Our Owners - Donnie and Gena Crain
Donnie and Gena Crain are the fourth-generation owners of the historic Hollis Country Store, proudly carrying forward a family tradition that began in 1940. To them, the store is much more than a business - it is a place where the stories, traditions, hospitality, and simple joys of rural Arkansas are preserved and shared with each new generation. Their love for local history, scenic backroads, small-town communities, and the natural beauty of Arkansas is reflected in every experience they create, from a warm welcome at the front door to a homemade meal enjoyed around the table.
Their passion for community extends well beyond Hollis. Donnie serves as President and CEO of the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Conway County Economic Development Corporation, where he works to strengthen local businesses, promote tourism, and encourage economic growth throughout the Petit Jean River Valley. Gena serves as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Ozarks Tourism Association, leading regional tourism marketing efforts that showcase one of Oklahoma's premier outdoor recreation destinations.
Together, they are also the founders of Grow Your Destination Tourism Consulting, a tourism and community development consulting firm dedicated to helping destinations, communities, attractions, and small businesses discover what makes them unique and tell their stories in meaningful ways. Through branding, destination marketing, strategic planning, website development, and tourism consulting, they work with clients to build stronger communities, create memorable visitor experiences, and generate lasting economic impact.
Whether welcoming guests to the Hollis Country Store, helping communities develop their identity, or promoting destinations across Arkansas and Oklahoma, Donnie and Gena share a common mission: celebrating authentic places, preserving local heritage, and inspiring others to experience the people and stories that make rural America so special.