Torch Award 2016

The Annual Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics was presented to two Abilene businesses at an award luncheon on the campus of McMurry University. All American Doors and James McCoy's Drug Store were selected in the annual competition to honor outstanding examples of ethical business conduct. An independent panel of judges made up from the business and academic community select the winning companies from the nominees. The Torch Awards are held in partnership with our three Universities. The keynote speaker was Dr. Paul Mason, Dean of the Walter Johnson School of Business at McMurry University. Dean Mason outlined his plan for the future of the Business School at McMurry.  He told the audience that some business professors may say that "business ethics" is an oxymoron. He said, "It cannot be that way! Ethical treatment must be a fundamental behavior for business".

The following businesses were recognized during the Torch Award ceremonies:

All American Door
525 Oak Street

It all started with two guys, one truck, one trailer, and a dream to have a locally owned company that was fair and reasonably priced.  After they hung as many doors as they could in a couple of days they knew that they had to get their families involved.  They did and give their families the credit for any success All American Doors may have enjoyed. Reid Kyker and Shannon Wilkins were friends prior to going into business together.  Today the company recently expanded to a new location, has 3 service trucks and 6 service technicians.  The company motto is “giving you the freedom to choose”, they are grateful for the way their business has been built up over the years from Abilene choosing them to be their garage door installer / repair company. 

Kyker and Wilkins are hands on type of owners, preferring to monitor their business outside of their offices.  If they find something that is not faring so well, they approach it head on and remedy the problem the quickest and best way possible.  The company prides themselves on being upfront and honest with customers.  They make sure the sales staff are well read and informed on all products. 

James McCoy’s Drug Store
839 N Judge Ely Blvd

This family owned company has been growing and thriving in an industry that has seen many independent pharmacies sold or closed.  It didn’t take James McCoy long to learn there wasn’t any magic to having a successful business.  All it took was to treat people they way they wanted to be treated, to be kind, thoughtful and sincere.  It is a formula that has equal ingredients of a smile, a hug, an encouraging word and double helpings of customer service.  The result is that this pharmacy will soon celebrate 19 years in business.

Personalized treatment and excellence in customer service combine to create raving fans like this, “Thank you for your years of exceptional service to your customers.  During this stressful time for us we are thankful for people who care.  Thank you for your patience with me and for going the extra mile to help. You are the best!”  Another customer note said, “Thanks so much for the late night help for my prescriptions.  We really appreciate you taking time to go and get them.”  Another customer wrote, “I want to say a very heartfelt Thank You for helping us out in a tough situation with my dad.  Definitely above and beyond service.”

Andrews Furniture
2300 N 1st

This family owned business began in 1955 and now the third generation is in the furniture business. Hard work and building relationships are the foundation for Andrews Furniture.  Those relationships are with customers of course, but also with employees.  Dick Andrews has been known to mentor more than a few future entrepreneurs… as one put it “he is building future leaders within our community by taking a chance on ambitious adults at all states in life.”

Andrews Furniture is a 14 time winner of the Abilene Reporter News Readers Choice Award.  Not content by resting on those laurels, Dick Andrews is always willing to “try something new”.  The company embraced social media as a way to move forward.  At Andrews Furniture every new idea is tested against the measure – will it help in building relationships – with customers or employees or both. 

Antigua Special Care Moving Services LLC
PO Box 3031

This business strives to be the best moving company in Texas.  It is part of Antigua Special Care Moving Service mission statement.  Their core values are: Truth, Integrity, Excellence, Efficiency and Service.  Owner Aaron Laughlin knows that employees are at the core of company success, “It is in our company DNA to treat our fellow employees with respect, and to provide them with the tools and training to improve their skills.

All of this translates into happy customers.  This is what one customer had to say, “I have to take a break to say a big Thank you to Antigua Moving.  By far, the best customer service we have received since moving to Abilene.   The professional team and great attitudes made for one of our easiest moves.  We have hired a number of movers over the years and have to say that Antigua is, far and away, the best moving company we have ever used.”  The company depends on word of mouth referrals, here is what one realtor said, “I never hesitate to recommend this company.  This company has come through when other companies have not.”

H.V. Chapman & Sons and RAM Business Forms
802 N 3rd Street

Tim De La Vega the owner of H.V. Chapman & Sons and RAM Business Forms has roots that sink deep into the ink of the printing business.  His grandfather and father before him were in the printing business, and Tim learned much of the trade inside the print shop at West Texas Utilities.  Today, Tim is the leader that melded two family businesses from Stan Chapman in bookbinding and Rosie and Andy Esparza in printing at RAM Business forms into a unique full service business offering, restoration, design, printing and book binding. 

The small company is very “hand on” in all areas resulting in personalized service.  The company stands behind everything they do and sell.  They provide quotes that are honest and accurate. They make sure they follow the quote to the letter and to the penny, which ends in satisfied customers.  One customer review said, “Thank you to this amazing company who rebound my Bible. My daughter brought my first Bible to have rebound as a gift.  After over 15 years of reading, it had many pages loose, many precious notes on front and back inside covers, and a broken binding.  When they were finished ALL was preserved.  The impact of having this Bible will be generational.”