When thinking of Texas, one usually expects operations based in that state to be big. That generalization holds true for Wilbert Vaults of Houston, which serves 29 counties, covering a territory roughly 200 miles long and 100 miles wide. The company distinguishes itself by serving with a big heart and strong business acumen, guided by softspoken Jim Henery, president and owner, and his wife Darlene, vice president.
When Doing Business in Texas You’ve Got to Go By Sylvia Heidemann NCBVA Staff Writer
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BIG!
exas and the oil industry are practically synonymous, and it just seemed kind of natural for Jim Henery to earn a PhD in chemistry and spend 20 years in R&D in the petrochemical industry. Then came a deviation in his career as a result of family ties, and he hasn’t regretted it. Jim’s step-father was Cliff Wright, the original founder of the Wright Burial Vault Company in 1961. (When Wright received a Wilbert license in 1965, the company name changed to Wilbert Vaults of Houston.) In 1993 Cliff asked Jim to move his family from Mineral Wells (just to the west of Dallas-Ft. Worth) and join him in the business. Jim said “yes,” was placed in charge of operations and began calling on customers. He viewed this dramatic change as an opportunity and, as he says, “It gave me a good taste of what I really wanted to do. I can’t think of a more satisfying life than to own a manufacturing company and serve my customers.” Cliff passed in April of 1994 and Jim continued to manage the company. He and his wife Darlene ultimately purchased the business in 1996. “That brought about a major change in our family life, too,” says Jim. “Up to that point, Darlene had been a homemaker. We had a blended family of four children, with one still in high school, and it sure tore apart our family lifestyle for awhile. But it was a good change. Darlene has welcomed her experiences in business and enjoys her work for the company as much as I do.” All three of their sons, representing the third generation of the family, are currently involved in the day-to-day operations. Jay is Operations Manager; Kevin does Inventory Control; and Brett is Director of Business Development.
Photography is one of Jim’s special interests, and he and Darlene love to travel. Here, (left) they are taking a break from a rocky climb on a photo safari in Africa, one of their favorite vacations.
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NCBVA.ORG l December 2012