Join us for a touching and emotional touching window into the life of Joanna Horton (of MForce Capital) as she chats with Dennis Simpson. It’s less of a financial seminar and more of a “heart-to-heart” about what drives her professional ethics.
🏠 The “House Her Father Built”
Joanna shares a deeply personal history of growing up in East Texas (specifically the area between Gun Barrel City and Log Cabin).
The “Strays”: Her father was a construction worker who, despite having seven children and very little money, constantly brought home people in need—whom Joanna jokingly calls “strays.”
Living Simply: She describes living in a single-wide mobile home until she was five, and then moving into a house her father built that initially only had foam wrap and a wood-burning stove.
The “Bean Off”: With so many siblings and guests, dinner was a competitive sport. She attributes her “competitive spirit” to fighting for the last spoonful of her mom’s beans and gravy.
✝️ The Man with the Cross
A standout moment in the video is when she recalls her father picking up a man named Arthur Blessitt. Arthur Blessitt is famous for carrying a large wooden cross through every nation in the world. The Act: Her father saw him on the side of the road in Texas and, true to form, brought him home for a meal and a bed so he could continue his journey across America.
🤝 Why This Matters for Finance
Dennis and Joanna use these stories to contrast two types of professional relationships:
Transactional: Someone looking for the next fee, commission, or “fancy car in the parking lot.”
Relational: Someone who leads with compassion and shared interest.
Joanna’s “core” is built on her father’s legacy of ministry through service—meaning she views financial consulting as a way to help people rather than just “milking” them for profit.
📍 Local Hot Springs Village Mentions
The video also serves as a hub for the Hot Springs Village, Arkansas community, featuring several local staples:
Ike Eisenhower: State Farm Agent.
Jana Cook: Taylor Realty Group.
The Home Plate Cafe & Bakery: Known for home cooking.
The Midnight Tavern: The local late-night spot.
KVRE 92.9: The hometown radio station.
Janea Cook, Taylor Realty Group: 501-617-9747
Joanna Horton, MForce Capital: 501-922-9259
Ike Eisenhower, State Farm Agent: 501-984-4100
The Home Plate Cafe and Bakery: 501-984-6969
The Midnight Tavern: 501-226-0078
Domino’s Pizza (Hot Springs Village West/East): 501-915-9595
KVRE 92.9 FM / HSV Radio
DD Village Prop Short-Term Rentals