Randy Clanton, Jr. & Randy Clanton, Sr. “Randy had the Walmart business before I had anything,” said Hensley. “Seeing what he did with that is why I got into it. The Arkansas Grown Walmart deal changed everything for me for the better.” The farm has recently been passed onto Randy Jr. Randy Jr. said he is prepared to run the operation the same or better than his father, and Big Randy is excited for this next chapter. “I’ve sat beside him for 20 years while he groomed me for this,” said Randy Jr. “I’ve always loved to see tomatoes planted, grown and harvested,” said Big Randy. “And now that my time is not spent in the packing and selling end, I’m allowed a lot more time to be in the field doing what I like to do.” Big Randy’s legacy will not go unnoticed. Hensley said he is iconic to the tomato business around here. “Big Randy is the symbol of Arkansas tomatoes,” said Hensley. Randy Jr. said he hopes to continue with the legacy his dad started in the company. Clanton Farms is continuing to diversify their produce offerings and find new markets. Randy Jr. has also began new business endeavors such as Clanton Transport, a trucking fleet including a timber operation, all located in Hermitage. “Nothing was ever good enough to quit,” said Randy Jr. “We may not necessarily get bigger, but we will always try to get better and provide good service.” Big Randy is now a full-time grandpa and part-time farmer. After years of laboring to build a tomato empire, he hopes to spend the rest of his life watching his son continue the business from the farm he built from the ground up. 42 ARKANSAS GROWN
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