As
a third-generation owner of
a family business, you learn
to appreciate the signals life
sends you. That includes knowing
when to close up shop and move on to
the next chapter. The decision to close
Casey’s Furniture in 2012 after more
than 75 years in Temple was actually
an easy one. I had been running the
store for the past 43 years, following
in the footsteps of both my father and
my grandfather, but neither of my sons
wanted to join the business. They had
carved out their own paths in the world
and were doing well.
Our success in appliance and
then furniture sales for residential
and commercial customers ran its
course. It was a great experience. We
navigated some challenging economic
times, but always stayed true to our
intent to be fair and honest with our
customers. That was probably the
biggest thing my father ever taught
me. He was a Depression-era, World
War II gentleman who always treated
everyone the way he wanted to be
treated. Even up until the time my
wife, Charlynn, and I closed the store’s
doors for the last time, customers
were thanking us for the quality service
we provided.
I have tried to hold true to that
mission, and be the best citizen I
can be in the region where I live
and work. Serving on the boards of
both the Scott & White Health Plan
and the Scott & White Healthcare
system and foundation has given me
an opportunity to give back to an
institution that has played a large part
in my life.
A legacy of service to
Scott & White
Both of my parents were natives of
Temple, and while they raised their
family in nearby Belton, they always
turned to Scott & White whenever any
of us needed medical care. I joined the
board of the Scott & White Health Plan
shortly after the plan was organized,
and became closely acquainted with
the operations of Scott & White. I
think that was a major reason I even
considered [then CEO] Dr. Al Knight’s
invitation to join the board.
Healthcare is a complex, highly
regulated industry. I’ve served on the
board of First State Bank Central Texas
since its inception, and I honestly
thought that banking was one of the
most regulated industries—until I
joined Scott & White.
I think being a “local” board
member lent a different perspective
to my position. Since I was doing
business in one of the communities that
Scott & White serves, residents didn’t
hesitate to come to me