Jason Decker grew up in a family that worked in the transportation industry.
After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he joined General Transportation — the company his parents founded.
He began in data entry about 19 years ago and soon transferred to a small Russellville office of ART Transport, a sister company of General Transportation.
Decker found a passion for the work and gained confidence as he started implementing changes.
By late 2007, he was leading ART Transport. In two years, the company grew from roughly three to 50 trucks. Revenue rose from $300,000 to about $8 million.
The Great Recession impacted the company, but by 2012, growth had resumed.
He started leading General Transportation in 2017 when revenue was about $1.2 million. This year, the company is expected to hit $60 million in revenue.
“I love transportation,” he said. “I love logistics. Between ART and General, we’ll be knocking on the door of $100 million this year … We’ve grown something special here.”
He’s president of three Van Buren-based companies: ART Transport, General Transportation and equipment maintenance company General Diesel. The companies comprise 130 employees and 80 trucks with offices in Eau Claire, Wis.; Richmond, Ky.; and Salt Lake City.
Its largest asset-based division is refrigerated, followed by dry van. Full truckload comprises about 70% of General Transportation’s business, with intermodal and less-than-truckload consisting of the remainder.
Within five years, he aims to have 150 trucks and looks to open a Chicago office. Before retirement, he wants to hit $1 billion in revenue.
He supports Wounded Warrior Project, Old Fort Days Rodeo and Fort Smith Christmas Parade. He enjoys spending time with his family at Lake Tenkiller and restoring boats.