Our History

The summer of 1980, while walking out of the Picwood movie theater in the sleepy little town of Russellville, Vietnam veteran Tom Nickolich announced to his wife, Muriel, that a movie they had just watched inspired him. Steve McQueen portrayed a bounty hunter name Papa Thorson in the film “The Hunter.” With that inspiration, Exit Bail Bond Company was founded.

A pioneer in the Bail Industry both on the state and national levels, Tom helped found the Arkansas Bail Association and became a member of the PBUS, the National Bail Association. Tom Nickolich came up with the idea of creating the Arkansas Bail Bond Licensing Board and was a leading force in its creation. He served on the original Board as its first chairman. Exit Bail Bond Company is now a third generation family business and takes pride in providing professional, dependable services.

Muriel would later join her husband as one the first female Bail agents in Arkansas.

After finishing college with a degree in Business and Marketing in 1990, their son Kris Keyton would join the company by opening what would become its largest location in Fort Smith, which currently serves as the home office.

Together, they would grow the company across the state of Arkansas. Upon retiring, Tom Nickolich handed over the reins to his son Kris Keyton, who currently serves as President.

After finishing college with a degree in Business and Marketing in 1990, their son Kris Keyton would join the company by opening what would become its largest location in Fort Smith, which currently serves as the home office.

Together, they would grow the company across the state of Arkansas. Upon retiring, Tom Nickolich handed over the reins to his son Kris Keyton, who currently serves as President.

The third generation in the puzzle is grandson Jacob Keyton, who began with the company in Fayetteville and continues to help expand Exit Bail Bond Company throughout Arkansas.

Exit Bail Bond Company takes your privacy seriously. We are very honest and your information is held in the strictest of confidence. We are available 24/7 to answer the phone with a friendly voice, listen to your issues, and help you come to the best solution for your situation. Our goal is to simplify the process of the bail agreement to avoid confusion, and answer any questions you might have so there are not any misunderstandings.

Exit Bail Bond Company works closely with law enforcement agencies across the state of Arkansas to assure the appearance of thousands of people requesting bail. Exit has been a proud sponsor of both the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association and the Arkansas Chiefs of Police Association for over 30 years!