Chacon Autos
Company: Chacon Autos, Dallas, TX
Company Description: Chacon Autos is a family owned and operated business involved in the sales, service and financing of new and used automobiles. Founded in 1958 by William Chaney as a single location near downtown Dallas, today’s operations are now run by his 84 year old wife, two sons, and five grandchildren. The business has expanded throughout Texas to six used car stores and two new Suzuki franchises.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Overall Company of the Year - Up to 2,500 Employees
Nomination Title: Chacon Autos
Tell the story about what this nominated company achieved since January 1 2010 (up to 500 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:
In a time when our economy is struggling, particularly in the automotive
industry, Chacon Autos is continuing to grow and exceed sales expectations.
Chacon began as a small family business with the idea that if you treat your
customers right, you will be successful. Today, that idea and family culture
still lives at the heart of our company. We value our customers and employees,
while always looking for new opportunities for growth and success. 2010 has
been an outstanding year as we overcame economic obstacles to prove to
ourselves, our employees and the community we serve that a foundation of hard
work and customer service does not falter when times are tough. As other car
dealerships were going out of business, we were acknowledged with several
awards in 2010 for our size, growth, longevity, and quality. Most special to
our company was the Founders Award we received from Baylor University. This
award is given to the company that has adapted to present and future markets
while maintaining the identity and original concept of the founder. In late
2009 our founder passed away after a long battle with cancer. For over 50
years Chacon Autos has been committed to serving its customers with the same
integrity and family values that were established by William Chaney when he
started the company in 1958. It is a true honor for all of us to have the
opportunity to continue his legacy.
2010 marked Chacon’s 3rd annual Shoe Drive benefiting Shoes for Orphan Souls, a
ministry of Dallas based Buckner International. We believe very strongly in
the mission of Buckner and feel the shoe drive is an excellent way for our
entire company to unite together and support this organization. This year we
implemented two new and exciting fundraising tools – Jean Friday and Salsa for
Souls! Employees paid $3 for the opportunity to wear jeans on Friday, and Jars
of Salsa with a ‘Salsa for Souls’ logo were sold at ever cashier window. 100%
of the proceeds from both events were later used to purchase shoes during our
November Shoe Drive. For the first time ever, we were able to collect over
1,000 pairs of shoes! Each year we look for new ways to increase our donation
and participation and truly make a difference in the lives of children
throughout the world.
2010 Awards:
2010 – Inc Magazine’s Inc 5000 winner
2010 - Baylor University’s “Texas Family Business of the Year” - Founders Award
2010 - Dallas Business Journal’s 102nd largest privately held co. in DFW
2010 - Texas Historical Commission's Texas Treasure Business Award
We received recognition by prominent Dallas Fort Worth and automotive industry
publications for our unparalleled success in 2010:
1. Dallas Business Journal
2. Dallas Morning News
3. Smart Business magazine (Dallas)
4. Subprime Auto Finance News
5. Used Car News
6. Auto Dealer Monthly
7. NIADA’s Used Car Dealer magazine
List hyperlinks to any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that support the claims made in the section above. IMPORTANT: Begin each link with http://, and enclose each link in square brackets; for example, [http://www.youraddress.com]:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0TMH69aKQs
http://www.subprimenews.com/spn/news/story.html?id=1312
http://www.sbnonline.com/Local/Article/20430/71/0/Gary-Chaney-creates-customers-for-life-at-Chacon-Autos.aspx
http://www.usedcarnews.com/news/1600-family-business-follows-founders-vision
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/classifieds/news/automotive/latestnews/stories/DN-chaconaward_28bus.ART.State.Edition1.248965b.html
http://www.autodealermonthly.com/32/3722/ARTICLE/Rodriguez--Ray---April-2010.aspx
http://www.inc.com/inc5000/profile/chacon-autos
http://sachamber.org/cwt/external/WCPages/wcnews/NewsArticleDisplay.aspx?ArticleID=1151
Provide a brief (up to 100 words) biography about the leader of this nominated company:
Gary Chaney is the oldest son of founder William Chaney. He currently serves
as Chacon’s CEO, a position he’s held for approximately eighteen years. After
attending Southern Methodist University, Gary spent fifteen years as a retail
manager for JC Penney. Growing up working weekends and summers for the family
business, Gary has learned what it takes to be the leader in providing quality
preowned vehicles to generations of families all across Texas.