Becky Nowlin Represents Integrity

Frank Bailey has been running a successful law firm for 37 years.  Becky Nowlin has been with Frank for the majority of those years.  Frank recalls, “Twenty years ago when Becky applied for a job, I hired her on the spot.”  Becky is Bailey and Oliver Law Firm’s Office Manager for both the Mountain Home and Bentonville Offices.  Becky’s duties include but are not limited to: payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, calendaring, acting as receptionist, and preparing all settlement statements.  “Becky has been the glue that has held us together through tough times and good times.  Clients call the firm just to hear Becky’s Southern accent and infectious laugh.  If clients are having a bad day, they just call Becky and their troubles seem to float away,” says Frank. 

At Bailey & Oliver, we have the best clients with the biggest hearts.  Becky speaks highly of a widowed lady that has a son and very little money.  Our office made the decision not to exchange Christmas gifts, instead to buy Christmas for this family.  At the end of this case, the lady brought our office flowers; Not just one bouquet, but to every person in the office a bouquet with a handwritten note saying how grateful she was for Bailey & Oliver Law Firm.  She said it was the people who made the firm and that we had been so caring, kind and helpful to her during such a hard time in her life.  She also made a comment to her mother that Mr. Bailey was so nice and that she wished he had been one of her grandfathers.

Sach Oliver can remember meeting Becky for the first time.  He inquired about a job multiple times with Bailey Law Firm.  Becky told Sach in her sweet voice, “Sorry Sach, Mr. Bailey is just not hiring”.  Luckily, Sach doesn’t take no for an answer and called back.  Magically Frank answered; Sach and Becky have been working together ever since.   Becky jokingly says, “I helped Sach learn the lesson that if first you don’t succeed try, try again.” 

As a child, Becky grew up in Missouri on a farm.  “I’m basically a country girl at heart and yes, I had pigs, chickens, horses, dogs and cats”, says Becky.  She is the daughter of Parvin and Kathline Graham.    Becky has always looked up to her parents as role models.  They taught her the value of a dollar and to always make sure your bills are paid first before doing anything else.  The Graham family used coal to heat their home and since her family didn’t have indoor plumbing that meant using an outhouse for potty breaks.  Becky’s family moved to Blytheville, Arkansas when she was in the 3^rd grade.  She can remember her family getting their first party-line telephone and a record player. 

Becky graduated from Blytheville High School in 1971.  Two years later she married Van Nowlin.  Van retired about two years ago as Sgt. with the Arkansas State Police.  Prior to moving to Mountain Home, Becky, Van and their family lived in Forrest City, Arkansas for 15 years.  They have three children; Jennifer, Laura Beth, and Justin.  Becky remembers the day Van put in for a job transfer to Mountain Home, Arkansas.  The move frightened Becky because it took place in the middle of Jennifer’s junior year of high school and she wanted nothing more than for her family to be happy.  When Becky talks about the transition she says, “We knew God had a plan for us in Mountain Home and everything was going to be okay.”

After getting settled in Mountain Home, Becky was informed about a potential job opening at Bailey Law Firm on the third floor of the First National Bank building.  Becky remembers walking in and saying, “I think you need to hire a receptionist”.  She started at Bailey Law Firm March 5, 1992, only Becky’s seventh job.  Becky remembers her first job as a florist making $30 a week.  Two weeks’ worth of salary made her car payment. 

In 2005, Sach Oliver joined the firm.  Sach says, “Becky is the best, she represents the integrity of the firm with leading by example.”  Becky and Frank tease each other that they will never retire.  Both agree that one day they will need to widen the hallways in their office so that they can pass by each other in their wheelchairs.   “I have enjoyed every minute of my time spent with my extended family, Bailey & Oliver Law Firm, and hope to be around for another 20 years,” says Becky.  Then humorously comments, “In 20 years I might not know where I am or who anyone else is, but that will be okay!”

     Favorite Things     

    Movies:  Lonesome Dove, Courageous, The Help, and Titanic

    Color:  Red

    Holiday:  Christmas

    Vacation: Hawaii

    Radio Station: K-Love

    Bible Verse:  I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

• The best advice Becky has received was to always be respectful of others and treat other people’s   property as if it were your own. 

• 3 things on my bucket list are an Alaskan Cruise, helicopter ride, and to visit every state in the U.S.

• I would like to know more about everything!  You are never too old to learn and life has a way of teaching you new things every day.

• Most People don’t know that I am shy and I once worked in a scrap yard.

When Becky is not working, she loves being with her family and going to church.  Becky says her family is the best in the world.  Her favorite Friday or Saturday activity is date night with her husband.  A date night normally consists of a movie and eating out at one of her favorite restaurants, Red Lobster, Outback, Chili’s or Pizza Hut.  She loves being a good wife, mother and now a fantastic grandmother to her four grandchildren who call her Nana.  Her oldest daughter Jennifer lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas and teaches at Tyson Elementary School.  Jennifer is married to Jeff Boogaart, the Woodland Jr. High coach.  Together they have one daughter named Meredith who is 10 years old.  Laura Beth lives in Mountain Home with her husband Josh Baker. Laura Beth started out her career as a Radiology Technician for an Orthopedic Surgeon, but later decided to go back to school for her teaching degree which she will receive in 2013.  Josh is the instructor for the agriculture department at Mountain Home High School.  Laura Beth and Josh have three children, Hadleigh and Hannah who are four years old, and Harrison who just turned two years old.  Becky’s son Justin lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas.  Following in is father footsteps, Justin is a trooper with the Arkansas State Police.  Of course you can’t leave out the Nowlin’s dog Buddy who is 15 years old.

Over the years Becky has played a huge role in making Bailey & Oliver what it is today.  A special thanks to Becky for everything she does!