02 Jun 2024 Men of the Moment 2024: Chad Overman

Chad Overman learned at an early age that working in the lumber industry was what he wanted to do as his life’s vocation.

“At 14 years old, the grandfather of a friend dropped off some lumber and instructed us how to build a building. We spent two days building it and made ^$100 each. I never looked back.”

This experience of finding a life skill and helping others has stayed with him throughout his years. His advice to younger men is to find a career and stick with it.

“I feel God has blessed each and every person with a skill. Find a career in that skill and strive to work harder than anyone without complaint and without blaming others for lost opportunities,” he said.

As chief executive officer of American Made General Store Inc., Overman oversees businesses at nine locations, which keeps him busy. However, through delegation and time management, his life has seemingly been made less hectic. “I actually feel I have less to do and more time than I ever had over the past 25 years.”

Overman enjoys spending time with his family and in promoting the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Northeast Arkansas Wounded Warrior Project.

“As an Iraq war veteran, I was blessed with no lasting effects from my time in. Promoting these organizations keeps veterans in the public spotlight and continuously shows our thankfulness to them for their sacrifice to preserve our freedoms and those elsewhere,” he said. “I have four respectful children and an awesome wife. My children may complain, but I strive to raise them as independent thinkers who will perfect multiple skills by the time they start life on their own.”

Overman says his future is an open door, with “new ideas and new opportunities knocking. I delight in saving people money and in doing so, growing a great business.” 

Contact Chad at [email protected].