Don Buckalew Family and Extended Employee “family” – Celebrate 50 Years in Business

MONTGOMERY COUNTY - One Conroe businessman is celebrating a golden anniversary in style. Don Buckalew, Montgomery County native and owner of Buckalew Chevrolet, is marking the 50th anniversary of his company. For five decades, Buckalew and his family have been pillars of the local community, becoming one of the revered “name brands” in the area.

Despite the longevity and success of his dealership, selling cars wasn’t the primary driving factor of Buckalew’s youth. “I wanted to own my own business, pure and simple,” he said. “I figured I’d try an auto business and see how it fit. Luckily for me, it fit me very well.”

Buckalew, still going strong with a semi-retired presence at his dealership at aged 81, started his career at Hohl Motor Company, a Ford dealership, in 1957. Three years later, he left Hohl to work at Robbins Chevrolet in Humble. He honed his skills for five years there, finally commencing his operations as a partner in the Weisinger Chevrolet Company in Conroe. W.B. Weisinger sold fifty percent interest in his dealership to Buckalew in January of 1965 and turned the management over to him; the company name was subsequently changed to Weisinger-Buckalew Chevrolet. After the death of Mr. Weisinger, his family sold their 50% interest in the company to Buckalew, and the name was changed to Buckalew Chevrolet in June of 1974.

Don “Donnie” Buckalew, Jr., Buckalew’s eldest son, recalls many an hour spent as a youth running around his father’s store. “Daddy would bring my younger brother Denny and me to the dealership on nights and weekends, and we can both still remember running around the showroom and office,” he said. “Our fun eventually transformed into after-school jobs – which included washing cars and cleaning restrooms – and ultimately ended up with both of us working full time for the dealership.” Donnie and Denny are proud to have followed their dad in the family business, especially when many sons aren’t inspired to follow in their father’s footsteps.

“I think that’s one definite thing that separates us from other businesses; we’re family-owned and we’re hands-on,” said the senior Buckalew. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, any customer can talk face to face with a member of the Buckalew family.”

Buckalew credits much of his success to his business and family ethic, which he maintains is universal in message and practical for all aspects of life. “I have always believed in – and have spent my life encouraging my family and employees to believe in – supporting those who support us, and treating people right,” he said. “I want to be a part of every good thing that occurs in this city and county. And if there’s ever a problem – whether it be in business or the community – I want to be a part of the solution and not the problem.”

Believing that a strong living ethic begins early in life, Buckalew and his family are strong supporters of local education efforts and are involved in numerous youth organizations that support education, athletics, and family structure. Practically the entire clan – including Buckalew, his children and his grandchildren – are noted alumni of Baylor University. Buckalew’s presence in the Montgomery County educational arena – including his past position as an officer on the local school board – was so significant that he has even had a school named after him with Buckalew Elementary School in The Woodlands. Additionally, he has served in leadership roles in many community and charity organizations in the area, including the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.

For his 50th business anniversary celebration, Buckalew is hosting a special luncheon event for his employees. Representatives from General Motors will make an appearance at the event to present Buckalew with a “50-Year Dealership” award. Buckalew has also hinted at a special announcement at the event that would be of interest to some local Montgomery County-based charities. “I want to do something nice to share with the community,” he said.

As Buckalew reflects back on the fifty years of owning his own business, he notes the considerable growth of Montgomery County. “I have literally seen it grow around me, and I can guarantee that neither I nor anyone else who began their business here in the 1960s or 1970s like I did could imagine the phenomenal rate of this growth.” He notes the fact his 1952 Magnolia High School graduating class had only 17 students.

As for the future, Buckalew expects an even keel. “I celebrated my 40th business anniversary planning the 50th. Now that it is here, I will pass the task on to my sons to work on the 60th anniversary.”

Buckalew Chevrolet is located at 1100 Interstate 45 South in Conroe. For more information, please visit www.buckalewchevrolet.com or call (936) 756-5581.