Many of Texas’ top family businesses have Baylor ties
Each fall, Baylor’s Institute for Family Business recognizes outstanding firms with the Texas Family Business of the Year awards. The honors go to companies whose families demonstrate a commitment to each other and to business continuity, and who are responsive to the needs of their employees, communities and industries.
No connection to Baylor is required — the awards simply celebrate the top family businesses in the state — but it should come as no surprise that year after year, many of the award winners do indeed have Baylor ties. Five of this year’s top honorees share Baylor connections:
- Two firms were named co-winners of the 2010 Small Family Business of the Year award. First Place Foods in Garland, Texas, is led by president Pat Hunn, BBA ’79; his son, Collin, BBA ’05, is also a Baylor graduate (the family is pictured above). Heavy equipment manufacturer DTAC of Midlothian, Texas, shared the honor; its president, Bob Watts, is the proud grandfather of current Baylor entrepreneurship student Chase Watts.
- Lubbock’s Associated Supply Company, the 2010 Large Family Business of the Year, followed DTAC’s example. Its founder, J.W. (Bill) Wright, is not a Baylor graduate, but his granddaughter, Carolyn Key, BA ’08, is making up for that; after earning her degree in psychology from Baylor, she is now a second-year student at Baylor Law.
- The 2010 Well-Managed Award went to Dallas firm Total Office Solutions; founders Linda and Michael Monette are the parents of Baylor sophomore Megan Monette.
- 2010 Heritage Award winner Hobbs Bonded Fibers of Waco has a different connection to the university. The company has partnered with Baylor engineering professor Dr. Walter Bradley to help produce automotive parts from coconut husks, helping poor farmers in places like the Philippines, Ghana and Mexico find a use for what would otherwise be a waste product, improving their earning power and the local economy.
Sic ’em, Texas Family Businesses of the Year!