There’s something special about the River Valley, where rolling hills meet hard work, and relationships still grow best with a handshake. You don’t have to tell David Holzhauer that.

It’s a place where loyalty runs deep, pride runs local, and reputations are built over years of showing up and doing right by people.

Now, Datamax is deepening its Arkansas roots with new growth in this remarkable region, one rich with business potential, strong communities, and people who value genuine connection. With a new Russellville location now open and the addition of an experienced team from Wight Office Machines joining Datamax in Fort Smith, Datamax Arkansas President Holzhauer says the company is building something that feels both new and deeply familiar.

“People in the River Valley are very relationship-driven,” David said. “It’s much like Hot Springs. Everybody knows everybody, everybody knows the players, and everyone has an opinion. To truly grow here, you have to be a real part of the community. It takes a lot of handshakes, a lot of face time, and a genuine commitment to being local.”
That spirit of connection is exactly what’s fueling Datamax’s excitement about this new chapter. The company finalized its acquisition of Wight Office Machines in late September, expanding its footprint in the region and welcoming a team that has been serving Fort Smith and surrounding areas for decades.

David says the move wasn’t just about growth. It was about presence.

“Everybody up there knows Wight Office Machines,” he said. “They may have heard of Datamax, but they may not have experienced us yet. In Little Rock, people know what we’re about. In the River Valley, we have to earn that. We’re doing that by continuing Wight’s legacy, keeping their personality alive, and bringing the resources and reputation that come with Datamax.”

Growing with Purpose.

The River Valley is a region on the rise. For years, Fort Smith faced economic challenges, but David sees a renewed energy taking hold.

“Fort Smith has been revitalizing,” he said. “There’s a new Air Force presence, new manufacturing, new industry coming in. It’s becoming a major industrial hub again. People there have a profound pride in their hometown. It’s something I really admire. There’s opportunity everywhere you look.”

That opportunity extends beyond Fort Smith into Russellville, where Datamax is planting new roots with a physical location designed to serve the growing business community there. David sees this addition as an investment in being closer to customers and better positioned to serve them long term.

Driving Excitement in the River Valley.

When asked what excites him most about this new chapter, David didn’t hesitate. Here’s what has him energized about these new roots in the River Valley:

• A strong foundation of people. “Every single person who came from Wight is someone I would’ve hired individually,” he said. “They’re genuine, talented professionals who care deeply about their clients and their work.”
• A revitalized marketplace. With major growth in industry and manufacturing, Fort Smith and the surrounding areas represent a region with tremendous business potential.
• Expanded resources. “We’re giving these sales reps and managers more time and support,” David said. “With Datamax’s resources, they can focus more on customers and relationships, which is what they do best.”
• Shared culture and character. David emphasized how well Wight’s values align with Datamax’s. “They mean what they say they’re going to do,” he said. “That’s how we operate, too. That alignment is what makes this so special.”
• Partnership with Michael Wight. The longtime owner of Wight Office Machines, Michael continues to play an active role in helping his team transition and thrive within Datamax. “He’s committed to making sure this works,” David said. “He’s helping make sure everyone understands who we are, that we’re all in this for the right reasons.”

Deepening the Roots.

As Datamax plants deeper roots in the River Valley, the focus isn’t just on market share or expansion. It’s about relationships, reputation, and respect.

David believes that if Datamax continues to bring its service-driven culture to life, the company’s reputation will naturally take hold.

“We’ll earn it,” he said simply. “We’ll earn it by keeping Wight’s reputation alive, by showing up every day, and by proving that Datamax is here for the long haul. I’m sincerely hopeful. This is an incredible opportunity to grow something meaningful.”

For Datamax, new roots in the River Valley aren’t just about a new location or a new team. They’re about continuing a legacy of trust, care, and community: The kind that grows stronger with every handshake, every customer visit, and every promise kept.