Lewisville - Coppell | July 2024

Business

BY KAREN CHANEY

The rst Hunes dealership was opened by J.L. Hunes, Sr. in Denton in May 1924.

Hunes Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Lewisville.

COURTESY HUFFINES

COURTESY HUFFINES

Hunes Auto Dealerships celebrates 100 years

As the current president and CEO of Hunes Auto Dealership, Ray Hunes represents the third generation of the 100-year old family-owned and operated business. Hunes 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, seless service and excellence,” Hunes said. The backstory J.L. Hunes, 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. Hunes, 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 Hunes 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 dicult 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 Hunes, 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 dierent plan and it worked out a lot better.”

Ray Hunes (right) with his son Sam Hunes in the Hunes Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Plano.

KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

PURNELL ST.

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1024 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville www.hunes.net

BENNETT LN.

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1400 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville www.hunes.net

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LEWISVILLE  COPPELL EDITION

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