Welcome to the Expo
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From Earl Studdard, Chairman of the Board, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
On behalf of the Board of Director’s of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce, welcome to the 26th Annual Business Expo presented by the San Marcos Daily Record. This year’s event is sold out, and we are really excited to have an amazing variety of businesses and organizations represented. Through the many years of my involvement with the Chamber, this has been and continues to be one of the finest events the Chamber offers its members and the community. As a way of helping our community, the Chamber’s highest tier member, TXI, has once again donated its exhibit space to the Hays County Food Bank. From Brian Bondy, President/CEO of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
Today, we recognize 17 professionals – men and women who are making a difference in San Marcos. My hope is that this is the first of many Shining Stars Under 40 – recognizing leaders who care about their community…by starting a business, running for public office or making a difference in people’s lives…all under the age of 40. One of the newest programs initiated by the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the San Marcos Shining Stars Under 40 Recognition program was initiated with the goal of recognizing
Earl Studdard
We ask that all people who wish to come and see this amazing Expo bring non-perishable food items in lieu of our entry fee of $5…bring five items and you get
professionals in the community who are making a difference in business, industry, education and government. The Shining Stars Under 40 are men and women who have a passion for what they do, but possibly more importantly, their peers have recognized what their contributions to the community have been and continue to be. The San Marcos Shining Stars Under 40 program wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and assistance of Rowe Ray, James Jones and the entire staff of the San Marcos Daily Record; their belief and commitment was instrumental in getting it off the ground. In addition, I want to thank Kim Porterfield, Office of Community Relations, Texas State University and her staff for helping us
in free; bring four and it will cost a dollar; bring three, two dollars, etc. We hope that everyone who attends will bring five non-perishable food items to help those less fortunate. As you walk through the exhibit hall, you’ll find restaurants, retailers, business services, health care providers, office equipment, automobiles and a whole lot more. For 26 years, the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo has been one of the leading business to business events in Central Texas. I want to thank all of our sponsors: the San Marcos Daily Record, TXI, McCoy’s Building Supply, Color Mix Graphics, The Grounds Guys and Schertz Bank and Trust. Together with our exhibitors we are grateful for their continued support of the Chamber and its programs and events.
Brian Bondy
find the perfect spot at the LBJ Student Center to conduct in-
I also want to recognize and thank Donovon Knighton with Keller-Williams Realty, chair of the Business Expo Task Force whose guidance and direction has helped this event become a sell out. Together with David Short and Kayla Royal from the San Marcos Daily Record; Mitsie Benton, Happy Paws Pet Service; Keith McCollum, Workforce Solutions Alamo; Carla Sisk, Color Mix Graphics; Karlin Clark, Second to None Upscale Resale; David Case, Wells Fargo Bank; Kelly Franks, city of San Marcos Main Street; Jose Garcia, Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union and the chair of the Business Development Committee; Frank Leonardis, Ember Industries, Inc. – their hard work and planning this event has really made a difference. I look forward to seeing you there.
terviews, Earl Studdard, North Carolina Furniture Direct and Chairman of the Board of the Chamber this year for the generous donation of time and equipment during the interviews. Eric Bonar, Communications director for the Chamber and photographer extraordinaire, Chuck Young, Young Advertising, Jim Guyon and Maverick Studios who helped turn our thoughts into an awesome presentation…and a huge thanks to the staff of the Chamber, Robert Watts, Eselda Rodriguez, Marisol Gomez, Margaret Lindsey and Joel Davis. A special thank you to Elizabeth Gonzales and Janie Hernandez for their help in organizing this year’s Expo. See you at the Expo.
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Bonnie Hughson: A vision for the future
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Bonnie Hughson was born and raised in San Marcos and graduated with a BA in Sociology from Texas State University. Her career path took a sudden and unexpected turn when her father died suddenly in 2009. Her dad had started Sur Powr Battery Supply in San Marcos in 1985, and with his death, it fell to Bonnie to take the reins. Now, two and a half years later, she is leading the company forward with plans for further expansion. “It was a big challenge, being young and female in
Bonnie is a graduate of the Leadership San Marcos class of 2011 and according to several who nominated her for the Shining Star award, was a major player in the class project – the new “Serenity Garden” inside the San Marcos Cemetery.
the battery business, but I asked lots of questions,” Hughson said. She admits having a very limited business background prior to taking
over. She says she had to come in and learn quickly. Eight months later she decided to buy her sisters out rather than shutting down the business. While she doesn’t envision expanding the retail aspect beyond the one current location, she does see expansion of the wholesale business by opening up more routes and adding a second truck. Bonnie is a graduate of the Leadership San Marcos class of 2011 and according to several who nominated her for the Shining Star award, was a major player in the class project. That project, which will
Bonnie Hughson
benefit generations of San Marcos residents to come, is the new “Serenity Garden” inside the San Marcos Cemetery. In 2012 she will be a facilitator for the upcoming Leadership San Marcos Class 2012 program. Whether in business or
community involvement, certain qualities about Bonnie surface time and time again: “She is not afraid of hard work and is willing to step out of her realm of comfort...Bonnie is honest, trustworthy, faithful and reliable...She is easy to do business with...Bonnie is a trouble shooter and always seeks ways to find the best solutions... She takes her community very seriously.” In addition to Sur Powr Battery Supply and her family life, Bonnie also manages and is president of a family partnership with several rental properties in San Marcos and a family ranch in Kyle. That ranch also includes quite a few goats and chickens among other wildlife, she says. Bonnie is also a volunteer with the Heritage Association in San Marcos.
Johnell Huebner: Event planning pro
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When you think of people starting their careers at a young age, most of us usually don’t imagine that being the age of five. But that’s exactly what Johnell Huebner did. She took her mom’s magazines and went going door to door trying to sell them. The entrepreneurial spirit never wavered and by the third grade she was planning and organizing a neighborhood party. Flash forward three more years and as a sixth grader Johnell was writing a school paper titled, “How to Plan a Perfect Party.” Throughout high school her friends would call upon her to plan all their
In high school her friends would call upon her to plan all their parties, and in college it turned to planning weddings. But it was her father-in-law who suggested shortly after her college graduation that she start charging for the service.
parties, with much success, and in college it turned to planning weddings. But it was her father-inlaw who suggested shortly after her college gradua-
tion that she start charging for the service. Thus began Clearly Classy Events. Starting with just herself as the only employee and averaging 1.5 events per month, the company has now grown with the hiring of two other lead coordinators, two assistants and six interns. On average they are handling five events per month. Among those events have been golf tournaments, reunions, anniversary parties, weddings, galas, birthday parties, showers, luncheons and street festivals. Active in volunteer work throughout the community, she helps with the
Johnell Huebner
Hays County Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Ride 2 Recovery and many others. In 2007, Johnell was honored by the Kyle Chamber of Commerce as the “Volunteer of the Year” and just recently was nominated for the Women of Influence Award in the Austin Business Journal.
Johnell is a current member of the Executive Board of Directors for the Kyle Chamber of Commerce, has served as director of the chamber’s golf tournament and chair of the gala committee. She is also an alumni of Leadership San Marcos and served on the organizations board of directors. A graduate of Texas Tech University, she was a member of the 2000 Lacrosse team and worked as a disc jockey for two years at the university radio station. Her goal is to continue growing her business and expand to major cities like Dallas and Houston. And if you see her at Starbuck’s, don’t be surprised when she tells the counter personnel that her name is “Sarah” rather than Johnell. Why? Because she said it’s easier than constantly explaining how to spell her first name.
Daniel Guerrero: Education, involvement
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Not many people have a dramatic, life-changing event at the age of five, but Daniel Guerrero did and it has impacted his life and how he lives it ever since. At that tender age he was diagnosed with cancer. And he saw his hometown community surround him and his family with love and support during those very difficult days. “I’m a cancer survivor,” Guerrero said, “And I see myself as one that is truly blessed....not settling for less than the best. I attribute it to my faith, family and friends.” Guerrero has stayed close to home, graduating from the San Marcos CISD and then Texas State Uni-
“I’m a cancer survivor. And I see myself as one that is truly blessed....not settling for less than the best. I attribute it to my faith, family and friends.”
versity with a degree in communications. He then entered the world of nonprofits because he wanted to help people. During nine years with INROADS, Inc., an international non-profit helping university students pursue their careers through summer internships with For-
tune 500 companies, Guerrero was able to secure slots for more than 1,500 students. Of those, 82 percent were able to land full-time employment with the companies for which they interned. That led to getting his master’s degree from St. Edward’s University in organizational leadership as well as two certificates from Austin Community College in non-profit leadership and grant writing. When the San Marcos Education Foundation decided to hire an executive director for the first time, Guerrero landed the position. He has since helped
Daniel Guerrero
raise more than $150,000 for the foundation. These donations are then reinvested in the community through teaching grants, student scholarships and recognition events for both students and teachers. Before being elected mayor of San Marcos in
November 2010, Guerrero had served previously on the city council from May, 2004 until November, 2008. While on the city council, Guerrero was twice selected by his colleagues as mayor pro tem and once as deputy mayor pro tem. He has been active in many community organizations including the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, LULAC Council #654, the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus and Leadership San Marcos Alumni Association. With education and helping others being so dear to his heart, it’s no surprise that future plans for Guerrero include the possible pursuit of a doctorate in educational leadership. And staying involved in the community which rallied around him at such a young age will always be foremost in his plans.
Karl Kuhlman climbs ladder of the SMFD
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Karl Kuhlman has been with the San Marcos Fire Department for 17 years. He has risen through the ranks from firefighter all the way to assistant fire chief in charge of operations and training for the department. He is known throughout not only the SMFD but all of city government as “a constant change-agent, an advocate for continuous improvement and someone who willingly takes on large projects, seeing them through to completion.” It’s no wonder, then, that Kuhlman received the city’s Johnny Moten Safety Award in 2010. The award is given in
Karl is known throughout not only the SMFD but all of city government as “a constant change-agent, an advocate for continuos improvement and someone who willingly takes on large projects, seeing them through to completion.”
recognition of a city employee, nominated by their peers, for helping create a safer workplace. In Kuhlman’s case he led and organized an Emer-
gency Response Team, developing a presentation that could be used and applied throughout all city departments, not just the fire department. When Kuhlman first arrived as a rookie almost two decades ago, the San Marcos Fire Department was considerably smaller than it is now. Back then it consisted of just three stations and a force that was a mixture of volunteer and paid firefighters. Today the department has five stations and a daily staffing level that is more than double what it was back then. Kuhlman took his love of
Karl Kuhlman
firefighting and his career very seriously, studying hard for each exam that led to promotions up the career ladder including engineer, lieutenant, battalion chief, division chief and now assistant chief. Along the way he completed two college degrees including graduating from
Texas State University with a BAAS degree Summa Cum Laude. He has also completed post graduate certification from the William P. Hobby Center for Public Service as a Certified Public Manager. Always looking to expand his horizons and value to the department, Kuhlman attended the Hays County Basic Peace Officer course and later became a certified arson investigator for the fire marshal’s office. In the community, Kuhlman has represented the department in many capacities ranging from the Firefighter Olympics to the annual 5k Pink Heals Run. He also developed the initial Fire Safety Clown Show which is given to all elementary school children in the San Marcos CISD to teach fire safety and how to escape from a burning or smoke-filled house.
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Brian Olson saw a need – and filled it
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Brian Olson came to Texas State University and, like many students, didn’t want to leave San Marcos after graduating. Olson used the old saying, “find a need and fill it” to realize that San Marcos at that time didn’t have the kind of hair salon he felt customer’s needed. While still in college and finishing his degree with majors in public relations and advertising, Olson decided to start his company, Premier Cuts. And he quickly put his education to work by always focusing on improvements in efficiency and customer service. As a result, in just three
He also credits his success to taking care of his employees. In an industry known for high turnover rates, Olson has managed to keep his turnover of employees very low. He says it comes in part from doing extras for his staff on holidays and with special get-togethers.
years the company has grown from one location In San Marcos to a total of four locations. The other three are in Kyle, Round
Rock and San Antonio. “I saw an opportunity here that bigger chains were not meeting,” Olson said. Growing up in College Station with his father, a successful banker, Olson knew early on that he wanted to be a business owner, get to know his clients, make new friends and have the freedom of his own time. For him, getting started at a young age is part of the secret of being successful. And he believes that smaller towns have many advantages, including being easier to become involved in the community
Brian Olson
as well as offering more opportunities. He also credits his success to taking care of his employees. In an industry known for high turnover rates, Olson has managed to keep his turnover of employees very low. He says it comes in part from doing extras for
his staff on holidays and with special get-togethers. With his four current locations, Olson has 55 employees. But in the future he hopes to continue to expand and one day reach 25 to 30 regional hair salons with managers to oversee them. He also plans on expanding his own horizons and business ventures by branching out into real estate. Active in the San Marcos community, Olson is a member of the Lions Club, served as president of Sights and Sounds of Christmas and volunteered at the annual Cattle Baron’s Ball. His business, Premier Cuts, has made donations to many area events including the San Marcos Heart Walk, CASA and several local school fundraisers.
Matthew Lewis: Planning for the future
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Matthew Lewis is the director of Development Services for the city of San Marcos, a department which is responsible for planning, building inspections and permits, community development and neighborhood services. In addition, Lewis and his staff provide staffing support to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustments and the Neighborhood Commission. A graduate of Texas State University with a degree in Urban and Regional Planning and minor in Technology, Lewis worked for the city of Hutto as
According to City Manager Jim Nuse, during his tenure with the city Lewis has provided “outstanding leadership in developing the San Marcos SmartCode, Downtown Master Plan, Capital Improvement Project review and updates for the Land Development Code.”
Community Development Director before coming back to San Marcos in 2009. A passionate planner,
Lewis’ work in implementing a SmartCode in Hutto was a three-time award winner. and his efforts have been recognized by some statewide agencies. And he accomplished the award winning implementation for Hutto in just four months. He is also a frequent guest lecturer at Texas State University and the University of Texas and has lectured both statewide and nationally about his experience implementing community visions using urban design and city planning. His projects have won awards from the American Planning Association as well as the Congress for
Matthew Lewis
New Urbanism. Among his professional awards is the Community Stewardship Award by Envision Central Texas for the Hutto Downtown Master Plan and SmartCode, Employee of the Year by the City of Hutto, the Planning Excellence Award and Community of the Year
plan honoree, both from the Texas APA. Lewis is accredited by the Congress of New Urbanism and is a member of the Central Texas Chapter’s board. New Urbanism utilizes walkable mixeduse neighborhoods containing various types of housing and jobs. “A good leader looks at all aspects, holistically, looking for balanced solutions,” Lewis said. And he sees his role in government as representing the community through the entire planning process as the city grows. According to City Manager Jim Nuse, during his tenure with the city Lewis has provided “outstanding leadership in developing the San Marcos SmartCode, Downtown Master Plan, Capital Improvement Project review and updates for the Land Development Code.”
Will Conley reaches out to help community
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Will Conley is much more than a dreamer. He is an achiever both in business and politics. While he came to San Marcos as a college student, he quickly discovered that this was the place for him to stay. He immersed himself not only in the college life but also the community in general. And rather than seeking a job upon graduation, decided instead to create his own business and furnish jobs to others, too. Today Conley Enterprises has more than 60 employees in San Marcos and surrounding Hays County. It all started with Conley
His various business enterprises have accounted for more than $225,000 in donations of gifts and services to local non-profits including CASA of Central Texas, the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Shelter, Hays County Food Bank and others.
Car Wash and Detail on Thorpe Lane. Being conscious of the environment, Conley used innovation and technology so that his car wash is recycling 85 percent of its
water. The Southwest Car Wash Association once named Conley’s facility the Car Wash of the Year. His various business enterprises have accounted for more than $225,000 in donations of gifts and services to local non-profits including CASA of Central Texas, the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Shelter, Hays County Food Bank, American Cancer Society, local firefighter and police groups and several schools, among others. Conley entered the political arena in 2004, becoming the youngest county commissioner ever elected in Hays County, a seat he still holds today.
Will Conley
In office, he has worked tirelessly on economic development, regional transportation solutions and fiscal responsibility by government. Among his accomplishments in office he cites the negotiated partnership with the state to invest $133 million in new Hays
County road projects. He is also leading the effort towards a major renovation of emergency communications in the county When completed, it will bring state-of-the-art central command to the 911 service. Conley also represents the county on several regional bodies including the Capital Area Council of Governments, the Capital Area Regional Transportation Planning Organization and the Lone Star Rail District. He is locally involved with the Hays County Food Bank, Crime Stoppers, San Marcos Main Street Association and the Texas State University River Center Master Planning Committee. Conley is a member of both the San Marcos and Wimberley Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Club and Ducks Unlimited.
Shayne Guillot likes to give 100 percent
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Shayne Guillot grew up in Houston and had always thought the Hill Country would be a great place to retire one day, but later decided it was an equally great place to start a business. The end result is a thriving practice at Edward D. Jones in San Marcos. Along the way, Guillot spent six years in the U.S. Navy as an Intelligence Specialist, including deploying during Operation Enduring Freedom to the Middle East in 2002. He served onboard the USS Belleau Wood, an amphibious assault ship nicknamed “Devil Dog.” While there he helped gather and analyze intelli-
What Guillot likes most about a small town like San Marcos is the opportunity to know everyone. While he started out with State Farm Insurance, he found that it was the financial aspect of the business that he enjoyed most. That led to his moving to a career with Edward D. Jones.
gence information and then disseminate it to Navy SEAL teams and Marine Recon units.
Upon returning stateside a year later, Guillot was assigned as a Naval Instructor at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington state. There he taught new intelligence specialists before they were assigned to Iraq and Afghanistan for combat duty. Always taught by his parents to “do 100 percent when you do something” and “be good at it” Guillot picked up several commendations in the military including two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, three Battle E Achievement ribbons, an Operation Enduring Freedom ribbon, an Operation Iraqi Freedom ribbon and
Shayne Guillot
Expert Marksmanship Rifle ribbon and Expert Marksmanship Pistol ribbon. What Guillot likes most about a small town like San Marcos is the opportunity to know everyone. While he started out with State Farm Insurance, he found that it was the financial aspect of the busi-
ness that he enjoyed most. That led to his moving to a career with Edward D. Jones. “I like helping people set financial goals and then meet those goals,” Guillot said. Guillot holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Phoenix and a master’s from the College of Financial Planning. His clients, some of whom nominated him for the Shining Star award, say that it’s obvious he cares about them beyond their business relationship. They cited with him citing examples annual gettogethers at his office so they can network with other clients and grow their businesses that way, too. Guillot is also active with his church in New Braunfels, where he helps with the food bank and teaches a financial class.
Corey Casey, Ray Reeves a cut above
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Salon Mink’s co-owners and partners Corey Casey and Ray Reeves are proud of the fact that their service and reputation draw customers from as far as Belton to the north and San Antonio to the south. In just more than three and a half years, their salon has grown from a staff of three to 13. They’ve garnered recognition not only locally, but statewide. Among their accomplishments: They’ve been voted “Best Salon of Hays County” by readers of the San Marcos Daily Record in 2008, 2009 and 2010 as well as by University Star readers as “Best Hair Care”
Corey and Ray are both cosmetologists and are certified instructors in the profession. One of their goals is to open a night cosmetology school in San Marcos to share their profession with others wanting that first foot in the door to a new career.
in 2009 and 2010. They have also graced the cover of Texas Stylist’s magazine in 2008 and their hairstyle and design
was featured with a full cover spread. Corey and Ray are both cosmetologists and are certified instructors in the profession. One of their goals is to open a night cosmetology school in San Marcos to share their profession with others wanting that first foot in the door to a new career. Another goal is to expand their business with perhaps more locations. Corey finds passion in going to work each day knowing he can help change someone’s image and make people feel better and more confident. Ray, a former nurse with
Corey Casey
Ray Reeves
10 years experience, said being able to use the lessons he learned from his grandfather plays an important role in his life. His grandfather owned a small gas station in Blanco, and Ray says he watched him and learned about interacting with peo-
ple and how to be a better businessman. As for hobbies, Corey envisions someday being on stage in the theater, while Ray finds pleasure in garage sales and shopping for antiques, saying that on more than one occasion he’s found a treasure.
Lacie Orsak active in banking, community
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Lacie Orsak came to San Marcos like so many others, as a student at Texas State University. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 2003 with a major in Finance and went on to earn her masters of Business Administration degree two years later, also at Texas State University in the McCoy School of Business. Beginning her career at Frost Bank seven years ago, she hit the ground running as an associate relationship manager and analyst in Austin. When the opportunity arose to return to San Marcos, she jumped at it.
Beginning her career at Frost Bank seven years ago, she hit the ground running as an associate relationship manager and analyst in Austin. When the opportunity arose to return to San Marcos, she jumped at it.
Lacie continued to grow and progress with the company to her current position as a vice president with the Commercial Lending Group. In the latter capacity she is responsible for commer-
cial lending and the servicing of a portfolio that includes more than $20 million in outstanding loans and another $20 million in deposits. She serves as a mentor to a team which includes an associate relationship manager, a business banker and administrative assistants. She is also a part of Frost Bank’s Commercial Lending Support Team, a team which was instrumental in the development of a new loan agreement monitoring system which is now in use companywide. And she was a member of the design and test team for the new loan ap-
Lacie Orsak
proval system. Customers say Orsak has “always been a very friendly and professional banking partner with regard to our business and personal banking concerns....Lacie is a very hardworking employee and is willing to go well beyond
the call of duty for her customers... she exhibits a very friendly attitude towards our concerns and does a great job of researching and understanding our business.” Active in the Rotary Club, Lacie has served as sergeant-at-arms and chaired various committees including the Rotary Club Scramble which raises money for scholarships in Hays County. She is also a past vice president of the Business Networking International’s Corridor Platinum Chapter and is involved in the Small Business Development Center, actively participating in several forums. Lacie is also a member of the Leadership San Marcos class of 2009 and a member of the Board of Directors at First State Bank of Louise.
Calli Couch Swindle offers fashions, hope
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Calli Couch Swindle came to San Marcos at a young age and never plans to leave. A product of the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School System, she went right into her family business while still in high school. Two P’s Boutique & Gifts and Calli’s Boutique, in business 17 years and six years, respectively, operate side by side in San Marcos. They have a reputation for being much more than just fashion and clothing stores, as Calli has a true passion for the people who walk in to shop or just to visit. That’s one of the things she enjoys most and sees
Always eager to help others, she established internships with her company for students in the Fashion Merchandising Program at Texas State University, giving young girls the opportunity to learn first hand just like she did.
as an advantage of being in a smaller city versus a major one, the ability to get to know people and to support local businesses through ongoing relationships.
Instead of pursing extracurricular activities in her senior year of high school, Calli chose to join a work study program and gain valuable retail experience. Upon graduation, she was already deeply involved in buying, selling and conducting inventory as well as the hiring, training and managing a team of associates. She understood the critical areas of business including costs, profit margin and dealing with theft and loss prevention along with making a payroll and establishing relationships with the banking community. Always eager to help oth-
Calli Couch Swindle
ers, she took it upon herself to establish internships with her company for students in the Fashion Merchandising Program at Texas State University, giving young women the opportunity to learn first hand, just like she did and gain the necessary experience that businesses seek
after graduation. Her role with the university has often included being a guest lecturer for classes at the university and speaking to women’s church retreats. Giving back to the community continues to be a strong focus in her life. Her store sponsors events and donates merchandise to various community groups including the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, Mutt Strutt, CTMC Medical Foundation, the CTMC Women’s Council, Texas State sororities, Hands of Hope, the Hays Caldwell Women’s Center and Southside Community Center, among others. But one that is close to her heart and her husband's is the Homeless Shelter where they are regular volunteers helping with meals and offering encouragement and hope.
Michael Lang thinks outside the box
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“Michael Lang thinks outside the box. He always seeks to find ways to help others around him. He has great troubleshooting skills and looks at a situation and searches for the best way to solve it.” That’s how Mitsie Benton and others describe Michael Lang of Little Guys Movers. And it’s no surprise that given that description, Lang went from a rookie with no experience to manager of the local branch in just one year. According to Little Guys co-owner Chris Hawley, “When the San Marcos location was suffering from mismanagement, disorganization and total lack of
What drives Lang is the chance to develop relationships with other businesses in the community. He feels his success is due in part to a belief in always doing his best – no matter what the task – and honesty.
leadership, Michael not only stayed on through a very trying time but rose through the ranks...” Not bad for someone who’d never even thought of entering the business. Lang has managed to increase gross profit by 79
percent since taking over in 2009. Lang has also created and implemented new policies and procedures on equipment upkeep, phone sales and strategy and improving overall customer satisfaction. He has also managed to create new positions which in turn allow for more opportunities within the company for employees. What drives Lang is the chance to develop relationships with other businesses in the community, something that isn’t as easy to do in a larger city. He feels his success is due in part to a belief in always doing his best – no matter what the task – and
Michael Lang
honesty. Since coming to San Marcos, he has become involved in the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, serving on both the Business Development Committee and Special Events Committee and just recently became an Ambassador-in-training.
“My philosophy on community involvement is based on the premise that by contributing to improvement of my community I indirectly contribute to my own personal improvement,” Lang said. And that involvement through his company has led to ongoing continued support of the Salvation Army, Goodwill and the Hays County Women’s Center. In addition, he was involved in helping with New Braunfels flood victims in 2010 as well as the city’s park cleanup effort that year. An avid hunter and fisherman, Lang also operates a side business with his wife involving music promotion and events. The latter is something he hopes to work on more with Texas State University on in terms of both athletics and the university in general.
Meagan McCoy Jones has worked her way up
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Meagan McCoy Jones grew up in San Marcos, graduating from San Marcos Baptist Academy in 2000 and then going to the University of Richmond to earn her undergraduate degree in Rhetoric and Communication Studies in 2004. She returned to Central Texas upon graduation and began working on her master’s in communication studies at the University of Texas, graduating in 2006. And it was during her time at UT that her career plans took a different direction. “While attending graduate school Meagan also worked in our Georgetown store (McCoy’s) and it was
Meagan joined McCoy’s full time in the corporate development department to learn about headquarters operations. During that time she also worked with the Texas Legislature on behalf of McCoy’s to revise the Business Franchise Tax.
during that time that she realized that her gifts would not be in the pursuit of a terminal degree in communications and teaching at the university
level, but would be working alongside her father, Brian McCoy, in the building supply industry,” John Meeks, Sr. vice president of corporate development at McCoy’s, said in nominating Meagan for this award. Meagan joined McCoy’s full time after receiving her M.A., starting in the corporate development department to learn about headquarters operations. During that time she also worked with the Texas Legislature on behalf of McCoy’s to revise the Business Franchise Tax to provide additional funding for public schools. In August 2007, Meagan started a one-year term as
Meagan McCoy Jones
assistant store manager in Manchaca. While there she organized a benefit concert at the lumberyard which raised more than $24,000 for Mobile Loaves and Fishes, an Austin-based non-profit. After her year at the Manchaca store, Meagan
returned to corporate headquarters in San Marcos to assume her current role as McCoy’s director of field support. In this capacity, her duties include traveling to the company’s 83 locations and focusing on improving business efficiency. In this position, she initiated the Store Efficiency Task Force. “This Task Force, comprised of 18 people from across the disciplines of our company, has transformed many of the internal functions of our operation using technology and common sense to smooth operational performance while increasing accountability at both our stores and headquarters,” Meeks said. She also serves on the McCoy’s board of directors and executive team and is the fourth generation to work in her family’s business.
Rene Backer strives to succeed, help others
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Rene Backer is known for her ability to put others at ease, not always an easy task in a heavily male dominated industry. Raised in a small town outside of Atlanta, Rene came from a family with modest economic circumstances, yet she set her goals in the tenth grade on an eventual engineering degree. The first person in her family to attend college, she worked part time – and sometimes full time – to pay her way. And she still managed to make the dean’s list 12 out of 14 quarters including a 4.0 grade point average her final quarter.
Rene joined Flintco in 2006 and landed in San Marcos where her first assignments were the Embassy Suites Hotel and San Marcos Conference Center, both earning industry construction excellence awards.
She graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering with a specialization in construction management, one of only four females in the class. And, believing strongly in “giving back,” Rene was also volunteering at the
campus wellness center while in school. There she helped in outreach programs including education about nutrition, exercise, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and smoking prevention. Upon graduation, she was offered a position with the international engineering company for which she had she’d interned and quickly rose through the ranks from field engineer to office engineer, project engineer and finally project manager. Rene then joined Flintco in 2006 and landed in San Marcos where her first assignments were the Embassy Suites Hotel and
Rene Backer
San Marcos Conference Center, both earning industry construction excellence awards. She is now serving as project manager for the new Texas State University Undergraduate Academic Center project. Five projects she has been project manager for
have now won six major construction industry awards. Community involvement has also been a key component of her life, including participation in the Susan G. Koman Three Day Breast Cancer Walk (raising more than $5,600 in two years), the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure, Girlstart, Pet Prevent a Litter (PALS), Austin Pets Alive, San Marcos Blue Santa program, American Heart Association’s San Marcos Heart Walk, Leadership San Marcos Tonkawa Indian statue project, Flintco Texas State University college recruitment, March of Dimes and many more. Her concerns for the health and wellbeing of others goes beyond mere words. Rene maintains certification in CPR and First Aid, and has used her training twice to save lives.
Molly Ann Rosas-Garcia hard working, involved
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Molly Ann Rosas-Garcia has lived in San Marcos her whole life, and says one of the conditions she told her husband when he asked her to marry him is that she will never live anywhere else. Besides her family, she is intensely dedicated to her community and it shows in the volume of non-profit work she has undertaken so early in her career. Sales has been her calling, starting out in auto sales at age 19 as the youngest salesperson on the floor at San Marcos Auto Outlet. Today she is the Community Relations/Sales Manager for Grande Communications. In the latter capacity Molly
Sales has been her calling, starting out in auto sales at age 19 as the youngest salesperson on the floor at San Marcos Auto Outlet. Today she is the Community Relations/Sales Manager for Grande Communications.
Ann manages a team of sales representatives, helps build relationships within the community and works with the marketing department. Molly Ann was active in many leadership roles with the San Marcos Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,
even serving as the youngest person ever to be Chair of the organization from 2006-2007. Among her accomplishments with the Chamber, she also chaired the Special Events Committee, the Los Amigos Committee, and the Gala. Twice she was honored with the Los Amigos of the Year award in ‘04 and ‘09, and received the Board Service Award in ‘08 and Chairman’s Award in ‘09. Statewide, Molly Ann has served the Hispanic community as the youngest board member of the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce from 2005-2008. She is a graduate of the
Molly Ann Rosas-Garcia
2010 Leadership San Marcos class and received awards from Bobcat Build in ‘08 and ‘09. Active with the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, Molly Ann is on the Special Events Committee and helped with the planning of the Chamber Luau in ‘08 and ‘09 as well as
the Gala in ‘08. Molly Ann has also been quite active with the Main Street Advisory Board, serving as vice chair or chair from 2007 until just a few months ago. During that time she has been instrumental in recommendations to the City Council regarding the downtown master plan, including the adoption of the new smart codes. And she is also active in the Heritage Association, helping host several cottage kitchens among other duties. Serving on the board of the Texas State University Friends of Fine Arts and Communications, Molly Ann helps raise needed funds which provide scholarships for students. And she is one of the charter members of the CTMC Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Council, a new non-profit which assists women and children in Hays County.
Margaret Ennis a top performing agent
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Winning awards in real estate sales is nothing new for Margaret Ennis because she is constantly a top performing agent not only in San Marcos but also in Central Texas as a whole. In fact, just this past June she was named a 2011 Five Star Real Estate Agent in Central Texas by Texas Monthly magazine. During the period between June 2010 and 2011, she was the top Realtor under the age of 40 years old in dollar volume in San Marcos. She was ranked number 27 out of 938 total Realtors in the Central Texas Multiple Listing Service. She came to San Marcos
For Margaret, being a real estate agent is “...all about making people’s dreams come true.” And she says nothing can replace the joy and happiness when the final papers are signed and customers take possession of their new home.
originally to attend Southwest Texas State University. Like many college students, she had the need to work while going to school and landed a part time job
with a property management company. With that, the doors opened to a career in real estate sales which she is extremely passionate about and says she could never see herself doing anything else. Besides being a licensed Realtor for 11 years, she has been licensed as a broker since 2005. She holds certification in several key areas including Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer Representative and Certified New Homes Specialist as well as being an active member of the Women’s Council of Realtors. For Margaret, being a real estate agent is “...all
Margaret Ennis
about making people’s dreams come true.” And she says nothing can replace the joy and happiness when the final papers are signed and customers take possession of their new home. Besides her work, she is also committed to community service.
Margaret has served on the San Marcos Economic Development Board since 2010 and proudly wears the green jacket of a San Marcos Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. She also serves on the Governmental Affairs and Special Events Committees and is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. She is active in Big Brothers Big Sisters and been on the executive board for three years with the Downtown Rotary Club of New Braunfels. Margaret also donates considerable time to her industry having served as President of the San Marcos Area Board of Realtors (SABOR) in the past and currently serving as chair of the Central Texas Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and on numerous committees. She is a graduate of the Texas Real Estate Leadership program.
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San Marcos Business Expo was a big hit last year, attracting hundreds of visitors to the various booths.
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San Marcos Business Expo is also a good opportunity to sample the tastes of San Marcos from local restaurants.
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Don始t forget to grab a San
Marcos Daily Record goody bag at the door.
1912-2012 100 Years of Service
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