Variety of Successful Companies Have Roots Here
Published Oct 07, 2008
Entrepreneurship is alive and well in the Coastal Bend, as companies that were once storefront operations continue to grow and expand, giving newer players some valuable how-to’s in the process.
Consider Whataburger, which began in 1950 as a single burger stand on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi. Founder Harmon Dobson turned his big burgers into a franchise that now numbers
more than 700 restaurants in 10 states, but the company still calls Corpus Christi home.
And then there’s Bay Ltd., a construction, fabrication and maintenance company that has grown to 3,000 employees around the globe but keeps its corporate headquarters and dock facilities
at the Port of Corpus Christi; Repcon Inc., a 25-year-old company launched to provide maintenance and construction services to the refining, chemical and petrochemical industries, which has evolved into a plant-shutdown specialist; and FESCO Ltd., an oilfield service company that has grown over 58 years to include more than 625 employees in 15 full-service offices nationally.
On the financial side, there’s Texas Champion Bank, founded in Alice and now with 13 locations in 11 cities across Texas.
Going back to food service, it’s impossible to overlook Susser Holdings Corp. and its brand, formerly known as Circle K and since 2006 as Stripes. From its Texas beginnings in the 1930s, Stripes has grown to a nationwide convenience-store chain, and in 2007 Susser Holdings acquired Town & Country Food Stores.
The buyout gives the company more than 500 store locations.
But whatever the name, the company’s philosophy of quality service hasn’t changed, says Otis Peaks, media spokesperson, adding that no matter how big the company gets, Corpus Christi will remain its base.
“It’s pretty clear to me that we’re committed to being here,” Peaks says. “This has been our company headquarters for several generations, and it’s a very good place to be.”
Story by Joe Morris
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