From the General Manager | Winter 2019-20
This edition of Tex Appeal puts the spotlight on a few of the hundreds of local business owners who are creating jobs, supporting the community and helping make Central Texas a great place to live. They need your patronage — not just during this holiday season, but the rest of the year too.
One of the region’s oldest businesses is Cochran, Blair & Potts Department Store in Belton, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Robert Potts Jr., his wife, Ashley, and brother Michael Potts are the seventh generation to operate the family-owned store. Read how they are working to make sure it stays current and continues to serve customers on page 24.
Isdale Chiropractic in Killeen has been serving Central Texas families since 1949. Founded by Sid Isdale, four of his five sons continue his legacy of providing chiropractic care in Bell County. Even though family members were eyewitnesses to one of the most tragic events in recent Bell County history — the 1991 Luby’s restaurant shooting — the Isdales remained committed to their patients and the community. Their story is on page 68.
Temple-Belton Feed & Supply is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Ron and Christi Lucksinger started the business in 1979 and have now passed the torch to son Adam Lucksinger and daughter Lindsey Strait. The stores have thrived through hard work, a commitment to customer service, willingness to change and an adherence to core values, page 30.
Two local business owners found their calling with franchise operations that are among the most successful in the country: Steve Joy, owner of the two Chick-fil-A restaurants in Temple, and Danielle Smith, who has Kindermusik in Killeen.
Joy opened his first Chick-fil-A at the Temple Mall 30 years ago after a career in the Air Force. His new store on 31st Street is a company showplace. He works hard and treats his employees well. He shares his story on page 50.
Smith is a former high school band director who opened a Kindermusik franchise in 2006 to stay involved with music and have a flexible schedule as she raised her daughter. The business, which uses music and activities to promote early childhood development, was perfect. Now Smith has created a place where other parents find the support they need, page 64.
Personal service is the key to success for Susie Winkler, owner of Paperdoodles in Temple. She takes time to make sure customers find exactly what they want, including invitations that are printed at the shop. It is the only stationery boutique in Central Texas, page 44.
If you need holiday decorating ideas, you might want to visit Magnolias in Salado. The store is transformed for the holidays. Find Sharon White’s story and Justin Borja’s beautiful photos beginning on page 40.
There are plenty of events in Central Texas to keep you, friends, family and visitors from out-of-town entertained this holiday season. One of the most popular is the BLORA Holiday in Lights. Brandy Cruz provides an inside look at what it takes to prepare for the spectacular display, page 46.
For holiday season inspiration, read about Kati and Bill Davenport. Their alpaca farm outside Kempner is a place where children who are fighting cancer and their families, find a respite from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation at no expense. Writer Fred Afflerbach and photographer Rebecca Bachtel tell the story beginning on page 8.
Don Cooper
Temple Daily Telegram general manager
dcooper@tdtnews.com | 254-774-5203