Family Business Magazine's NextGens to Watch Class of 2024 consists of 22 standout rising-generation members who are making a difference in their family enterprises.
GRIFFIN HANNA, 34
Third generation
Hanna Oil & Gas, Fort Smith, Ark.
Griffin Hanna graduated from the University of Denver with a bachelor of science in business administration in 2012. After graduation, he worked as a financial analyst in the telecom industry, analyzing and reporting subscriber data and assisting with financial filings. “This experience helped me understand the importance of budgeting and how to model realistic financial projections,” he says. “More importantly, the experience gave me the opportunity to work with — and learn from — senior-level officers within the company.”
Griffin joined his family business in 2014. Hanna Oil & Gas encompasses oil, gas, land acquisition, mineral rights and a real estate development arm, named KMW Properties. “Beginning at Hanna, I worked with the field staff in Ratcliff, Ark., where I learned how to operate and maintain our gas wells, compressors and pipelines,” he says.
“Within the years, I've gained experience throughout different departments within the Hanna organization. Today, my primary focus has been to help grow our asset base by negotiating and acquiring oil and gas wellbores/mineral rights, compressors and pipelines, while also partnering and investing with like-minded companies, as well as managing our operating expenses.”
“Taking on specializations in the land area of Hanna Oil and Gas, as well being as a key leader in KMW Properties, Griffin has earned the respect of the board, family, and fellow employees,” says Justin Smith, director of the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. “He has become an officer on the board, currently serving as secretary, which allows him to sign legal documents and be a key piece of company decisions.
“What comes to mind most in observing Griffin is his humble approach in putting others before himself and understanding the bigger picture in company decisions. He has shown patience in his time at Hanna, understanding the many complexities of the successor generation.
“Griffin has two younger brothers who are also key players in the family business,” Smith says. “Together, they are all three committed to one another and Hanna Oil and Gas, but each have their own specialties, which helps the company innovate into the future.”
“Having the opportunity to work with family members in a team-oriented environment is fun,” Griffin says. “We trust each other and know how to communicate effectively with each other. In non-family business environments, co-workers have to start from the ground floor to figure out how to effectively work with each other. We came into the business on day one ready to add value to the company.
“These benefits allow us to not only look at the day-to-day challenges, but the bigger picture as well. Creating a continued legacy is a passion that motivates us.”