Business
BY KAREN CHANEY
The rst Hu nes dealership was opened by J.L. Hu nes, Sr. in Denton in May 1924.
Hu nes Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Lewisville.
COURTESY HUFFINES
COURTESY HUFFINES
Hu nes Auto Dealerships celebrates 100 years
As the current president and CEO of Hu nes Auto Dealership, Ray Hu nes represents the third generation of the 100-year old family-owned and operated business. Hu nes says while some things have markedly changed over the century, such as technology and the amount of employees, others have remained the same. “Our core values are RISE—respect, integrity, sel ess service and excellence,” Hu nes said. The backstory J.L. Hu nes, Sr. opened the rst dealership in Denton in 1924. That was a Willy’s-Knight, Over- land dealership. In 1927, he opened a Chevrolet dealership in Lewisville. Ray said trips to his grandfather’s dealership in Lewisville, when he was around six years old, make up his rst memories of the family business. Ray’s dad, J.L. Hu nes, Jr., owned a dealership in Commerce. When Ray got his driver’s license, he drove his rst car, a 1968 Camaro from Green- ville, where his family lived, to work at Hu nes Chevrolet Pontiac Buick Company in Commerce. Over the years, he worked as a mechanic’s helper and in the parts and sales departments. In 1984, Ray became the dealer of the family’s newly opened Chevrolet dealership in Plano. The framework Ray said he was around his dad and grandfather a lot and absorbed their interaction skills.
“My dad always taught us to be generous, not to brag,” he said. “It’s about valuing people and relationships. That would be the number one thing, respect for other people.” Marking a milestone To celebrate the company’s 100-year anni- versary, receptions were held at all 10 locations throughout North Texas on May 6. Going forward Ray said he knew from a young age he would follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps. “It is di cult for a family business to go three generations,” Ray said. “First o , you have to have someone who is willing and capable.” Ray has three daughters and one son. His son, Sam Hu nes, is the only child who has shown interest in continuing the family business. Notable quote Ray points out that North Texas’ growth has contributed to their longevity. However, he spotlights his faith when explaining the company’s staying power. “Ultimately, it’s God who has done this,” Ray said. “I can see many things that happened where I wanted to do this and I didn’t because God had a di erent plan and it worked out a lot better.”
Ray Hu nes (right) with his son Sam Hu nes in the Hu nes Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Plano.
KAREN CHANEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
PURNELL ST.
121
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1024 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville www.hu nes.net
BENNETT LN.
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STEMMONS FREEWAY
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1400 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville www.hu nes.net
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LEWISVILLE COPPELL EDITION
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