The Catalyst Issue 16 | April 2013 | Page 33

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