BUSINESS-EXPO-2011

Page 2 - BUSINESS EXPO, SAN MARCOS DAILY RECORD, San Marcos, TX., Wednesday, August 31, 2011

WWeellccoommee ttoo tthhee EExxppooFrom Earl Studdard,

Chairman of the Board, San Marcos Area Chamber

of Commerce

On behalf of the Board of Di-rector’s of the San Marcos AreaChamber of Commerce, wel-come to the 26th Annual Busi-ness Expo presented by the SanMarcos Daily Record. This year’s event is sold out,

and we are really excited to havean amazing variety of busi-nesses and organizations repre-sented. Through the many years of

my involvement with the Cham-ber, this has been and contin-ues to be one of the finestevents the Chamber offers itsmembers and the community.As a way of helping our com-

munity, the Chamber’s highesttier member, TXI, has onceagain donated its exhibit spaceto the Hays County Food Bank.

We ask that all people who wishto come and see this amazingExpo bring non-perishable fooditems in lieu of our entry fee of$5…bring five items and you get

in free; bring four and it willcost a dollar; bring three, twodollars, etc. We hope thateveryone who attends will bringfive non-perishable food items tohelp those less fortunate.As you walk through the ex-

hibit hall, you’ll find restau-rants, retailers, businessservices, health care providers,office equipment, automobilesand a whole lot more. For 26years, the San Marcos AreaChamber of Commerce Busi-ness Expo has been one of theleading business to businessevents in Central Texas. I want to thank all of our

sponsors: the San Marcos DailyRecord, TXI, McCoy’s BuildingSupply, Color Mix Graphics, TheGrounds Guys and SchertzBank and Trust. Together withour exhibitors we are gratefulfor their continued support ofthe Chamber and its programsand events.

I also want to recognize andthank Donovon Knighton withKeller-Williams Realty, chair ofthe Business Expo Task Forcewhose guidance and directionhas helped this event become asell out. Together with David Short

and Kayla Royal from the SanMarcos Daily Record; MitsieBenton, Happy Paws Pet Serv-ice; Keith McCollum, WorkforceSolutions Alamo; Carla Sisk,Color Mix Graphics; KarlinClark, Second to None UpscaleResale; David Case, Wells FargoBank; Kelly Franks, city of SanMarcos Main Street; Jose Gar-cia, Randolph Brooks FederalCredit Union and the chair ofthe Business Development Com-mittee; Frank Leonardis, EmberIndustries, Inc. – their hardwork and planning this eventhas really made a difference.I look forward to seeing you

there.

From Brian Bondy, President/CEO

of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce

Today, we recognize 17 pro-fessionals – men and womenwho are making a difference inSan Marcos. My hope is thatthis is the first of many ShiningStars Under 40 – recognizingleaders who care about theircommunity…by starting a busi-ness, running for public officeor making a difference in peo-ple’s lives…all under the age of40.One of the newest programs

initiated by the San MarcosArea Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors, the SanMarcos Shining Stars Under 40Recognition program was initi-ated with the goal of recognizing

professionals in the communitywho are making a difference inbusiness, industry, educationand government. The ShiningStars Under 40 are men andwomen who have a passion forwhat they do, but possibly moreimportantly, their peers haverecognized what their contribu-tions to the community havebeen and continue to be.The San Marcos Shining Stars

Under 40 program wouldn’thave been possible without thevision and assistance of RoweRay, James Jones and the en-tire staff of the San Marcos DailyRecord; their belief and commit-ment was instrumental in get-ting it off the ground. Inaddition, I want to thank KimPorterfield, Office of CommunityRelations, Texas State Univer-sity and her staff for helping us

find the perfect spot at the LBJStudent Center to conduct in-

terviews, Earl Studdard, NorthCarolina Furniture Direct andChairman of the Board of theChamber this year for the gen-erous donation of time andequipment during the inter-views. Eric Bonar, Communica-tions director for the Chamberand photographer extraordi-naire, Chuck Young, Young Ad-vertising, Jim Guyon andMaverick Studios who helpedturn our thoughts into an awe-some presentation…and a hugethanks to the staff of the Cham-ber, Robert Watts, Eselda Ro-driguez, Marisol Gomez,Margaret Lindsey and JoelDavis. A special thank you to Eliza-

beth Gonzales and Janie Her-nandez for their help inorganizing this year’s Expo.See you at the Expo.

Earl Studdard

Brian Bondy

SAN MARCOS DAILY RECORD, BUSINESS EXPO, San Marcos, TX., Wednesday, August 31, 2011 - Page 3


Bonnie Hughson wasborn and raised in SanMarcos and graduatedwith a BA in Sociologyfrom Texas State Univer-sity.Her career path took a

sudden and unexpectedturn when her father diedsuddenly in 2009.Her dad had started Sur

Powr Battery Supply inSan Marcos in 1985, andwith his death, it fell toBonnie to take the reins.Now, two and a half

years later, she is leadingthe company forward withplans for further expan-sion.“It was a big challenge,

being young and female in

the battery business, but Iasked lots of questions,”Hughson said.She admits having a

very limited businessbackground prior to taking

over. She says she had tocome in and learn quickly.Eight months later she

decided to buy her sistersout rather than shuttingdown the business.While she doesn’t envi-

sion expanding the retailaspect beyond the one cur-rent location, she does seeexpansion of the wholesalebusiness by opening upmore routes and adding asecond truck.Bonnie is a graduate of

the Leadership San Marcosclass of 2011 and accord-ing to several who nomi-nated her for the ShiningStar award, was a majorplayer in the class project.That project, which will

benefit generations of SanMarcos residents to come,is the new “Serenity Gar-den” inside the San MarcosCemetery.In 2012 she will be a fa-

cilitator for the upcomingLeadership San MarcosClass 2012 program.Whether in business or

community involvement,certain qualities aboutBonnie surface time andtime again:“She is not afraid of hard

work and is willing to stepout of her realm of com-fort...Bonnie is honest,trustworthy, faithful andreliable...She is easy to dobusiness with...Bonnie is atrouble shooter and alwaysseeks ways to find the bestsolutions... She takes hercommunity very seriously.”In addition to Sur Powr

Battery Supply and herfamily life, Bonnie alsomanages and is presidentof a family partnershipwith several rental proper-ties in San Marcos and afamily ranch in Kyle.That ranch also includes

quite a few goats andchickens among otherwildlife, she says.Bonnie is also a volun-

teer with the Heritage As-sociation in San Marcos.

Bonnie Hughson

Bonnie Hughson:A vision for the future

Bonnie is a graduateof the Leadership SanMarcos class of 2011and according to sev-eral who nominated herfor the Shining Staraward, was a majorplayer in the classproject – the new

“Serenity Garden”inside the San

Marcos Cemetery.

BUSINESS EXPO, SAN MARCOS DAILY RECORD, San Marcos, TX., Wednesday, August 31, 2011 - Page 5

When you think of peo-ple starting their careers ata young age, most of ususually don’t imagine thatbeing the age of five.But that’s exactly what

Johnell Huebner did.She took her mom’s

magazines and went goingdoor to door trying to sellthem.The entrepreneurial

spirit never wavered andby the third grade she wasplanning and organizing aneighborhood party.Flash forward three more

years and as a sixth graderJohnell was writing aschool paper titled, “Howto Plan a Perfect Party.”Throughout high school

her friends would callupon her to plan all their

parties, with much suc-cess, and in college itturned to planning wed-dings.But it was her father-in-

law who suggested shortlyafter her college gradua-

tion that she start charg-ing for the service.Thus began Clearly

Classy Events. Startingwith just herself as theonly employee and averag-ing 1.5 events per month,the company has nowgrown with the hiring oftwo other lead coordina-tors, two assistants andsix interns. On averagethey are handling fiveevents per month.Among those events have

been golf tournaments, re-unions, anniversary par-ties, weddings, galas,birthday parties, showers,luncheons and street festi-vals.Active in volunteer work

throughout the commu-nity, she helps with the

Hays County Food Bank,Meals on Wheels, Ride 2Recovery and many others.In 2007, Johnell was

honored by the KyleChamber of Commerce asthe “Volunteer of the Year”and just recently was nom-inated for the Women ofInfluence Award in theAustin Business Journal.

Johnell is a currentmember of the ExecutiveBoard of Directors for theKyle Chamber of Com-merce, has served as direc-tor of the chamber’s golftournament and chair ofthe gala committee. She isalso an alumni of Leader-ship San Marcos andserved on the organiza-tions board of directors.A graduate of Texas Tech

University, she was amember of the 2000Lacrosse team and workedas a disc jockey for twoyears at the universityradio station.Her goal is to continue

growing her business andexpand to major cities likeDallas and Houston.And if you see her at

Starbuck’s, don’t be sur-prised when she tells thecounter personnel that hername is “Sarah” ratherthan Johnell. Why? Be-cause she said it’s easierthan constantly explaininghow to spell her first name.

Johnell Huebner

Johnell Huebner:Event planning pro

In high school herfriends would call upon

her to plan all theirparties, and in

college it turned toplanning weddings.

But it was herfather-in-law who

suggested shortly afterher college graduationthat she start charging

for the service.


Not many people have adramatic, life-changingevent at the age of five, butDaniel Guerrero did and ithas impacted his life andhow he lives it ever since.At that tender age he

was diagnosed with can-cer. And he saw his home-town community surroundhim and his family withlove and support duringthose very difficult days.“I’m a cancer survivor,”

Guerrero said, “And I seemyself as one that is trulyblessed....not settling forless than the best. I at-tribute it to my faith, fam-ily and friends.”Guerrero has stayed

close to home, graduatingfrom the San Marcos CISDand then Texas State Uni-

versity with a degree incommunications. He thenentered the world of non-profits because he wantedto help people.During nine years with

INROADS, Inc., an interna-tional non-profit helpinguniversity students pursuetheir careers through sum-mer internships with For-

tune 500 companies,Guerrero was able to se-cure slots for more than1,500 students.Of those, 82 percent

were able to land full-timeemployment with the com-panies for which they in-terned.That led to getting his

master’s degree from St.Edward’s University in or-ganizational leadership aswell as two certificatesfrom Austin CommunityCollege in non-profit lead-ership and grant writing.When the San Marcos

Education Foundation de-cided to hire an executivedirector for the first time,Guerrero landed the posi-tion.He has since helped

raise more than $150,000for the foundation.These donations are

then reinvested in thecommunity through teach-ing grants, student schol-arships and recognitionevents for both studentsand teachers.Before being elected

mayor of San Marcos in

November 2010, Guerrerohad served previously onthe city council from May,2004 until November,2008.While on the city council,

Guerrero was twice se-lected by his colleagues asmayor pro tem and once asdeputy mayor pro tem.He has been active in

many community organi-zations including the SanMarcos Chamber of Com-merce, LULAC Council#654, the Rotary Club,Knights of Columbus andLeadership San MarcosAlumni Association.With education and

helping others being sodear to his heart, it’s nosurprise that future plansfor Guerrero include thepossible pursuit of a doc-torate in educational lead-ership.And staying involved in

the community which ral-lied around him at such ayoung age will always beforemost in his plans.

Daniel Guerrero

Daniel Guerrero:Education, involvement

“I’m a cancersurvivor. And I see

myself as one that istruly blessed....notsettling for less thanthe best. I attributeit to my faith, family

and friends.”


Karl Kuhlman has beenwith the San Marcos FireDepartment for 17 years.

He has risen throughthe ranks from firefighterall the way to assistant firechief in charge of opera-tions and training for thedepartment.He is known throughout

not only the SMFD but allof city government as “aconstant change-agent, anadvocate for continuousimprovement and someonewho willingly takes onlarge projects, seeing themthrough to completion.”It’s no wonder, then, that

Kuhlman received thecity’s Johnny Moten SafetyAward in 2010.The award is given in

recognition of a city em-ployee, nominated by theirpeers, for helping create asafer workplace.In Kuhlman’s case he led

and organized an Emer-

gency Response Team, de-veloping a presentationthat could be used and ap-plied throughout all citydepartments, not just thefire department.When Kuhlman first ar-

rived as a rookie almosttwo decades ago, the SanMarcos Fire Departmentwas considerably smallerthan it is now.Back then it consisted of

just three stations and aforce that was a mixture ofvolunteer and paid fire-fighters.Today the department

has five stations and adaily staffing level that ismore than double what itwas back then.Kuhlman took his love of

firefighting and his careervery seriously, studyinghard for each exam thatled to promotions up thecareer ladder including en-gineer, lieutenant, battal-ion chief, division chief andnow assistant chief.Along the way he com-

pleted two college degreesincluding graduating from

Texas State University witha BAAS degree SummaCum Laude.He has also completed

post graduate certificationfrom the William P. HobbyCenter for Public Serviceas a Certified Public Man-ager.Always looking to expand

his horizons and value tothe department, Kuhlmanattended the Hays CountyBasic Peace Officer courseand later became a certi-fied arson investigator forthe fire marshal’s office.In the community,

Kuhlman has representedthe department in manycapacities ranging from theFirefighter Olympics to theannual 5k Pink Heals Run.He also developed the

initial Fire Safety ClownShow which is given to allelementary school childrenin the San Marcos CISD toteach fire safety and howto escape from a burningor smoke-filled house.

Karl Kuhlman

Karl Kuhlman climbsladder of the SMFD

Karl is knownthroughout not only

the SMFD but all ofcity government as “aconstant change-agent,

an advocatefor continuosimprovement

and someone whowillingly takes on largeprojects, seeing them

through tocompletion.”




Brian Olson came toTexas State Universityand, like many students,didn’t want to leave SanMarcos after graduating.Olson used the old say-

ing, “find a need and fill it”to realize that San Marcosat that time didn’t have thekind of hair salon he feltcustomer’s needed.While still in college and

finishing his degree withmajors in public relationsand advertising, Olson de-cided to start his company,Premier Cuts. And hequickly put his educationto work by always focusingon improvements in effi-ciency and customer serv-ice.As a result, in just three

years the company hasgrown from one location InSan Marcos to a total offour locations. The otherthree are in Kyle, Round

Rock and San Antonio.“I saw an opportunity

here that bigger chainswere not meeting,” Olsonsaid.Growing up in College

Station with his father, asuccessful banker, Olsonknew early on that hewanted to be a businessowner, get to know hisclients, make new friendsand have the freedom ofhis own time.For him, getting started

at a young age is part ofthe secret of being suc-cessful.And he believes that

smaller towns have manyadvantages, includingbeing easier to become in-volved in the community

as well as offering more op-portunities.He also credits his suc-

cess to taking care of hisemployees.In an industry known for

high turnover rates, Olsonhas managed to keep histurnover of employees verylow. He says it comes inpart from doing extras for

his staff on holidays andwith special get-togethers.With his four current lo-

cations, Olson has 55 em-ployees.But in the future he

hopes to continue to ex-pand and one day reach 25to 30 regional hair salonswith managers to overseethem.He also plans on ex-

panding his own horizonsand business ventures bybranching out into real es-tate.Active in the San Marcos

community, Olson is amember of the Lions Club,served as president ofSights and Sounds ofChristmas and volunteeredat the annual CattleBaron’s Ball.His business, Premier

Cuts, has made donationsto many area events in-cluding the San MarcosHeart Walk, CASA and sev-eral local school fundrais-ers.

Brian Olson

Brian Olson sawa need – and filled it

He also credits hissuccess to taking care

of his employees.In an industry known

for high turnover rates,Olson has managed tokeep his turnover ofemployees very low.He says it comes in

part from doing extrasfor his staff on holidays

and with specialget-togethers.


Matthew Lewis is the di-rector of DevelopmentServices for the city of SanMarcos, a departmentwhich is responsible forplanning, building inspec-tions and permits, commu-nity development andneighborhood services.In addition, Lewis and

his staff provide staffingsupport to the Planningand Zoning Commission,Historic Preservation Com-mission, Zoning Board ofAdjustments and theNeighborhood Commis-sion.A graduate of Texas

State University with a de-gree in Urban and RegionalPlanning and minor inTechnology, Lewis workedfor the city of Hutto as

Community DevelopmentDirector before comingback to San Marcos in2009.A passionate planner,

Lewis’ work in implement-ing a SmartCode in Huttowas a three-time awardwinner. and his effortshave been recognized bysome statewide agencies.And he accomplished the

award winning implemen-tation for Hutto in justfour months.He is also a frequent

guest lecturer at TexasState University and theUniversity of Texas andhas lectured bothstatewide and nationallyabout his experience im-plementing community vi-sions using urban designand city planning.His projects have won

awards from the AmericanPlanning Association aswell as the Congress for

New Urbanism.Among his professional

awards is the CommunityStewardship Award by En-vision Central Texas forthe Hutto Downtown Mas-ter Plan and SmartCode,Employee of the Year bythe City of Hutto, the Plan-ning Excellence Award andCommunity of the Year

plan honoree, both fromthe Texas APA.Lewis is accredited by

the Congress of New Ur-banism and is a member ofthe Central Texas Chap-ter’s board. New Urbanismutilizes walkable mixed-use neighborhoods con-taining various types ofhousing and jobs.“A good leader looks at

all aspects, holistically,looking for balanced solu-tions,” Lewis said.And he sees his role in

government as represent-ing the communitythrough the entire plan-ning process as the citygrows.According to City Man-

ager Jim Nuse, during histenure with the city Lewishas provided “outstandingleadership in developingthe San Marcos Smart-Code, Downtown MasterPlan, Capital ImprovementProject review and updatesfor the Land DevelopmentCode.”

Matthew Lewis

Matthew Lewis:Planning for the future

According to CityManager Jim Nuse,

during his tenure withthe city Lewis hasprovided “outstand-ing leadership indeveloping the San

Marcos SmartCode,Downtown Master

Plan, Capital Improve-ment Project reviewand updates for theLand Development

Code.”


Will Conley is muchmore than a dreamer. Heis an achiever both inbusiness and politics.While he came to San

Marcos as a college stu-dent, he quickly discoveredthat this was the place forhim to stay.He immersed himself

not only in the college lifebut also the community ingeneral. And rather thanseeking a job upon gradua-tion, decided instead tocreate his own businessand furnish jobs to others,too.Today Conley Enter-

prises has more than 60employees in San Marcosand surrounding HaysCounty.It all started with Conley

Car Wash and Detail onThorpe Lane.Being conscious of the

environment, Conley usedinnovation and technologyso that his car wash is re-cycling 85 percent of its

water.The Southwest Car Wash

Association once namedConley’s facility the CarWash of the Year.His various business en-

terprises have accountedfor more than $225,000 indonations of gifts and serv-ices to local non-profits in-cluding CASA of CentralTexas, the Hays-CaldwellWomen’s Shelter, HaysCounty Food Bank, Ameri-can Cancer Society, localfirefighter and policegroups and severalschools, among others.Conley entered the politi-

cal arena in 2004, becom-ing the youngest countycommissioner ever electedin Hays County, a seat hestill holds today.

In office, he has workedtirelessly on economic de-velopment, regional trans-portation solutions andfiscal responsibility by gov-ernment.Among his accomplish-

ments in office he cites thenegotiated partnershipwith the state to invest$133 million in new Hays

County road projects.He is also leading the ef-

fort towards a major reno-vation of emergencycommunications in thecountyWhen completed, it will

bring state-of-the-art cen-tral command to the 911service.Conley also represents

the county on several re-gional bodies including theCapital Area Council ofGovernments, the CapitalArea Regional Transporta-tion Planning Organizationand the Lone Star Rail Dis-trict.He is locally involved

with the Hays County FoodBank, Crime Stoppers, SanMarcos Main Street Associ-ation and the Texas StateUniversity River CenterMaster Planning Commit-tee.Conley is a member of

both the San Marcos andWimberley Chambers ofCommerce, Rotary Cluband Ducks Unlimited.

Will Conley

Will Conley reachesout to help community

His various businessenterprises haveaccounted for more

than $225,000 in dona-tions of gifts andservices to local

non-profits includingCASA of Central

Texas, the Hays-Cald-well Women’s Shelter,

Hays County FoodBank and others.


Shayne Guillot grew upin Houston and had al-ways thought the HillCountry would be a greatplace to retire one day, butlater decided it was anequally great place to starta business.The end result is a thriv-

ing practice at Edward D.Jones in San Marcos.Along the way, Guillot

spent six years in the U.S.Navy as an IntelligenceSpecialist, including de-ploying during OperationEnduring Freedom to theMiddle East in 2002.He served onboard the

USS Belleau Wood, an am-phibious assault ship nick-named “Devil Dog.”While there he helped

gather and analyze intelli-

gence information andthen disseminate it to NavySEAL teams and MarineRecon units.

Upon returning statesidea year later, Guillot wasassigned as a Naval In-structor at Naval Air Sta-tion Whidbey Island inWashington state.There he taught new in-

telligence specialists beforethey were assigned to Iraqand Afghanistan for com-bat duty.Always taught by his

parents to “do 100 percentwhen you do something”and “be good at it” Guillotpicked up several commen-dations in the military in-cluding two Navy andMarine Corps AchievementMedals, three Battle EAchievement ribbons, anOperation Enduring Free-dom ribbon, an OperationIraqi Freedom ribbon and

Expert Marksmanship Rifleribbon and Expert Marks-manship Pistol ribbon.What Guillot likes most

about a small town likeSan Marcos is the opportu-nity to know everyone.While he started out with

State Farm Insurance, hefound that it was the fi-nancial 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 thenmeet those goals,” Guillotsaid.Guillot holds an under-

graduate degree from theUniversity of Phoenix anda master’s from the Collegeof Financial Planning.His clients, some of

whom nominated him forthe Shining Star award,say that it’s obvious hecares about them beyondtheir business relation-ship.They cited with him cit-

ing examples annual get-togethers at his office sothey can network withother clients and growtheir businesses that way,too.Guillot is also active with

his church in New Braun-fels, where he helps withthe food bank and teachesa financial class.

Shayne Guillot

Shayne Guillot likesto give 100 percent

What Guillot likesmost about a small

town like San Marcosis the opportunity to

know everyone.While he started outwith State FarmInsurance, he found

that it was the financialaspect of the businessthat he enjoyed most.That led to his moving

to a career withEdward D. Jones.

Salon Mink’s co-ownersand partners Corey Caseyand Ray Reeves are proudof the fact that their serv-ice and reputation drawcustomers from as far asBelton to the north andSan Antonio to the south.In just more than three

and a half years, theirsalon has grown from astaff of three to 13.They’ve garnered recog-

nition not only locally, butstatewide.Among their accomplish-

ments: They’ve been voted“Best Salon of HaysCounty” by readers of theSan Marcos Daily Record in2008, 2009 and 2010 aswell as by University Starreaders as “Best Hair Care”

in 2009 and 2010.They have also graced

the cover of Texas Stylist’smagazine in 2008 andtheir hairstyle and design

was featured with a fullcover spread.Corey and Ray are both

cosmetologists and are cer-tified instructors in theprofession.One of their goals is to

open a night cosmetologyschool in San Marcos toshare their profession withothers wanting that firstfoot in the door to a newcareer.Another goal is to ex-

pand their business withperhaps more locations.Corey finds passion in

going to work each dayknowing he can helpchange someone’s imageand make people feel bet-ter and more confident.Ray, a former nurse with

10 years experience, saidbeing able to use the les-sons he learned from hisgrandfather plays an im-portant role in his life.His grandfather owned a

small gas station inBlanco, and Ray says hewatched him and learnedabout interacting with peo-

ple and how to be a betterbusinessman.As for hobbies, Corey en-

visions someday being onstage in the theater, whileRay finds pleasure ingarage sales and shoppingfor antiques, saying thaton more than one occasionhe’s found a treasure.

Corey Casey

Corey Casey, RayReeves a cut above

Ray Reeves

Corey and Ray areboth cosmetologists

and are certifiedinstructors in the

profession. One oftheir goals is to open a

night cosmetologyschool in San Marcos

to share theirprofession with

others wanting thatfirst foot in the door to

a new career.



Lacie Orsak came to SanMarcos like so many oth-ers, as a student at TexasState University.She received her Bache-

lor of Business Adminis-tration degree in 2003 witha major in Finance andwent on to earn her mas-ters of Business Adminis-tration degree two yearslater, also at Texas StateUniversity in the McCoySchool of Business.Beginning her career at

Frost Bank seven yearsago, she hit the groundrunning as an associate re-lationship manager andanalyst in Austin.

When the opportunityarose to return to SanMarcos, she jumped at it.

Lacie continued to growand progress with the com-pany to her current posi-tion as a vice presidentwith the Commercial Lend-ing Group.In the latter capacity she

is responsible for commer-

cial lending and the servic-ing of a portfolio that in-cludes more than $20million in outstandingloans and another $20 mil-lion in deposits.She serves as a mentor

to a team which includesan associate relationshipmanager, a businessbanker and administrativeassistants.She is also a part of

Frost Bank’s CommercialLending Support Team, ateam which was instru-mental in the developmentof a new loan agreementmonitoring system whichis now in use company-wide. And she was a mem-ber of the design and testteam for the new loan ap-

proval system.Customers say Orsak

has “always been a veryfriendly and professionalbanking partner with re-gard to our business andpersonal banking con-cerns....Lacie is a veryhardworking employee andis willing to go well beyond

the call of duty for her cus-tomers... she exhibits avery friendly attitude to-wards our concerns anddoes a great job of re-searching and understand-ing our business.”Active in the Rotary

Club, Lacie has served assergeant-at-arms andchaired various commit-tees including the RotaryClub Scramble whichraises money for scholar-ships in Hays County.She is also a past vice

president of the BusinessNetworking International’sCorridor Platinum Chapterand is involved in theSmall Business Develop-ment Center, actively par-ticipating in severalforums.Lacie is also a member of

the Leadership San Marcosclass of 2009 and a mem-ber of the Board of Direc-tors at First State Bank ofLouise.

Lacie Orsak

Lacie Orsak activein banking, community

Beginning her careerat Frost Bank sevenyears ago, she hit theground running as anassociate relationship

manager and analyst inAustin. When theopportunity arose to

return to San Marcos,she jumped at it.


Calli Couch Swindlecame to San Marcos at ayoung age and never plansto leave.A product of the San

Marcos Consolidated Inde-pendent School System,she went right into herfamily business while stillin high school.Two P’s Boutique & Gifts

and Calli’s Boutique, inbusiness 17 years and sixyears, respectively, operateside by side in San Marcos.They have a reputation

for being much more thanjust fashion and clothingstores, as Calli has a truepassion for the people whowalk in to shop or just tovisit.That’s one of the things

she enjoys most and sees

as an advantage of being ina smaller city versus amajor one, the ability toget to know people and tosupport local businessesthrough ongoing relation-ships.

Instead of pursing ex-tracurricular activities inher senior year of highschool, Calli chose to join awork study program andgain valuable retail experi-ence.Upon graduation, she

was already deeply in-volved in buying, sellingand conducting inventoryas well as the hiring, train-ing and managing a teamof associates.She understood the criti-

cal areas of business in-cluding costs, profitmargin and dealing withtheft and loss preventionalong with making a pay-roll and establishing rela-tionships with the bankingcommunity.Always eager to help oth-

ers, she took it upon her-self to establish intern-ships with her company forstudents in the FashionMerchandising Program atTexas State University, giv-ing young women the op-portunity to learn firsthand, just like she did andgain the necessary experi-ence that businesses seek

after graduation.Her role with the univer-

sity has often includedbeing a guest lecturer forclasses at the universityand speaking to women’schurch retreats.Giving back to the com-

munity continues to be astrong focus in her life.Her store sponsors

events and donates mer-chandise to various com-munity groups includingthe San Marcos Chamberof Commerce, Mutt Strutt,CTMC Medical Foundation,the CTMC Women’s Coun-cil, Texas State sororities,Hands of Hope, the HaysCaldwell Women’s Centerand Southside CommunityCenter, among others.But one that is close to

her heart and her hus-band's is the HomelessShelter where they are reg-ular volunteers helpingwith meals and offering en-couragement and hope.

Calli Couch Swindle

Calli Couch Swindleoffers fashions, hope

Always eager to helpothers, she establishedinternships with her

company for studentsin the FashionMerchandisingProgram at Texas

State University, givingyoung girls the

opportunity to learnfirst hand just like she

did.


“Michael Lang thinksoutside the box. He alwaysseeks to find ways to helpothers around him. Hehas great troubleshootingskills and looks at a situa-tion and searches for thebest way to solve it.”That’s how Mitsie Benton

and others describeMichael Lang of Little GuysMovers.And it’s no surprise that

given that description,Lang went from a rookiewith no experience to man-ager of the local branch injust one year.According to Little Guys

co-owner Chris Hawley,“When the San Marcos lo-cation was suffering frommismanagement, disorgan-ization and total lack of

leadership, Michael notonly stayed on through avery trying time but rosethrough the ranks...”Not bad for someone

who’d never even thoughtof entering the business.Lang has managed to in-

crease gross profit by 79

percent since taking overin 2009.Lang has also created

and implemented new poli-cies and procedures onequipment upkeep, phonesales and strategy and im-proving overall customersatisfaction.He has also managed to

create new positions whichin turn allow for more op-portunities within the com-pany for employees.What drives Lang is the

chance to develop relation-ships with other busi-nesses in the community,something that isn’t aseasy to do in a larger city.He feels his success is

due in part to a belief in al-ways doing his best – nomatter what the task – and

honesty.Since coming to San

Marcos, he has become in-volved in the San MarcosChamber of Commerce,serving on both the Busi-ness Development Com-mittee and Special EventsCommittee and just re-cently became an Ambas-sador-in-training.

“My philosophy on com-munity involvement isbased on the premise thatby contributing to improve-ment of my community Iindirectly contribute to myown personal improve-ment,” Lang said.And that involvement

through his company hasled to ongoing continuedsupport of the SalvationArmy, Goodwill and theHays County Women’sCenter. In addition, hewas involved in helpingwith New Braunfels floodvictims in 2010 as well asthe city’s park cleanup ef-fort that year.An avid hunter and fish-

erman, Lang also operatesa side business with hiswife involving music pro-motion and events.The latter is something

he hopes to work on morewith Texas State Universityon in terms of both athlet-ics and the university ingeneral.

Michael Lang

Michael Langthinks outside the box

What drives Lang isthe chance to develop

relationships with otherbusinesses in the

community. He feelshis success is due in

part to a belief inalways doing his best– no matter what thetask – and honesty.


Meagan McCoy Jonesgrew up in San Marcos,graduating from San Mar-cos Baptist Academy in2000 and then going to theUniversity of Richmond toearn her undergraduatedegree in Rhetoric andCommunication Studies in2004.She returned to Central

Texas upon graduationand began working on hermaster’s in communicationstudies at the University ofTexas, graduating in 2006.And it was during her

time at UT that her careerplans took a different di-rection.“While attending gradu-

ate school Meagan alsoworked in our Georgetownstore (McCoy’s) and it was

during that time that sherealized that her giftswould not be in the pur-suit of a terminal degree incommunications andteaching at the university

level, but would be work-ing alongside her father,Brian McCoy, in the build-ing supply industry,” JohnMeeks, Sr. vice presidentof corporate developmentat McCoy’s, said in nomi-nating Meagan for thisaward.Meagan joined McCoy’s

full time after receiving herM.A., starting in the corpo-rate development depart-ment to learn aboutheadquarters operations.During that time she

also worked with the TexasLegislature on behalf ofMcCoy’s to revise the Busi-ness Franchise Tax to pro-vide additional funding forpublic schools.In August 2007, Meagan

started a one-year term as

assistant store manager inManchaca.While there she organ-

ized a benefit concert atthe lumberyard whichraised more than $24,000for Mobile Loaves andFishes, an Austin-basednon-profit.After her year at the

Manchaca store, Meagan

returned to corporateheadquarters in San Mar-cos to assume her currentrole as McCoy’s director offield support.In this capacity, her du-

ties include traveling to thecompany’s 83 locationsand focusing on improvingbusiness efficiency.In this position, she initi-

ated the Store EfficiencyTask Force.“This Task Force, com-

prised of 18 people fromacross the disciplines ofour company, has trans-formed many of the inter-nal functions of ouroperation using technologyand common sense tosmooth operational per-formance while increasingaccountability at both ourstores and headquarters,”Meeks said.She also serves on the

McCoy’s board of directorsand executive team and isthe fourth generation towork in her family’s busi-ness.

Meagan McCoy Jones

Meagan McCoy Joneshas worked her way up

Meagan joinedMcCoy’s full timein the corporatedevelopment

department to learnabout headquartersoperations. Duringthat time she also

worked with the TexasLegislature on behalfof McCoy’s to revise

the BusinessFranchise Tax.


Rene Backer is knownfor her ability to put othersat ease, not always an easytask in a heavily maledominated industry.Raised in a small town

outside of Atlanta, Renecame from a family withmodest economic circum-stances, yet she set hergoals in the tenth grade onan eventual engineeringdegree.The first person in her

family to attend college,she worked part time – andsometimes full time – topay her way.And she still managed to

make the dean’s list 12 outof 14 quarters including a4.0 grade point average herfinal quarter.

She graduated with aB.S. in Civil Engineeringwith a specialization inconstruction management,one of only four females inthe class.And, believing strongly

in “giving back,” Rene wasalso volunteering at the

campus wellness centerwhile in school.There she helped in out-

reach programs includingeducation about nutrition,exercise, prevention of sex-ually transmitted diseasesand smoking prevention.Upon graduation, she

was offered a position withthe international engineer-ing company for which shehad she’d interned andquickly rose through theranks from field engineerto office engineer, projectengineer and finally projectmanager.Rene then joined Flintco

in 2006 and landed in SanMarcos where her first as-signments were the Em-bassy Suites Hotel and

San Marcos ConferenceCenter, both earning in-dustry construction excel-lence awards.She is now serving as

project manager for thenew Texas State UniversityUndergraduate AcademicCenter project.Five projects she has

been project manager for

have now won six majorconstruction industryawards.Community involvement

has also been a key com-ponent of her life, includ-ing participation in theSusan G. Koman ThreeDay Breast Cancer Walk(raising more than $5,600in two years), the Susan G.Koman Race for the Cure,Girlstart, Pet Prevent a Lit-ter (PALS), Austin PetsAlive, San Marcos BlueSanta program, AmericanHeart Association’s SanMarcos Heart Walk, Lead-ership San MarcosTonkawa Indian statueproject, Flintco Texas StateUniversity college recruit-ment, March of Dimes andmany more.Her concerns for the

health and wellbeing ofothers goes beyond merewords. Rene maintainscertification in CPR andFirst Aid, and has used hertraining twice to save lives.

Rene Backer

Rene Backer strivesto succeed, help others

Rene joined Flintcoin 2006 and landed inSan Marcos where herfirst assignments werethe Embassy Suites

Hotel and San MarcosConference Center,both earning industry

constructionexcellence awards.


Molly Ann Rosas-Garciahas lived in San Marcosher whole life, and saysone of the conditions shetold her husband when heasked her to marry him isthat she will never liveanywhere else. Besidesher family, she is intenselydedicated to her commu-nity and it shows in thevolume of non-profit workshe has undertaken soearly in her career.Sales has been her call-

ing, starting out in autosales at age 19 as theyoungest salesperson onthe floor at San MarcosAuto Outlet. Today she isthe Community Rela-tions/Sales Manager forGrande Communications.In the latter capacity Molly

Ann manages a team ofsales representatives,helps build relationshipswithin the community andworks with the marketingdepartment.Molly Ann was active in

many leadership roles withthe San Marcos HispanicChamber of Commerce,

even serving as theyoungest person ever to beChair of the organizationfrom 2006-2007. Amongher accomplishments withthe Chamber, she alsochaired the Special EventsCommittee, the Los AmigosCommittee, and the Gala.Twice she was honoredwith the Los Amigos of theYear award in ‘04 and ‘09,and received the BoardService Award in ‘08 andChairman’s Award in ‘09.Statewide, Molly Ann

has served the Hispaniccommunity as theyoungest board member ofthe Texas Association ofMexican American Cham-bers of Commerce from2005-2008.She is a graduate of the

2010 Leadership San Mar-cos class and receivedawards from Bobcat Buildin ‘08 and ‘09.Active with the San Mar-

cos Chamber of Com-merce, Molly Ann is on theSpecial Events Committeeand helped with the plan-ning of the Chamber Luauin ‘08 and ‘09 as well as

the Gala in ‘08.Molly Ann has also been

quite active with the MainStreet Advisory Board,serving as vice chair orchair from 2007 until justa few months ago. Duringthat time she has been in-strumental in recommen-dations to the City Councilregarding the downtownmaster plan, including theadoption of the new smartcodes. And she is alsoactive in the Heritage Asso-ciation, helping host sev-eral cottage kitchensamong other duties.Serving on the board of

the Texas State UniversityFriends of Fine Arts andCommunications, MollyAnn helps raise neededfunds which provide schol-arships for students.And she is one of the

charter members of theCTMC Foundation’sWomen’s LeadershipCouncil, a new non-profitwhich assists women andchildren in Hays County.

Molly Ann Rosas-Garcia

Molly Ann Rosas-Garciahard working, involved

Sales has been hercalling, starting out inauto sales at age 19 asthe youngest salesper-son on the floor at SanMarcos Auto Outlet.Today she is the Com-munity Relations/SalesManager for GrandeCommunications.


Winning awards in realestate sales is nothing newfor Margaret Ennis be-cause she is constantly atop performing agent notonly in San Marcos butalso in Central Texas as awhole.In fact, just this past

June she was named a2011 Five Star Real EstateAgent in Central Texas byTexas Monthly magazine.During the period be-

tween June 2010 and2011, she was the top Re-altor under the age of 40years old in dollar volumein San Marcos.She was ranked number

27 out of 938 total Real-tors in the Central TexasMultiple Listing Service.She came to San Marcos

originally to attend South-west Texas State Univer-sity.Like many college stu-

dents, she had the need towork while going to schooland landed a part time job

with a property manage-ment company.With that, the doors

opened to a career in realestate sales which she isextremely passionateabout and says she couldnever see herself doinganything else.Besides being a licensed

Realtor for 11 years, shehas been licensed as a bro-ker since 2005.She holds certification in

several key areas includingCertified Residential Spe-cialist, Accredited BuyerRepresentative and Certi-fied New Homes Specialistas well as being an activemember of the Women’sCouncil of Realtors.For Margaret, being a

real estate agent is “...all

about making people’sdreams come true.” Andshe says nothing can re-place the joy and happi-ness when the final papersare signed and customerstake possession of theirnew home.Besides her work, she is

also committed to commu-nity service.

Margaret has served onthe San Marcos EconomicDevelopment Board since2010 and proudly wearsthe green jacket of a SanMarcos Chamber of Com-merce Ambassador.She also serves on the

Governmental Affairs andSpecial Events Committeesand is a fundraiser forHabitat for Humanity.She is active in Big

Brothers Big Sisters andbeen on the executiveboard for three years withthe Downtown Rotary Clubof New Braunfels.Margaret also donates

considerable time to herindustry having served asPresident of the San Mar-cos Area Board of Realtors(SABOR) in the past andcurrently serving as chairof the Central Texas Multi-ple Listing Service (MLS)and on numerous commit-tees.She is a graduate of the

Texas Real Estate Leader-ship program.

Margaret Ennis

Margaret Ennis a topperforming agent

For Margaret, being areal estate agent is“...all about making

people’s dreams cometrue.” And she says

nothing can replace thejoy and happiness

when the final papersare signed andcustomers take

possession of theirnew home.


San Marcos Business Expo was a big hit last year, attracting hundreds of visitors to the various booths.


Page 26 - SAN MARCOS DAILY RECORD, BUSINESS EXPO, San Marcos, TX., Wednesday, August 31, 2011

San Marcos Business Expo is also a good opportunity to sample the tastes of San Marcos from local restaurants.


Donʼt forget to grab a San Marcos Daily Record goody bag at the door.

1912-2012100 Years of Service

Page 28 - SAN MARCOS DAILY RECORD, BUSINESS EXPO, San Marcos, TX., Wednesday, August 31, 2011

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