2026 Men of Distinction: Jeff Turnbow

Jeff Turnbow has spent more than two decades enabling business growth through digital marketing, artificial intelligence adoption and strategic leadership. With certifications in advanced social strategy, social selling and AI for business strategy from the likes of Harvard, Cornell and the MIT Sloan School of Management, Turnbow has equipped himself with the tools and know-how to help clients grow, compete and connect with customers — his love for the work, meanwhile, was already there. “Strong businesses strengthen communities, and technology should serve people, not replace them,” he said.

Hometown Conway

Occupation Founder, Winning Local, ZignalsAI; Business Strategist; AI Marketing Expert; Keynote Speaker

FAVORITES:

RESTAURANT
Umami Sushi Bar & Grill Fusion

TV SERIES
Anxiously awaiting the next episode of House of David

PLACE IN ARKANSAS
Greers Ferry Lake

SONG
“Whatever It Takes” by Imagine Dragons

How did you get to where you are now?

I’ve always believed in Zig Ziglar’s philosophy: “If you help enough other people get what they want, you can get what you want.” That mindset combined with faith, relentless learning and a willingness to outwork obstacles has shaped my career. Personally, my faith in Christ and commitment to family have been the foundation beneath everything I’ve accomplished.

Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?

My dad used to say, “Never walk past a water fountain without taking a drink.” I think about that almost every day. It’s a simple reminder that health matters and small disciplines compound over time.

What was your dream job as a kid?

Professional basketball player.

What is your purpose?

To help people and businesses reach their God-given potential through leadership, innovation and service.

What is the most useful skill you have ever learned?

Listening. The best marketers, leaders and strategists are great listeners. Most breakthroughs happen when you stop talking and start paying attention.

What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?

Becoming a bestselling author. If you had told younger me that people around the world would read something I wrote, I wouldn’t have believed you.

What is the coolest project you have ever worked on?

Delivering keynote presentations on digital marketing, AI strategy and business transformation at international conferences while helping organizations adapt to emerging technologies and drive measurable growth.

What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work?

Many people assume great marketing is expensive. In reality, ineffective marketing is expensive. The right strategist creates far more value than it costs.