buildings, but wanted to be hands-on in the process, operating health care companies that put the patient first. Under the banner of Summit Healthcare Providers, my growing health care-related businesses adhere to the highest standards and raise the bar on caregiving statewide.

I have grown my health care assets, covering a large portion of the state of Arkansas and parts of Oklahoma. I also have major projects in the works for the downtown area, where I own numerous buildings that will be repurposed the way I’ve done all of my projects. My goal is to enhance existing structures’ unique character while building projects that fundamentally work over the long term and are sustainable for years to come. I pride myself on this belief.

I stay busy — my home on Lake Hamilton is a hub from which I travel constantly. My son, Chase, age 24, graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and works in the family business. Chase is my greatest success and a good man. My support of local foundations includes Levi Hospital, First Step Inc., and others. I also founded my own nonprofit foundation that benefits developmentally delayed youth and children with special health care needs.

What one experience in your life really defined you?

Watching my mother overcome the death of her son, my brother Jimmy. Seeing her suffer and struggle financially made me want to work hard and help her have a better life. Creating value and enhancing others’ lives — this is what’s important to me. I love to create jobs — I’ve created thousands of jobs. It’s my greatest reward.

What do you love about Hot Springs?

I like to study and enjoy its history and natural beauty. There’s also a unique sense of community here.

What do you enjoy doing for fun and relaxation?

I enjoy designing unique furniture that’s made by some of my dear artist friends — we’ve created some amazing pieces over the years. I also enjoy collecting and driving antique cars and tractors and spending time on my farm when I can with my girlfriend, Tracy, her two sons, Drake and Hunter, my son, Chase, and my son’s dog, Copper.

Please share a favorite vacation memory.

I went to Victoria Falls in South Africa — the majesty of the place is incredible and is probably my favorite destination.

I can play the banjo!

Where do you see Hot Springs 20 years from now?

Hopefully, Hot Springs will be a redeveloped, architecturally preserved sanctuary for families of all walks of life to enjoy — a place to reap the benefits of what our generation will hopefully continue to sow.