Orange Living - Small Business Spotlight

Southeast Texas Small Business Spotlight

Products that perform, People who care

At Chevron Phillips Chemical, we responsibly manufacture chemicals and polymers the world needs, provide enriching careers and create shareholder value because we care about each other, our customers and our communities. We live by our values of safety, respect, integrity and drive, which enable us to make the petrochemical solutions found in products of all kinds, with purpose, collaboration and care.

Performance by design. Caring by choice.™

Connect with us online www.cpchem.com

INSIDE

Volume 2 of 2024

FIRST RESPONSE

Urgent care expanding outreach with location, sponsorships.......4

HEATHER MONTAGNE

Calls on deep roots with State Farm Insurance..........................6

COUNTRYLAND

Full-service real estate company ready to serve community.......10

GUBERS

Making waves in the Golden Triangle strong results..............12

LETHA KNAUS

Passion is championing small businesses through work.........15

BUCKSTIN BREWING

Hometown brewery planned for success; enjoying growth.........18

AVENUE AXE

Garrett Gaspard and Lance Ledoux working together........20

TOWN & COUNTRY

Built U.S. success story from $8 in his pocket.......................24

ESCOTO TILE

Remodeling grows strong from humble beginning.....................28

KT MAINTENANCE

Creating respect through 30 years of service........................32

DARLEAN’S

Market and Café carries on family tradition.........................34

FIT BODY BOOT CAMP

Pump up volume on community fitness with some help.............36

CRUZ EVENTS

Impact driven by community compassion...............................40

PRIORITY

Wound Care work driven by loss of mother..........................42

BELLA INK

Cosmetic Tattoo and Beauty Bar offers variety of services.........44

BORN TO REPORT

Gloria Walker recognized for championing her town.............46

COVER STORY

Small business champs share stories, passions.......................50

GENUINE HEALTHCARE

Built through divine timing, Butler says.......................... ...52

ON THE COVER —

Pictured from left are Nathan Rivers, Ida Schossow, and Stephen Hemelt. (Photos by Bart Bragg, Candace Hemelt and Stephen Hemelt; page design by Candace Hemelt)

Publisher: STEPHEN HEMELT

Contributors:

MARY MEAUX

SIERRA KONDOS

CHRISSIE MOUTON

NIKITA HARRIS

STEPHEN HEMELT

Photography:

MARY MEAUX

SIERRA KONDOS

CHRISSIE MOUTON

NIKITA HARRIS

STEPHEN HEMELT

orangeleader.com

Designer: STEPHEN HEMELT Contact

Advertising

Southeast Texas doctor OWNED and OPERATED

First Response Urgent Care expanding outreach with new location, sports sponsorships

Dr. Thi Nguyen and staff at First Response Urgent Care have a motto they follow — “First to Response, First to Quality of Care.”

The words to action factored in when First Response was recently named the Small Business Development Center’s Star Busi-

ness of the Year.

Nguyen said he is very honored to receive the designation.

“I am forever grateful to SBDC in helping me to achieve my lifetime goal of coming home to open my clinic and serve the very community that I grew up with,” Nguyen said. “With the hometown doctor mentality, we treat every patient as if they

Dr. Thi Nguyen, seen during the years, has led the team’s success at First Response Urgent Care.

Courtesy photo

The First Response Urgent Care team pictured includes Ngoc Nguyen, from left, Heather May, Naomi Torris, Nurse Practitioner Jeffery Gonzales, Dr. Minh Tran, Dr. Thi Nguyen, Nurse Practitioner Jason Bedair, Nicole Ngo, and Diana Nguyen.

Courtesy photo

were our family. We always treat patients with compassion and care.”

Employee Carolina Flores, who has worked at FRUC for six years, loves her job and the people she works with.

“Dr. Nguyen brings education and compassion to these patients who truly want to feel better or have had bad treatment elsewhere,” Flores said. “We all work as a team to make sure our patients are taken care of and want to come back to us for any need. I have seen so much kindness from our patients, thanking us for what we do and how we do it. I’ve received handwritten letters to treats for the staff. We appreciate our patients for what they do for us here at FRUC.”

Fellow employee Ngoc Nguyen, who has been with the business for nine years, said they have an amazing team.

“Dr. Nguyen, along with the rest of our physicians, are always providing the

best care for our patients. We appreciate the support from our community and are honored to be acknowledged and rewarded for all that we do,” Ngoc Nguyen said.

FRUC is the only doctor-owned and operated urgent care in Southeast Texas with a doctor always on staff, Dr. Nguyen said.

“We treat 99 percent of all illnesses and medical concerns of all ages at a fraction of the emergency room costs and times,” the doctor said.

DR. NGUYEN’S BIO

Dr. Nguyen was born in a rice village in South Vietnam. At the age of 9, his family of 10 escaped from Vietnam on his father’s wooden boat, according to his biographical information.

The family survived two years in five refugee camps in Thailand and the Philippines before arriving to the U.S. in 1987. In America, he attended school for the first time.

He worked hard to master the English language and graduated as valedictorian of his class in 1996 from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur.

He then became the first in his family history to receive a college degree with his bachelor of science in biochemistry from the University of Texas in 2001.

He went on to work at MD Anderson as a cancer researcher prior to obtaining his medical degree, and then completed his residency training at Houston Methodist Hospital in 2014.

Dr. Nguyen returned and opened First Response Urgent Care in his hometown of Port Arthur in 2015.

He is an active supporter in the community and promotes health and wellness through sponsorships and participating in local outdoor fitness events, such as the annual community Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.

He was also honored as the top “40 under 40” in Southeast Texas, Rising Star, along with many local awards. During the pandemic, Dr. Nguyen opened a second location in Lumberton to better serve Southeast Texas.

OFFICES

First Response Urgent Care has two locations, one in Port Arthur and one in Lumberton.

• Port Arthur location — 3620 FM 365. Open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They can be reached at 409344-4557.

• Lumberton location

— 434 N. Lhs Drive, Suite 500, Lumberton. Open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They can be reached by calling 409-227-0130.

— By Mary Meaux

Courtesy photo

The Health & Athletics Triathlon Team for The First Response Urgent Care is pictured. They are athletes from across Southeast Texas.

Heather Montagne calls on deep roots with State Farm Insurance

Disasters and accidents strike when they are least expected — and for people without a financial safety net, insurance can play a vital role in protecting the assets they worked hard for and the people they care for the most.

With a toolkit of tailored insurance solutions and a heart full of dedication, local agent Heather Montagne with State Farm Orange ensures dreams and assets are shielded against the storms of life.

“I provide auto, home, life, health, business insurance and securities,” Montagne said.

Montagne has been a State Farm agent since 2002, guiding residents through the

choppy waters of life’s uncertainties.

After working through several major storm events in her career, the significance of insurance is undeniably clear. “It was after going through a few storms I really understood the importance of what we do as insurance professionals,”

Courtesy photo Alexa Kotz and Heather Montagne are seen at the State Farm office.

Candace Hemelt/Orange Living Magazine

Heather Montagne of State Farm speaks in December at the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce banquet.

Montagne said, emphasizing the role of insur ance in providing peace of mind and security to individuals and families alike. “We sell a product you can’t see or touch, so I feel like when a disaster hits, it is really our time to be there for our customers.”

The Greater Orange Area Chamber of Com merce recently honored Montagne as Busi ness of the Year.

The decision to set up shop in Orange was influenced by Montagne’s deep roots in the area.

Growing up in Bridge City instilled in her a strong sense of community and family, mak ing the opening of the Orange office in 2010 a dream come true.

“Family is important to me, so I knew I wanted to stay in the area,” Montagne said. Montagne’s tenure in the industry sets her apart, along with a relentless commitment to customer service, a value she attributes to her mentor, Bill Nickum.

“I trained under Bill Nickum, and customer service was really important to him,” Mon tagne said. “I think I still hold strong to that and teach my team that same value, which I feel like has made us successful long term in

Courtesy photo Daughter Gracelyn Mankopf ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, which they do every Christmas season.

Mission Statement: The mission of Bridge City Independent School District, an innovative, family/community-supported educational system, is to provide a comprehensive, wellbalanced instructional program in a safe learning environment to ensure the development of caring, responsible, productive graduates capable of contributing in a global society.

www.bridgecityisd.net

BRIDGE CITY ISD

a small community.”

Running a business hasn’t been without its challenges, especially in an area prone to natural disasters.

From learning the ropes of business management to navigating the aftermath of storms like Harvey, Imelda, Delta and Laura, Montagne faces adversity headon.

“The first years were hard, with plenty of lessons learned,” Montagne said. “Pile on the natural disasters that our area has seen in the last 14 years, and it has been a challenging profession.”

Those lessons have resulted in growth, and a profound understanding of the insurance industry’s impact on people’s lives.

Montagne opened her second office in Beaumont in 2022 and has high hopes for the future.

“I hope that my community and my team sees me as a knowledgeable, caring, ethical business owner who really strives to do what’s right and supports the community in any way I can,” Montagne said.

Married to Mike Mankopf for 17 years, with four children ranging from 8 to 28 years old, Montagne balances a busy profession-

al life with a fulfilling personal life.

Her team of seven between the two offices continues to grow and adapt, sharing in the commitment to excellence and community service.

As an agent who has weathered many storms, literally and figuratively, Montagne believes her local upbringing gives her a unique advantage in providing the right coverage for her clients.

“The coast is a different animal when it comes to insurance, especially homes. When I came across quotes, especially home quotes from agents in other part of Texas, they don’t understand how the windstorm works or how important flood coverage is,” Montagne said. “It definitely makes a difference with putting the correct coverages in place for our customers. You don’t know what you don’t know.”

For more information, call 409886-3589 or visit her website at heathermontagne.com.

— Written by Chrissie Mouton

Courtesy photo

Mardi Gras Southeast Texas Bullets & Boujee Bags Bingo Fundraiser included a purse bingo. Those pictured, from left, are Jaca Rios, Kelci Moss, Ashlea Morawski, Heather Montagne, Jonathan May and Sophia Brant.

Courtesy photo

Those seen at the Beaumont boat show include Heather Montagne, Jonathan May and Ashle Morwaski.

Community drives success for Countryland Properties

Countryland Properties was born from a desire to help people with their real estate needs and to be a local, full-service real estate company.

The enterprise is run by broker and owner Stephen Gault.

Licensed in 1999, Gault has shown this dedication since beginning in the real estate market mainly, in land development and land sales in and around Mauriceville.

Countryland Properties began in 2012 and over the past 11 years has grown considerably.

The work did not go unnoticed.

In late January, Countryland Properties was named Business of the Year by the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce.

“What an honor to be recognized as a company for Business of the Year in Bridge City,” Gault said. “Each day our goal is to help, serve and build a better community.”

While the business began with Gault as the only agent, now, 11 years later, it sports 20 agents and two other employees.

“Countryland has had substantial growth over the

Courtesy photo

State Sen. Robert Nichols, left, Countryland Properties owner Stephen Gault and Bridge City Chamber of Commerce Past President Wanda McGraw. The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year honor recently went to Countryland Properties and Gault.

G r o w Y o u r B u s i n e s s

W i t h T h e S B D C

ADVISING SESSIONS AVAILABLE IN PERSON OR VIRTUAL. PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS ADVISORS

SCAN THE QR CODE TO REQUEST ADVISING.

last several years with marked increases in production every year as well as adding new agents every year,” Christi Reese said in the nomination letter. “Stephen Gault (owner and managing broker) has made a concerted effort to have community service projects this past year. Him being a born and raised local business person who started this company and has built it up is very impressive in my opinion.”

Bridge City Chamber Director Mandy Lyda said the above nomination was why Countryland Properties was named Business of the Year.

BACKGROUND

The original home office for the business was located in Mauriceville, and in early 2018, leadership opened an office in Bridge City and an office in Buna to better serve those areas, according to information from Gault.

“The pandemic made us all more adapt to working remotely. In January 2023, the decision was made to merge all three offices, and the Bridge City location would be the only office location for the future. They proudly serve all of Southeast Texas and help buyers and sellers with their real estate needs,” according to information from the business.

Countryland Properties was founded and operated with five core beliefs; Gault said: value, knowledge, relationship, integrity and efficiency.

“More than just a company, Countryland Properties is a family. It’s a place where a group of people from all walks of life laugh together, learn together and work together to help build our communities, one home at a time,” according to the business.

Gault started in the real estate industry right out of high school, answering phones, collecting payments and filing paperwork, according to his biographical information.

This experience gave him a look into the industry and after obtaining his license he began work with Woodridge Land Co.

Through the years he’s worked in real estate, youth ministry and other business ventures, though real estate is his passion.

When he’s not working, he spends time with this family, enjoys golfing, hunting and being involved in his local church.

Countryland Properties is located at 600 Texas Avenue in Bridge City.

For more information, call 409-792-5200, visit countrylandtx.com online or on Facebook.

— By Mary Meaux

Courtesy photo Hailey Parker and Becky Parker said supporting Gubers of Southeast Texas helps maintain fulltime positions for the local business and its community first mantra.

Gubers answers your cravings while carving its own path

Gubers of Southeast Texas is making waves in the Golden Triangle, establishing a reputation for excellence with each delivery.

Unlike other food delivery services, Gubers is locally owned and operated by Becky and Hailey Parker, a dynamic mother-daughter duo overseeing a team of 47 team members.

With access to more

than 250 restaurants in Southeast Texas, Gubers offers a comprehensive food delivery service.

Additionally, it extends its delivery services to small local businesses such as Down to Earth and Aurora Freeze Stride Candy.

“We are looking to expand into any type of delivery that is needed,” said Becky Parker.

Established in 2017, Gubers underwent a change in management

1925 Texas Ave - Bridge City, TX. 77611 (409) 792-5160

www.CajunVenturesMarket.com

• Catering

• Specialty Meat Market

• Daily Plate Lunces

• Deer Processing

in 2019, with Becky and Hailey Parker taking over the helm. Since rebranding, the business has experienced significant growth and aims to broaden its reach to include more rural locations and additional small businesses in its delivery routes.

Gubers was recently named Vidor Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

Setting itself apart, Gubers ensures employ-

ees receive a livable wage, eliminating the need for multiple jobs to make ends meet. Furthermore, the company is a second chance employer, providing employment opportunities to individuals seeking a fresh start after rehabilitation.

Treating people with respect and dignity is a core value at Gubers of Southeast Texas. Becky Parker emphasized the importance of their team, stating, “It’s our staff that

"WhenyousupportCajunVenturesyou'resupportingadream"

HOURS

CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY

TUESDAY-FRIDAY 9-5

SATURDAY 9-2

HOURS: SAT-TUES 6A-2P; WED-FRI 6A-8P

makes this business. Our drivers are the best, and they are the face of the company.”

Delivering more than just food, Gubers provides a personalized experience beyond typical app-interactions for customers. The company employs live dispatchers to handle orders, offering customers the option to bypass the app and make order corrections.

With strict delivery time standards, averaging 45 to 55 minutes, Gubers prioritizes speed and customer satisfaction.

Gubers’ commitment to excellence has garnered recognition within the community. In the past two years, the company earned consecutive Best of the Best awards from the Beaumont Enterprise and Port Arthur News. Additionally, Gubers exclusively partners with Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp at all its locations, solidifying its position as a go-to food delivery service.

“Just to be nominated is amazing,” expressed Becky Parker regarding a recent Torch Awards nomination.

For customers seeking discounts, Gubers of Southeast Texas regularly posts daily offers on Facebook. Military families, Back the Blue supporters and Platinum Dining members also enjoy exclusive discounts.

Organizers said choosing Gubers of Southeast Texas for delivery means supporting local families and small businesses. As a family operated business, Gubers aims for generational longevity as it continues to expand.

For more information about the company and placing orders, visit gubersofsetx.com or connect on Facebook or Instagram.

— By Nikita Harris

Courtesy photo

Some of the team members at Gubers of Southeast Texas are pictured. Learn more about the company at gubersofsetx.com.

Courtesy photo Hailey Parker and Becky Parker make up the dynamic mother-daughter duo overseeing a team of 40-plus at Gubers of Southeast Texas.

Letha Knaus’ passion is championing small businesses

A lot has changed at the Groves Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Center in the past year.

There’s new leadership, new board members, new business members and a new attitude.

This change for the positive is likely what led the Chamber to being named Small Business Champion of the year by the Small Business Development Center.

Executive Director Letha Knaus said the award is usually presented to small business champions that incubate and promote the success of small businesses, and that is what they do as a chamber.

Knaus, who took the reins to the Chamber in April 2023, said the award means the world to the organization, especially to receive it this year.

The Chamber has been revamped and has a more welcoming and inviting environment, community members say.

“It is such an honor to receive an award such as this and to even be considered,” Knaus said.

Today’s board of directors are active and there is a waiting list for those who want to be on the board.

In addition, last year the Chamber’s business membership was at 143; they are now at 230 and counting.

To grow a business in that amount of time is a blessing and a reflection on the board and what they are trying to accomplish in the community, especially the business community, Knaus said.

Mary Meaux/Orange Living Magazine

Letha Knaus, left, speaks with Loyd Patterson, Groves Chamber board treasurer, as they prepared the Easter Egg Hunt in 2023.

BUSINESSES, EVENTS

There have been some new events added to the Chamber’ activities to promote businesses, including Love on Lincoln. The February event showcased a full service event planning opportunity. Knaus said it is an ongoing campaign.

“You can come to Lincoln Avenue any given day and show for a wedding or quinceañera or other special event you are having. You can take care of the whole event in one afternoon,” she said. “You have a venue, cake bakery, makeup and hair and nails, caterer. We even have wedding insurance and event insurance. We have a photography studio. Everything is right there on one street.”

Knaus said a new florist is coming to Lincoln Avenue in the near future and there are three other florists not on Lincoln but in Groves that are options.

People planning for their major events can take care of the planning in one afternoon and use the rest of the time to enjoy the journey to the date of their event.

Last year’s Pecan Festival, held in the fall, included new options and was considered a success.

Knaus said they had more vendors than in the past and some new items added to the

Mary Meaux/Orange Living Magazine

Letha Knaus took the reins as executive director of the Groves Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Center in April of 2023.

entertainment section.

“There was an overwhelming response from people saying this was the best one of the best we had in decades. You can’t replace that feeling when you are putting something on as big as a festival,” Knaus said.

The fun was more inclusive with the addition of folkloric dancers and other local talent on festival Sunday; there was the addition of Faith, Praise and Worship Night and there was a beer garden. All went well and there were zero reported negative incidents, according to Knaus.

REASON FOR SUCCESS

Knaus believes the reason for the success of the Chamber is local leaders are very active. They are in the public more than before and active on social media.

“They are out there visiting members and seeing what they need,” she said. “They are seeking memberships, inviting people and I think a lot of that has to do with generally moving toward a more positive image. We are trying to create a cohesive city, economic development corporation and Chamber that works together to promote Groves.”

— By Mary Meaux

Mary Meaux/Orange Living Magazine

Letha Knaus and Melissa Hoyt are all smiles at Classic Finds in Groves during a January event.

Buckstin Brewing Co. keeping fun

Gabrielle Blanco jokes that you have to be crazy to take the leap of faith and follow your dreams when it comes to small business ownership.

However, Blanco and partner Justin Buchanan-Lopez were a lot more than dreamers when they decided to move forward with opening Buckstin Brewing Co. in Nederland.

“90 percent of taking the leap is the planning and the preparation work,” Blanco said. “You have to be thorough. Get a business plan together, run your numbers, talk to people in the community, talk to other business owners.”

Blanco and Buchanan-Lopez did three years of planning and three years of saving to make sure they could open their business without outside investors.

It was just them, and their plan was executed without worrying about other people’s money investing in the business.

“We worked for three years on that business plan before we started going to banks and working with the SBA to get funding. Your dream is 90 percent legwork,” Blanco said.

In the four years since opening, Buckstin Brewing Co. has become an anchor location on Boston Avenue in Downtown Nederland.

That success led to the April opening of Buckstin Brewing Co. in Beaumont at 6280 Phelan Blvd.

The smart planning and success has the attention of many in the community, as Buckstin was recently named Business of the Year by the Nederland Chamber of Commerce.

“That was amazing. The crew deserves it so, so much,” Blanco said.

“We are located on historic Boston Avenue, and it makes you feel so connected to the City of Nederland. When you get to work everyday, you are driving under the arch.

We’re so involved in the community, too, so it was such an honor. I was so proud of the team.”

She wants fans of the Mid County brewery and restaurant to know they are recreating exactly what has been established in Nederland at the new Beaumont home.

“It is because of the amazing workers and the amazing customers that we have in Nederland that the brand has grown this big,”

Blanco said. “It is because of the way our customers have treated our workers that we had over 300 very good applicants to come work for us over here. We need to do everything we can to recreate that perfect recipe for success and bring it to a city that deserves an experience like this.”

Besides delicious pizzas, appetizers and desserts, the larger Beaumont kitchen provides salads and

Courtesy photo

Pictured are Jennifer Harris with State Sen. Robert Nichols’ office, Buckstin Brewing Company’s Gabrielle Blanco and Justin Buchanan-Lopez and Heather Lowe of Phillips 66. Buckstin was named 2024 Nederland Small Business of the Year.

on tap through intelligent expansion

expanded cold and fresh options.

The larger menu is helping feed a full-service mid-day offering, as the Beaumont location is open each day for lunch.

NEDERLAND

Buckstin Brewing Co. Nederland is only going to get bigger and better, Blanco promises.

“We moved all of our brewing operations over to Beaumont on

a much larger system,” she said. “We will be getting all the beer day fresh and bringing it over to Nederland.”

According to Blanco, the Buckstin team will sell their Nederland brewery equipment to an entrepreneur looking to open a taproom out of town.

That will allow for the expansion of the Nederland kitchen to match the larger menu planned for the

Beaumont location.

The Nederland taproom will also expand into the extra space to serve more customers and families in a comfortable setting.

“If anything, Nederland is getting way more attention and will only keep growing,” Blanco said.

INSPIRATION

Blanco and Buchanan-Lopez wanted to build something that created a real tie to the community. They also knew there is a sense of community with a hometown brewery.

The product is made in-house by local hands and served right there, creating a sense of intimacy.

“It feels like you are having a guest in your home and you are serving them,” Blanco said. “With that sense of community, we wanted to make sure that showed up in how much we showed out for our community. They are there to support us, so we are there to support them.”

Charitable event participation, gift card and basket donations and investing back in the community are important actions for the Buckstin family.

That sense of hometown certainly helped when things were tough early on.

“Even us getting shut down (with the pandemic) three months after we opened and staying shut down for five months — even though we were a full restaurant from day one — people still showed us so much support, and our expectations have been completely blown out of the water,” Blanco says.

“We thought maybe in five years we would think about an expansion, but within one year, we were like, ‘we need to expand right now.’”

— By Stephen Hemelt

Monique Batson/Orange Living Magazine

AT LEFT: Easy Breesy, one of the award-winning beers, is on tap at Buckstin Brewing Co.

Buckstin Brewing Co. social media

ABOVE: Buckstin Brewing Co. posted this photo six days before the Beaumont opening.

Avenue Axe finds bullseye with remodeled comforts

Childhood friends Garrett Gaspard and Lance Ledoux bought Avenue Axe in October 2022 and began renovating it to a space that offered various types of entertainment.

“We wanted to create a space in Port Neches for families to have a place to bring their children, hang out with friends and, of course, watch sports on the big screens while enjoying a beer or a glass of wine,” Gaspard said.

“We’re in the process of building a kitchen. That should be done within a couple of months. Once the kitchen is done, it’s going to allow us to sell liquor. And we’ll be doing pizzas, margaritas, craft cocktails and all that kind of good stuff.”

like, ‘Man, this is a dungeon.’ We added more lighting, tables and a wall couch, as well as, throwing memorabilia on the walls. We wanted it to be bright and more inviting for families to come spend time here.”

That strong business foundation and new elbow grease are working, as the Port Neches Chamber of Commerce recently named Avenue Axe the Port Neches Business of the Year.

“We wanted it to be bright and more inviting for families to come spend time here.”

The local men decided to tackle entrepreneurship, because Ledoux felt they could bring a “young touch” to the established business.

“The original room used to have concrete floors with granite, gray and black walls,” he said. “And we were

“We weren’t aware that our business was nominated in the Chamber’s contest,” Ledoux said. “This came at our blindside, but in a good way. We have been working hard, and it’s nice to be recognized.”

Ledoux said they want the entertainment space to be inviting to all, even work-minded individuals who just want to come by after their shift to watch the game and unwind.

“We are surrounded by refineries,” he said. “But this area doesn’t have a place for people to come and decompress.”

Lance Ledoux and Garrett Gaspard stand by the renovated bar at Avenue Axe.

Sierra Kondos/Orange Living Magazine

lana Griffith aprn,

Both men still pursue their day jobs.

Gaspard runs G&T Insurance Agency on Lincoln Avenue in Groves, and Ledoux works for Indorama Ventures in Groves.

“We hired bartenders to work at the bar during the day,” Ledoux said.

“Then, when we get off work, we come here to put in time on the business.”

Although the business is not new, the men are creating a variety of activities that range from axe throwing and a pool table to come-

dy shows and live music.

“We post our monthly events on our Facebook page,” Gaspard said. “We have music trivia nights and karaoke nights. That will draw a large crowd.”

The duo has shown that a lot can happen in a year and plan to expand their business with a beer garden, as well as open a restaurant across the Avenue.

Avenue Axe is located at 1126 Port Neches Avenue, Port Neches.

—

By Sierra Kondos

Sierra Kondos/Orange Living Magazine

Lance Ledoux and Garrett Gaspard said they were shocked but honored with their recent Port Neches Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year recognition.

Built Ford Tough

New Town & Country owner built U.S. success story from $8 in his pocket, strong education and determination to succeed

Lee Mehta started out as an immigrant to the United States armed with a degree in business, finance and accounting and $8 in his pocket.

Today he owns several car dealerships, including Town & Country Ford in Port Arthur, which was named Small Business of the Year by the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce.

He said his mind was set firmly on achieving success in this new land of opportunity.

His meteoric rise to the top highlights his drive and determination.

He became a citizen and began his career in the automotive industry in 1982 at a dealership in Illinois, then worked his way up.

Management took notice and in less than a year he was promoted to CFO and was responsible for managing accounting/finance operations.

The business was sold to Strickland Chevrolet in Pearland in 1992.

Mehta’s hard work, dedication and passion did not go unnoticed and the owners made him partner at the business. Then in 2017, when the decision was made to sell Strictland Chevrolet, Mehta decided to go out on his own and start acquiring dealerships.

He acquired Town & Country Ford in 2023, Reliance Nissan in Alvin in 2019, Reliance Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Bay City in 2018 and Reliance Chevrolet, Buick, GMC in Bay City.

Through it all he has worked hard to find the path to success.

“I am very passionate about the car business and believe that motivating people and challenging them to do their best is what builds a winning team,” he said. “My motto reflects my heritage and experience and is the reason for my success. It is the people and the team that makes it happen.”

Mehta has a team of management personnel who have been with him for more than 25 years. It is the key to his success.

He sad his business model is to create a team concept in every department and empower the management team and make them accountable.

“Above

all, make sure 100 percent of your

Town & Country Ford owner Lee Mehta, right, stands next to one of the vehicles in the Port Arthur showroom.

Courtesy photo

customers are satisfied 100 percent of the time which is a key to your success to build up a repeat business,” he said.

James Marion, general manager, explained Town & Country Ford also works to support the local school system and college and takes part in other community outreach endeavors, such as the Gift of Life.

Marion is a member of the local industrial group and a board member for the local education foundation and CTE program at Memorial High School.

In addition, Town & Country Ford recently teamed up with 148 children from the West Side of Port Arthur and brought them to Target as part of a STEM program, teaching them financial literacy.

The students also went to Saltgrass Steakhouse, all 148 of them, he said.

According to Marion, there are plans for growth in the future of the dealership. One of the ways is adding 15 heavy-duty lifts to the service area in order to work on refinery vehicles.

Town & Country Ford is located at 4545 Twin City Highway.

The sales department is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

— By Mary Meaux

Courtesy photo

Lee Mehta is the owner of Town & Country Ford, located at 4545 Twin City Highway.

Brad Coleman, left, walks around the recently repaired passenger van used to transport the Port Arthur Jr. Bees.

Mary Meaux/ Orange Living Magazine

KT MAINTENANCE COMPANY, INC.

Serving Southeast Texas for over 30 years

Our belief is that your success will insure ours

Scaffolding Solutions

Safety is paramount in construction, and our scaffolding services offer a reliable solution for elevated workspaces. With a focus on compliance, stability, and accessibility, our scaffolding systems provide a secure platform for workers to perform their tasks efficiently while minimizing risks of accidents or injuries.

Cool Down Trailers

Construction work often takes place in challenging environments, where high temperatures can pose risks to worker safety and productivity. Our cool down trailers offer a respite from the heat, providing a comfortable space for workers to cool off, hydrate, and recharge, ensuring they stay healthy and focused on the job.

Safety Attendants / General Labor

Our safety attendants are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to identify potential hazards, enforce safety protocols, and provide immediate assistance, ensuring a safe working environment for all Behind every successful construction project is a dedicated team of skilled general laborers Our workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and experience to support various tasks, from material handling and equipment operation to site cleanup and logistics coordination

Thank you for the opportunity to showcase our services, and to our clients for entrusting us with their construction needs. Together, we’re building a safer, more productive future for the construction industry.

For more information, contact:

800 Procter Street | Port Arthur, TX 77640 (409) 982-9952

www.ktmaintenance.com

Self-made business grows from humble beginnings to respected SETX resource

Juan Carlos Escoto of Escoto Tile & Remodeling has done a lot in the community and continues to inspire other businesses to open and grow.

That’s what Erika Banda Meza, president of the Hispanic Business Association of SETX, said of association member Escoto.

The comment seems fitting as Escoto Tile & Remodeling was named the Hispanic Business of the Year by the Association.

“We have chosen him because we have seen his growth from when he started out with the HBA to now,” Meza said,

calling him an incredible member.

Escoto was one of the previous year’s Businesses of the Quarter.

Meza said the Business of the Year was chosen from the winners of the business of the quarter.

Escoto is grateful for the Association and its help with his business, he said.

Through Hispanic Business Association he found a good bank to work with and more.

He said he learns from other members and tries to attend every meeting in order to learn more and grow his business.

Escoto Tile & Remodeling specializes in all things tile, from flooring and coun-