THE AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE OF ABILENE, TEXAS
WINTER 2020
UNITED WE STAND THE CITY OF ABILENE STANDS TOGETHER AND UNITE TO FACE THE CHALLENGES OF GLOBAL PANDEMIC
TOM’S TIRE PROS
TOM & ANGIE CENIGLIS GARBO’S LOCKSMITH SERVICE
GRETA KUHN
SHE DID IT HER WAY AND HAS NO REGRETS
+
ABILENE AUTO SCENE BIG COUNTRY BIKE LIFE BEST COMPANY VEHICLES AND MORE
ABOUT US Alliance Auto Auction – Abilene is a dealer’s only auto auction with a small town feel in a big market. The cornerstone of our success has been our attention to the small details and by prioritizing top of the line customer service.
WE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO BIG COUNTRY DEALERS AND THOSE IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS WHO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT ALLIANCE AUTO AUCTION - ABILENE!
ALLIANCE AUTO AUCTIONS ARE NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
LICENSED DEALERS ONLY Address: 6657 US Hwy 80 West Abilene, TX 79605
Phone: (325) 698-4391 Website: www.allianceautoauction.com
WHO WE ARE New Health 365 is Abilene’s first brick and mortar CBD oil store in Abilene, TX! We are proud to be one of the only CBD oil providers in Abilene, and we look forward to meeting and helping our new customers.
Family owned and operated, New Health 365 is dedicated to providing only the highest-quality products for our customers. So far we work with 18 of the best brands in the industry.
New Health 365, 2560 BARROW STREET ABILENE, TX 79605
325-692(oils)
ABOUT US
Quality Carpet Cleaning, LLC is a locally-owned-and-operated carpet cleaning and flooring installation company in Abilene and San Angelo, TX. We are proud to offer a full slate of convenient services to make your home or commercial property a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable place to be.
We are the preferred carpet dealers of Abilene & San Angelo, TX. If you’re having new flooring installed in your home or business, we’re the ones to call. From cleaning to installations, we handle it all! Trust our flooring & carpet dealers to find the best deal. Call us when you’re in need of a deep carpet clean or just need to get rid of those bothersome stains and odors.
WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING
SERVICES
Carpet Sale / Installation Carpet Cleaning Floor Covering Emergency Water Restoration Engineered Hardwood Floor Installation Air Duct Cleaning Tile Cleaning Fire Restoration Mold Remediation Viral Mitigation Roofing ABILENE Quality Carpet Cleaning, LLC 4401 Crawford Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: 325-208-1345
SAN ANGELO Quality Carpet Cleaning, LLC (by appointment only)
1225 South Oakes, San Angelo, TX 76903
Phone: (325)899-2327
PAGE 20 THE QUEEN OF KEYS
GARBO'S LOCKSMITH SERVICES’ GRETA KUHN DID IT HER WAY AND HAS NO REGRETS
PAGE 24 FAITH OF AN OUTLAW
FEATURES PAGE 10 STRONGER TOGETHER
FAMILY BUSINESS TOM’S TIRE PROS THRIVES IN UNPRECEDENTED TIMES
AFTER THE TRAGIC LOSS OF HIS SON OUTLAW AUTOMOTIVES’ JOHN LENAMON FINDS THE STRENGTH TO GO ON
PAGE 32 TEXAS PRIDE
WEST TEXAS MAN STARTS CAR DEALERSHIP TO PREVENT LAYING OFF HIS EMPLOYEES WHEN HIS OIL COMPANY BEGAN TO STRUGGLE DURING PANDEMIC
PAGE 38 FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS
IN THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS THE VILLALOBOS BROTHERS ACHIEVE THE AMERICAN DREAM
PAGE 40 WHATEVER IT TAKES
AFTER PANDEMIC FORCED HIS GYM TO SHUTDOWN HE DECIDED TO FIND ANOTHER WAY TO HELP HIS COMMUNITY
PAGE 44 CARS AND CANDY
1ST ANNUAL CARS AND CANDY TRUNK OR TREAT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS
PAGE 46 BEST COMPANY VEHICLES
VETERANS GARAGE DOOR AND KIRK BROWN
PAGE 54 BIG COUNTRY BIKE LIFE
A.J. CENIGLIS TAKES HIS HARLEY FOR A RIDE DOWNTOWN IN ABILENE, TEXAS
PAGE 62 HARD WORK PAYS OFF
WEST TEXAS MAN TURNS HIS DREAMS INTO REALITY
PAGE 68 JOSH AND JIMMY
A SIMPLE MAN FROM WEST TEXAS
Get To Know
JOSHUA HAYNES Founder of Abilene Motors Magazine, LLC. Founder and Creative Director of Abilene Motors Magazine, LLC, Joshua Haynes, is one of four brothers from Jeanerette, Louisiana. He lost his parents at the tender age of 3, in a terrible tragedy. This would change him and his brothers lives forever. As a teenager he attended five different high schools and had to move between different relatives’ residences. Eventually, he, along with his brothers, were placed in a foster home called Cherokee Home for Children in Cherokee, Texas. Even though childhood was tough for Joshua, he found solace in basketball and would play for hours to release stress. Nothing stopped him from envisioning a better future for his remaining family. All those hours of practicing eventually paid off for Joshua, as he became a standout basketball player at Cherokee High School. After graduating from highschool, he later received a bachelor’s degree from McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. There he studied business management and became determined to one day become a successful entrepreneur.
(L to R) JOSHUA HAYNES, GRANDMOTHER’ BETTY JOSEPH, BROTHER’S DANIEL HAYNES, CARROLL HAYNES & STEPHEN HAYNES
By 2014, he accomplished that dream and became the co-founder of a promotions company that would play a substantial role in bringing many prominent name artists to Lubbock, San Angelo, Amarillo, Wichita Falls, and Abilene, Texas. In 2017, he excelled even further by starting his own promotions company called West Texas Concerts, LLC. That same year, he hosted his first country music concerts with country music legends like Travis Tritt and Lee Greenwood. These opportunities made him adore country music. Travis Tritt is now one of his favorite artists of all time. Here Joshua expresses his love for country music:
“
I fell in love with country music after studying the music of the artists’ rosters of booking agencies I was interested in working with at the time. One of my most memorable concerts is when I had the honor of working with country music legend Travis Tritt in San Angelo, Texas. His voice was so soulful, and his melodies were contagious. I connected to many of his songs on a personal level. He is also a very nice guy!’’ Since stepping into the promotions business in 2014, his concerts have sold over 40,000 concert tickets and have grossed over $1.5 million . He has had the pleasure of working with many amazing artists like Travis Tritt, Lee Greenwood, Temptations, and more. Humbly sharing these achievements with his partners, mentors, and investors make him feel blessed to be working with such amazing people. Every milestone and victory he achieved wouldn’t be possible without their constant support and guidance. These victories would be meaningless without his loved ones and supporters.
WITH TRAVIS TRITT
TEMPTATIONS - SAN ANGELO, TX (SOLD OUT CONCERT)
Now, at 35 years of age, Joshua wanted to use his business and life experiences to create a platform that helps others. This feeling left a constant ache in his heart, which made him realize that money was not all that mattered. All he wants to do now is to be someone’s silver lining and spread optimism and inspiration when the world needs it most. With the foundations of Abilene Motors Magazine being based on faith, Joshua is indeed proud of his vision. Launching a startup company during a pandemic and recession might seem extremely risky to many, but the timing could not be better when it comes to this magazine. Joshua aims to inspire with articles of faith, philanthropy, perseverance, determination, and more. All while providing services to local businesses and forming bonds that will last even after these difficult times. Joshua says that he has gotten so much from Abilene, which is why he wants this to be a source of hope. And having the launch right at home in Abilene will do just that. WITH LEE GREENWOOD
was ashamed of my past but I am not anymore. I “ Inowonceembrace it because it is my testimony. It has also
made me the man I am today. I now know wholeheartedly, God placed me on this earth for a reason. I truly believe I found that reason and it is to help others. To make a positive impact in the world. I believe Abilene Motors Magazine will do that and more!’’ WITH JOHN STAMOS
Founder / Creative Director / Sales / Editor / Occasional Photographer: Joshua Haynes Graphic Designer / Editor: Alexander Kuyanov, Lead Photographers: Christopher Mawson, Lead; TWOFIVE3SHOOTER; Blissful Lens Writers: Kanwar M. Umar, Lead; Jacob Peters; Syeda Javeria
Advertising Partners Tom’s Tire Pros Red Wing Shoes Alliance Auto Auction - Abilene New Health 365 Quality Carpet Cleaning Auto Glass Happy Rayz Tint Smith Outdoor Power Equipment Team Chip Tae Kwon Do Centers
Garbo’s Locksmith Service Blue Twisted Steel Outlaw Automotive A-Star Diesel Performance Presley Sales Dandy Auto Detail Howard Radio Ronnie Smith Transmission Classic Auto Restyling
Alpha Aesthetics Big Country Diesel Performance Big Country Hardware - Clyde, TX Big Country Collision Veterans Garage Door A.J. Enterprises A.J.’s Auto Parts & Repair Center
Abilene Motors Magazine is published quarterly by Abilene Motors Magazine, LLC., Advertising space is available. For more information email sales@abilenemotorsmagazine.com or call 325-232-5927 for rates and availability. Abilene Motors Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved, printed in the U.S.A.
Abilene Motors Magazine P.O. Box 6984 Abilene, Texas 79608
STRONGER TOGETHER
FAMILY BUSINESS TOM’S TIRE PROS THRIVES IN UNPRECEDENTED TIMES
TEXT BY KANWAR M. UMAR PHOTOS BY TWOFIVE3SHOOTER FAMILY PORTRAIT PHOTOS BY BLISSFUL LENS
ABILENE, TX - Tom’s Tire Pros is the first preference for many residents of Abilene for countless reasons, the major one being that they receive unparalleled services every step of the way. Not only this, the owner, Mr. Tom Ceniglis Jr’s reputation precedes him on a personal level as well, due to the kind and considerate way he leads his life and runs his business. He is truly a genuine person at heart. Due to his prominent character in the community, one can certainly assume that he must’ve been born and raised in Abilene. He was actually born in Los Angeles and has lived in several states, as his dad’s job required them to move. Another unfortunate reason for moving was his beloved mother, may God rest her soul, passed away after a strong battle with cancer. Ultimately the family ended up settling down right here, in Abilene. Speaking of Tom specifically,
12 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
between 1976 and 1999, he has lived in Abilene from time to time, 99’ was the year when he permanently settled down. The business was established by Tom’s late father Tom Ceniglis, from the ground-up, who previously had a long, prosperous career working with Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. His father purchased the land, built his first store, and further grew the business with immense dedication in the following two decades. In the year 2000, Tom Ceniglis Jr. purchased “Tom’s Tire World” from his dad. They’ve had up to five stores running simultaneously, scattered across Abilene, San Angelo, Brownwood & Kerrville. But later decided to reduce the number of locations to two larger stores, one each in Abilene and San Angelo. The business really started showing positive results after this, as they were able to focus more on just two locations. The numbers told the same story. Clearly, paying more attention to a smaller operation was doing wonders for management, handling finances, and increasing customer satisfaction. Owing to such a solid history in the business, their main forte is knowing & recommending which direction to follow based on every client’s precise automotive needs.
Even in times of radically increasing competition, other than the obligatory “highly experienced staff”, “customer centered approach” and a wide range of products, the thing that makes Tom’s stand out from the multitude is a boatload of warranty coverages that gets honored at over 30,000 locations nationwide. That also includes complimentary roadside assistance for every single billed service, which is for a complete year*. This service covers towing, jump-start, lockout, fluid delivery & spare tire changing assistance. You just can’t resist offers like these! When Tom sees his clients pleased, it is the very moment that he values most in running a
“
business like this. From what we see and hear, he definitely has a special place in his heart for serving the community. The thought of making someone’s day better by fixing their problem with outcomes that exceed their expectations is what keeps him motivated. Helping the community not only by his business but through several other opportunities will continue to be a big part of Tom’s life goals. It’s pretty obvious how Tom’s Tire Pros is a massively respected brand in the industry, and when it comes to the “secret sauce” for this amazing recipe, he makes it clear by his words:
Looking after the best interest of our clientele is paramount, and this is the way Tom’s does business every day.”
Apart from this, you will always find the staff’s knowledge and all of the equipment to be up to the mark. He never hesitates to invest in improving these aspects because ultimately these are the building blocks that refine and perfect their processes. We can vouch for what a kind, considerate and generous person Tom is, and he considers these attributes to be inherited by none other than his father. Because of the way he grew up, it’s pretty safe to say that Tom’s father was a selfless person, in a way that he always did so much for others around him, especially the underprivileged. Tom learnt the nitty-gritties of running businesses from
“
his father as well, and look where it got him. Not only this, he owes his old man for most of what he knows about living life the right way and treating others with respect and dignity. Though at the workplace, his father used to be very strict and work-oriented, which is why Tom even had the thought of never working with his own dad ever again. All this said, he still respects his father’s ways. He said and we quote, “I loved my father very much but he was hard on me because he expected so much from me. There were many times I thought our arguments would come to blows but they never did and I still respect and think back to the lessons my father taught me every day.”
An 86’ Chevy Blazer, donned in an eye-catching shade of green and loads of aftermarket goodies. He first got it back in 2002 in an exchange against his shabby shop truck. ”
14 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2020 15
As much as Tom loves his dad, he adores the rest of his family just as much, and he positively acknowledges that his family members have played a vital role in the success of this business by supporting him every step of the way. Back when Tom’s father was running things, his wife Reba Ceniglis often single handedly used to get stuff done with responsibility and continued to do so in the background which turned out to be a major help. For all the important business decisions and initiatives, his wife Angie has always played her part as a pillar of strength for him, just the way Reba was to his father. She also looks after day to day administrative tasks around the workplace, getting stuff done in a streamlined manner. Tom also has two sons, and just like their dad, they were introduced to the business at a young age of about 10, where they started by working one or two days a week, taking care of small tasks like helping organize the inventory and keeping the place clean for some extra bucks. As of now, sometimes they still carry out the daily routine tasks, but they often help supervise and sort out stuff on a much higher, corporate level. Although the entire family comprises of hardworking people, the business is still family owned and everyone can sometimes work in flexible routines, and Tom totally agrees on it by jokingly saying that on
16 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
nine out of ten days, it’s wonderful to work with family, on the 10th day, it is extremely difficult. Anyone can turn into a “car guy” when surrounded by cool vehicles long enough. Even if this wasn’t the case, Tom would still be into cars. We say this with surety because we’ve seen his gorgeous truck. An 86’ Chevy Blazer, donned in an eye-catching shade of green and loads of aftermarket goodies. He first got it back in 2002 in an exchange against his shabby shop truck. Back then, it was a mere shell but now it has loads of customizations, some of which have even been accomplished in their own shop. To name a few, the truck has got a powerful motor-transmission duo, a unique high quality paint job, custom upholstery and a custom sound system as well. The wheel, tire & suspension setup is amazing, a set of huge, cool looking wheels wrapped in some chunky General Grabber tires, and there’s no way you can miss the 4’’ lift-kit. Even though this has so much already done to it, Tom has more stuff planned. This includes a perfect tune for the engine and transmission, and a new BDS lift system that will make the stance even more aggressive. It really was a diamond in the rough, and Tom has succeeded in every way to do it justice.
When 2020 started, people faced unexpected & unprecedented circumstances globally due to the pandemic, but just like most optimistic folks, everyone at Tom’s Tire Pros kept their heads up & waited to see how things would play out. Since the business is more of an everyday necessity, instead of months, they were keeping busy after only a couple of weeks. In fact they saw their all-time high in sales and activity in June. Tom is very proud of his team on both of the locations for being strong in such stressful times. Instead of getting flustered, their teamwork and spirits got even stronger, and benefited the business a great deal!
“
Managing such a setup is never a walk in the park. Regardless of what people think, such businesses are always full of countless hiccups which are enough to sucker punch anyone. Throughout this tedious journey, the biggest motivation and strength has been his faith and the support of his family and friends who love him and have always believed in him. He is never afraid to roll his sleeves and put in some effort for an honest and deserving reward, and his theory has always been to work hard, work smart, all while keeping his faith in God as strong as can be!
Throughout this tedious journey, the biggest motivation and strength has been his faith and the support of his family and friends who love him and have always believed in him.�
Smith Outdoor Power Equipment
PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICE AND PRODUCTS IN THE BIG COUNTRY AREA FOR OVER 50 YEARS! For more than 50 years now, Smith Outdoor Power Equipment located in Abilene, Texas, the heart of the big country, has been continuously striving for excellence when it comes to serving the equipment industry. Our dedicated staff offers professional services in parts, service, and equipment sales for tackling all your outdoor lawn and garden jobs of any size.
We carry a large inventory of outdoor power equipment specializing in Stihl, Gravely, Ariens, and more!
Address: 1801 Butter St., Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: (325)672-6611 Email: smithoutdoor@gmail.com / Website: www.smithoutdoorpowerequipment.com
“No matter what age you are, you can learn! Step out of your comfort zone and try Team Chip! You WILL NOT be sorry! Thank you Team Chip for what you have done for me and my family!” — Abbie Harrison
LET US BE YOUR GUIDE Empowering people through the pursuit of personal martial arts excellence, by creating world class martial artists with a servant’s heart and a beginner’s mind since 1984.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP? Little Dragons (3-6)
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Kids (7-12)
Fitness & Kickboxing
Teens (13-17)
Parkour (7+)
Adult Traditional MA
FREE Women’s Self Defense
325-676-2424 2218 South 14th Street, Abilene, TX 79605 W W W. T E A M C H I P M A R T I A L A R T S . C O M
THE QUEEN OF KEYS GARBO’S LOCKSMIT H SERVICES’ GRETA KUHN DID IT HER WA Y AND HAS NO REGRETS TEXT BY KANWAR M. UMAR
ABILENE, TX - In retrospect anyone can agree that car keys cause some major chaos when lost or locked inside vehicles or buildings. Normally people don’t pay enough attention and are left with delayed plans and lessened punctual credibility. Who ends up saving the day? The locksmith of course! Only then do we
|
PHOTOS BY CHRIS MAWSON
realize the locksmith’s significance. When you imagine one, we can guarantee that a guy with his gear, stepping out of a van comes to mind. Only a handful could argue with this, trust us. But here in Abilene, someone with a solid drive to work hard & right, is breaking stereotypes and catching people off guard.
Greta Kuhn is the owner of Garbo’s Locksmith Service. Many people still assume that the owner might be a guy called ‘Mr. Garbo’, whereas the story behind this name is in fact a very personal one, and this dates back to even before she was born. Her dad wanted to name her Greta Garbo, after the Swedish-American actress who was a movie star in the 1930’s. Her mom only partially agreed to this, hence the name Greta. Born in Virginia, a resident of Abilene since 1990. She has been in the auto industry as a Locksmith for even longer than that, 1987 to be exact. We can safely say she’s one of the top service providers in this field. After gaining some hands-on experience for about 9 years, she started Garbo’s on the 1st of January, 1996. She is the oldest of 5 siblings, which may be one of the reasons for her strong character and the ability to plan out every step before the actual execution. Her entire journey was surely a handful, as she started from nothing and has achieved so much up until now. She’s highly work oriented and simply a problem solver with a knack for anything that resembles a puzzle. Garbo’s Locksmith Service are the ones to have on speed dial when you need new keys made, any type of locks installed or repaired, or a locksmith to reach your location in a jiffy, even when all others have already called it a night. Their additional services like key organization & key control and generally a quality service and fast response in emergency situations have constantly led to customer satisfaction. Their motivation comes from solving the customer’s problems & making their day better. They were able to do so during the dreaded pandemic as well. It did not affect the business because losing keys and getting locked outside stayed constant, because pandemic or not we’re all humans who can mess up anytime.
“
Her entire journey was surely a handful, as she started from nothing and has achieved so much up until now.”
Greta has been able to maintain a streamline operation with the help of an exceptional staff, especially Amy who she met in 2004 when the business needed help and she needed a job. Since then, she has stood beside Greta in all circumstances. Another reason for such a connection between the two is their pasts, as both were divorced when they first met. Which helped them both get through those difficult times. They make a great team and always look out for each other. Speaking of Greta’s helping hands, she has two sons and one works with her at Garbo’s. Zack is married, and actually had other plans before working here. He planned to get a business degree and later join Garbo’s but Greta suggested to him that he will not be able to enjoy his job and successfully work with her if he doesn’t know the fundamentals of being a locksmith. Trusting his mother’s wisdom, he did a 2-year locksmith training and has been working happily with her for 2 and a half years now. Her loving father has also been a huge support for her every step of the way. He is an extremely talented artist and even worked on some of the walls to give the whole place an even better overall vibe. You can visit Garbo’s to see his murals in all their glory.
“
Even though she sometimes crosses paths with people who’d rather talk to a guy in charge than a woman, she still manages to remain strong despite it all. She shared a couple incidents of this nature with us. On which she concluded by saying, “The whole situation was just weird. It did sometimes hurt, but as time passed I became stronger and it is actually pretty funny when it does happen now.” This justifies that she is a true hard worker and one who believes that sheer consistency and dedication is enough to achieve greatness even when she’s a woman in a male dominated industry. She is one of the best examples of self-made entrepreneurs. With zero support from banks, friends or even family. She acquired all the necessary stuff like different key machines & drills whenever she could afford it. And one after the other, she managed to get all the needed items. Her story shows us that no task is too difficult if you do it the right way. Greta is proud of what she has achieved over the years, and she should be.
Their additional services like key organization & key control and generally a quality service and fast response in emergency situations have constantly led to customer satisfaction.”
22 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
FAITH OF AN OUTLAW
A F T E R T H E T R AG I C L O S S O F H I S S O N OUTLAW AUTOMOTIVES’ JOHN LENAMON FINDS
THE STRENGTH TO GO ON
TEXT BY KANWAR M. UMAR PHOTOS BY CHRIS MAWSON
ABILENE, TX - The loss of a beloved child may be the most painful trauma that one can experience in this life. Though it’s very hard, there are still many ways to overcome this grief and find peace, but none comes closer than one’s faith in God when finding solace after a loss of a loved one. Some people find it very hard to find meaning in life, while others learn ways to live with the loss. John Lenamon is one of those fathers who experienced the loss of his young child. Still, John believes that he will reunite with him one day, and his faith gives him the courage to uplift his life, move forward, one day at a time. John grew up in Albany, Texas, along with his four brothers. He lost both his parents quite early in his life as he lost his father in 1990 and his mother in 1991, just in a year. Growing up, John was a troublesome kid who got in plenty of fights and got some well-deserved spankings. He hated the small-town life as a teenager and finally moved to Abilene in 1991, this is where he still lives today. John is a mechanic by profession, and he has been in this profession since 1996, just before his first son was born. John did not want to miss out on his boy’s life like he had seen so many of his friends and family do. John wanted a job with regular working hours to give time to his boys, and being a mechanic was the perfect fit for him. Besides, he always loved being able to make something work that wouldn’t. Being fond of fighting since childhood, John decided to start fighting professionally in 1995. When one of his best friends, Geno, opened a martial arts studio to train kickboxers. He just loved being in the ring. John’s love for his children was unmatched. He would plan his life and even choose his profession to spend more time with them.
26 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
His first son Jacob was born in 1996. He was a gem of a child, always happy and smiling; he was full of life. Jacob grew up to be a wonderful young man. He was a workaholic from the start. He hated high school so much that he wanted to quit it to go to work. That is exactly what Jacob did. He got his first job at 16 and started working with his father as a mechanic and later as a body man. His work ethic was unmatched for someone who is only 16 years old. John cherished spending 5 days a week with his boy, who was such a sweet person. Everything was beautiful until one day, Jacob was gone, and John’s life turned upside down in one split second. The joy was turned into sorrow. His heart was shattered
“
into pieces, and he found himself wishing that it wasn’t real because he was such a young boy who still had to explore a lot of things in life. It’s been four years now, and John still looks for the apple of his eyes. Thoughts of Jacob are with him every second. He would try to concentrate on work, but the thought of Jacob would not let him. He still has few of his son’s tools with him, making him feel like he’s always helping him, which gives him comfort. After Jacob passed away, John had a pendant design with his fingerprint. He now wears the pendant around his neck and rubs it throughout the day when he thinks of Jacob. This also gives him much needed comfort during the hard times.
John wanted a job with regular working hours to give time to his boys, and being a mechanic was the perfect fit for him.”
His sons’ loss has made him closer to his God, and his relationship with Him is now strong but has been strained. He worries about his anger towards God as he expressed his anger for calling his son back, but he also prayed for His mercy. He will continue to love and honor Him, and he hopes to see his son again someday. John now owns Outlaw Automotive, which he bought last October from Cody Phillips, who owns Abilene Wrecker Service in Abilene, Texas. He always said that he would never own a shop as he was unwilling to take time away from his boys. But since Jacob is gone and Jaxon is at college, John was ready to be a shop owner. He’s a different person now. This incident has made him stronger. He’s more patient, and understanding. Things don’t bother him the way they used to, here he expresses those feelings and we quote with a heavy heart, “Honestly, after you pick out your child’s coffin, there is not much that can shake you up. It’s easy now to see how small all our day to day problems really are.” Although he’s heartbroken, his faith in God gives him courage to run his shop. John has found ways to live with the loss. He has a great team that keeps the working environment fun and exciting, and he intends to be the kind of boss that he always wanted to have. He wants to serve his community with full honesty and work for them as if it was his own. His faith in God and the people around him have helped him find the strength to go on, one day at a time.
“ 28 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
His faith in God and the people around him have helped him find the strength to go on, one day at a time.”
ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2020 29
A-STAR DIESEL PERFORMANCE'S GEORGE LOEWEN TURNS PASSION FOR ENGINES AND MACHINERY INTO THRIVING AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS IN ABILENE, TX George Loewen has always been passionate about machinery and engines since his youth. Combining his construction and farming gear knowledge, he ended up building a 2004 Duramax diesel engine for his truck successfully. When his friends found out, they forgot about other shops and all their truck-fixing needs were brought to George. A mere hobby quickly turned into a performance shop specializing in diesel engines like Duramax, Cummins & Ford, as well as transmissions and basic maintenance work. Some people even refer to him as the Duramax Whisperer because of his talent. It was always George’s dream to start his own company & pursue his passion. The business is owned by him and his wife, Trichelle Loewen. They kicked-off the business a month after getting married in 2012. Since then, together they have maintained the mission of A-Star Diesel Performance to highly prioritize the customer-centered approach and surpass expectations by delivering excellence consistently. Whether it’s just maintenance or a complete engine rebuild, the staff upholds transparency, the work done is always top notch and affordable at the same time. George and his staff strive to build long-term customer relationships based on trust, satisfaction and clarity.
TEXT BY KANWAR M. UMAR
TEXAS
PRIDE WEST TEXAS MAN STARTS CAR DEALERSHIP TO PREVENT LAYING OFF HIS EMPLOYEES WHEN HIS OIL BUSINESS BEGAN TO STRUGGLE DURING PANDEMIC
TEXT BY JACOB PETERS PHOTOS BY CHRIS MAWSON
ABILENE, TX - They say ‘life is not a bed of roses’ and rightly so. It’s a rocky road and full of challenges. Life never spares anyone, it doesn’t matter if you’re born privileged with a silver spoon in your mouth. Everybody has to struggle in one way or another. This is an inspiring story from Jeremy Presley, who was originally from Roby, Texas, but now lives in Clyde, Texas. He is an example of struggle and faith for us. While we all believe that a college degree is the way to success, Jeremy’s story tells us that this isn’t entirely true. Success can only be achieved through struggle and hard work. The determination to keep fighting for your dreams and never give up, even when you probably should. That is something you just can’t teach. Jeremy decided to leave highschool when he was in the 9th grade. So he does not have a highschool diploma, still, a successful businessman. He is a self-made businessman, and what makes him a successful person is that he does not want to work for anyone, and it was his passion that he is the sole owner of 6 companies today.
“
He started his career with an oil company called Presley Production Investments and now has a very diverse portfolio with business investments here in Texas to North America. But in 2019, when the big pandemic hit the whole world, every company was affected and so was his own. His truck business declined by 85%, which is a considerable loss. Although he was worried, he remained strong and did not give up. Besides, he does not want to lay off his employees, so he finds another way out and becomes a car dealer. What brought him into this automotive industry was his love for cars. From the beginning, he was interested in “fast and sexy cars” as he stated in our recent interview. So in May 2020, he started his automotive business with a car dealership called Presley Sales and prevented the dismissal of his employees. Not only that, he was able to take his company to the next level in its first three months of business. In the early months, he sold over 150 cars and hired three more employees.
Although he was worried, he remained strong and did not give up. Besides, he does not want to lay off his employees, so he finds another way out and becomes a car dealer. ” ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2020 33
Like we all know “behind every successful man, there is a woman”. And he has two women in his life: his mom and his wife; they stood beside him all the time. This is one of the reasons he became successful in a short span of time which is more than impossible to any one, but he did it. Moreover, his 5 innocent children, his employees, and their families who depend on him, keeps him motivated all the time, and that is why he never gave up. He believes in “You can do whatever you want in this world as long as you have the drive.” He is in love with his business and explains that Presley Sales stand out because “We care and stand behind our vehicles”. Jeremy is in love with his two sports cars. His 2010 Camaro SS and 1979 Trans Am are fun to drive and eye-catchers. Even though the cars are from entirely different eras, they’re both amazing in their own right. Speaking of his Camaro, it has heaps of aftermarket modifications done to it. An LS3 engine with AMD performance headers, ported throttle body
“
and stage 2 cams; rings and forged pistons from Manley; American Racing headers with a MagnaFlow muffler; a Magnuson TVS 2300 supercharger and an AMD intercooler for some serious power gains. 650 horsepower to be exact, which is a hefty increase from the stock numbers. And it all pays off because he is now a 10 second car at the drag strip. The car also has a set of Axis Zero 20 inch wheels wrapped in some beefy Continentals and a ton of stopping power with 6-piston calipers in the front and 4-piston at the rear, that too by AMD. With all these goodies and more, the car feels like a whole new breed of raw instantaneous power! All in all, Jeremy’s passion to succeed and his family support made him a successful entrepreneur. He believes that, “There is a way when there is a will. People will pull your legs away by saying you can’t do it. But I have proved them wrong by achieving what I wanted to achieve.” So the moral of the story is to believe in yourself and not listen to anyone until you have reached your goals. He is the perfect example of when you believe in yourself anything is possible.
Jeremy is in love with his two sports cars. His 2010 Camaro SS and 1979 Trans Am are fun to drive and eye-catchers.”
34 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
“
There is a way when there is a will. People will pull your legs away by saying you can’t do it. But I have proved them wrong by achieving what I wanted to achieve.” ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2020 35
AUTO GLASS ABILENE: 410 N. LEGGETT ABILENE, TX 79603 (OFFICE) 325-232-8453
COLEMAN: 105 BRUSH COLEMAN, TX 76834 (CELL) 325-200-9734
AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENT & MORE We at Auto Glass understand the frustration you can have with a chipped or broken glass. That's why here at Auto Glass we offer an in shop or mobile service. That's right we will come to you!
Windshield
Replacement
Mobile Service
R&I
18 Wheelers
Heavy Equipment
Cars
Trucks
Flat Glass
Rock Chips
Happy Rayz Tint 410 N. LEGGETT DR, ABILENE, TX 79603
Phone: (325) 660-7190
CHOOSE ABILENE’S TRUSTED WINDOW TINTING SPECIALISTS
Ronnie Smith Transmission is the leading provider for rebuilt, or re-manufactured transmissions in the Big Country Area!! We specialize in a variety of transmission fields, such as, domestic foreign and European transmissions. Our technicians have over 120 years of combined mechanical experience. This profession is not based on who you know its what you know and how to fix the problem. Our customers depend on us to get them out at a timely process. That is what we try to excel on when we work on your vehicle.
PROUDLY SERVING YOU FROM TWO LOCATIONS
ABILENE BUSINESS HOURS: MON - FRI 8AM -5PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY - CLOSED PHONE: (325) 673-6601 ADDRESS: 4101 BOB-O-LINK DRIVE ABILENE, TEXAS 79606
BIG SPRING BUSINESS HOURS: MON - FRI 8AM -5PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY - CLOSED PHONE: (432) 267-3955 ADDRESS: 2900 FM 700 BIG SPRING, TEXAS 79720
FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS TEXT BY KANWAR M. UMAR | PHOTOS BY JOSHUA HAYNES
IN THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS THE VILLALOBOS BROTHERS ACHIEVE THE AMERICAN DREAM ABILENE, TX - With 30 years of experience in the custom automotive industry, and after considering San Angelo, Lubbock, San Antonio and Abilene, Efren found out that Abilene ticked all the boxes. In 2015 he took the leap of faith and inaugurated the shop. It was due to the fact that Abilene has business friendly policies and lots of friendly people who are packed with appreciation and support. And all that, would not have been possible without the support of his wife, entire family and most of all the blessings of God almighty.
right here in Abilene, Texas. Whether it’s Efren’s daughter Alejandra, Mark, Cesar or Jennifer, every single member of this team is considered vital for the entire operation to function smoothly. Everyone is ready to provide support whenever it’s required. They all interchange ideas to improve products and services, with the support of all their bigger providers in the industry of leather hides, exotic leather, complete pre-manufactured leather seat interiors and sunroofs.
Classic Auto Restyling is a true family owned business at heart, with five shops. Each independently owned and operated. His brother, Raul’s shop in Palm Springs, California; Arturo’s shop in Midland, Texas; Rene’s shop in San Antonio, Texas; and coming soon in Arlington, run by Adrian. And lastly Efren’s shop situated
Classic Auto Restyling proudly serves all the new car dealerships of Abilene and the Big Country for their new leather interior installations, seat heaters, auto cooling and heat systems, DVD entertainment systems, all leather repair, general auto upholstery and misc. services.
For cars that run great & look amazing from the outside, but with interiors that have seen better days, Classic Auto Restyling go all-out to deliver the best possible services and completely revive the interiors. Services provided by Classic Auto Restyling include, repairing damages and installing new custom upholstery for all sorts of leather sections such as door panels, dashes, seats, headliners and convertible tops. The business specializes in sunroof installations as well. Various accessories like seat warmers, dye and custom embroidery are also available under the same roof. If you or someone you know, owns a car that needs some attention, you can make an inquiry or pay Classic Auto Restyling a visit. Even the vintage cars can be revived back to factory spec, or be customized with mods that turn heads wherever you go. Doesn’t matter what type of vehicle you own, Classic Auto Restyling has got you covered. Your ride’s interior be will lookin brand spankin’ new after leaving this shop. Perfection is achieved by paying immense attention to detail, utilizing a highly experienced staff and products from top tier manufacturers like Katzkin Leather Interior Inc., Alea leather, Webasto Comfort, Hollandia and more. Through hard work and determination, the Villalobos brothers have achieved success in the United States of America. They had one goal and that was to take care of their family. They achieved it by mastering a skill and now they are respected business owners in both Texas and California. Efren and his brothers have proven that everything is possible if you work your way through hard work, discipline, responsibility, honesty and integrity, and never give up on your dreams. The Villalobos brothers have truly achieved the “American Dream”.
ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2020 39
!"#$%&%'()$($#*%+
! " # $ % & # ' $ & (! ) * $ + , - & " . % - $ * & ' , / & 0 1 + & # . & / ' 2 # * . 3 )& '$&*$-,*$*&#.&",)*&!&3!1&#.&'$4(&',/&-.++2),# 1 ! " # ! $ %& ! " #$% & ! ' ( ) ( * + ! ! ! ! , ! ! ! ! ' ( )!) * $ %& ! $ - * . + ! / #0 + % 1
The Covid-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on the global economy, and it has most affected small business owners. A vast number of small companies have been forced to shut down, and most of the owners of such companies have gone bankrupt and even gone into depression. Abe Walzer, the owner of Alpha Aesthetics, is also one of those owners who had been affected by this pandemic but responded in a determined way. 40 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
Born in Kerrville, Abe Walzer is one of the most influential people living in Abilene, TX. He has been in the fitness industry in the Big Country for the last decade. Walzer is a Certified Personal Trainer, and holds a number of certifications from kettlebells, group exercises to boot camp. He is also a specialist in body transformation. Abe finally opened his own gym business called “Alpha Aesthetics� at 3142 S 27th St, Abilene, Texas.
He was so excited to open his new facility to the public, but the gym was sadly closed soon after the grand opening because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The timing of the shutdown couldn’t have happened at a worse time. Such a situation can be very disheartening and depressing for anybody, but Abe Walzer didn’t give up and planned to come back even stronger than before. Abe was also enlisted in the US AIR FORCE in 1999 and was stationed at the Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene. Abe became a nurse in med/surgical and rehab fields, but his license expired in 2014. Amidst the covid-19 pandemic, he got his license reinstated as a nurse to provide help to the community. His willingness to serve his country and help his fellowmen has been igniting in his heart from a very young age. He is a devoted family man as well, who loves his wife Cheryl and always makes time for his four daughters and a grandson.
“
Amidst the covid-19 pandemic, he got his license reinstated as a nurse to provide help to the community.”
ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2020 41
Abe is also a truck enthusiast, and he gives his time and effort to this passion alive. He is the owner of a black 2011 Ford F150 4x4, which he bought from Star Dodge in Abilene. The truck is heavily customized, with a custom black grille. It also has 8 spoke gloss black custom concave wheels wrapped with beefy 35 inch Nitto Tires. He added to the already menacing look, a 6-inch lift kit, aftermarket headlights, and RAM air hood compliment the truck’s personality significantly. Giving back to the community is one of his top priorities, after being a family man of course, and that led him to join Big Country 100 Men Who Care, which is a group of business owners who help organize fundraisers and events that raise money and they donate it directly to the nonprofit associations who are in need. Abe was also part of a fundraising event called Dancing with the Abilene Stars as a Guest Dancer. This event
“
started a decade ago and has accumulated 3 million dollars in donations so far. Abe was determined to keep pushing during this pandemic hit times as he is a strong minded man. He stayed on his promise to come back better than before, and his gym is operational again with the proper rules and guidelines. Alpha Aesthetics is taking all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the facility members and staff. They are keeping the gym equipment sanitized, and signing in and out to ensure the capacity. Abe’s strong character, desire and determination to keep on pushing helped him overcome these challenging times. His willingness to help the community in everything he does makes him extra motivated. A man like Abe is an excellent example of overcoming any difficulty and pandemic if you are determined and strong willed.
He added to the already menacing look, a 6-inch lift kit, aftermarket headlights, and RAM air hood compliment the truck’s personality significantly.”
“
He stayed on his promise to come back better than before, and his gym is operational again with the proper rules and guidelines.”
ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2020 43
CARS CANDY AND
1ST ANNUAL CARS AND CANDY TRUCK OR TREAT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS
TEXT BY KANWAR M. UMAR
ABILENE, TX - The year 2020 is about to pass, and it has been a tough one on a global scale to say the least. A huge number of people have had health issues, some have faced downfalls in their businesses, and many have even lost their loved ones. As an entity with a platform that is accessible by thousands, we took it upon ourselves to do everything in our power to be a source of positivity and happiness. Thanks to our partner Tom’s Tire Pros, we were able to do just that. Usually as October starts, the preparations and festivities for Halloween also kick off, though it was different this time around as people feel safer in a less crowded environment since the pandemic. But with the reduced number of cases and eased situation, the community was ready for an event that could revive their spirits. Tom’s Tire Pros joined hands with us to whip up an event called ‘1st Annual Cars & Candy, Trunk or Treat’. This was the first of its kind and we plan to have it every year. It was a huge success and definitely something you’d want to be a part of. With a wonderful meet up for the grownups, and entertainment along with treats for the kiddos who showed up dressed in all sorts of costumes from superheroes to ninjas, fairies to cute monsters, and everything in between. The children were really excited thanks to the generous crowd who came prepared with loads of candy to hand out. Yearlong exclusive deals & discounts were also arranged for the participants who brought their fine-looking rides to be part of the show. All this became possible due to Tom’s passion to give back to the community and do his best to spread positivity. He was generous enough to clear out his busy schedule just to be with us on this day, he even permitted us to hold the proceedings at Tom’s Tire Pros. If you tuned in to the local TV station KTXS later that night, you must have seen him chatting with them in an interview. We can surely tell how the public, especially the car community, was eager to be part of something like this because the participation was astounding and the showcased vehicles were even better. A mix and match of many different categories ranging between SUVs, trucks, American muscle, old classics all the way to JDMs were among the partakers. Keep your eyes peeled for more similar occasions because gatherings like these are a vital part of strengthening a community’s foundations. People meet each other, talk, listen, and most of all, learn to appreciate achievements regardless of the domain. We were overwhelmed by the response and this has motivated us to hold ‘Cars and Candy, Trunk or Treat’ every year. And with the help of our amazing partners, we will be able to do it at a whole new level!
BEST COMPANY
VEHICLES
TEXT BY K ANWAR M. UMAR PHOTOS BY CHRIS MAWSON
VETERANS GARAGE DOOR & KIRK BROWN
ABILENE, TX - Steven Kirk Brown, more commonly known as Kirk Brown, was born in 1963, right here in Abilene and he has stayed true to his roots by spending his entire life here as well. Got his elementary, junior and high school education right here too, like the spot-on local that he is. Kirk is definitely big on family, friends and loves his children from the bottom of his heart. He speaks highly of both his son Kody Brown and daughter Hailey Linn. He absolutely adores his grandkids, Kamron Brown, Azar Brown & Harper Brown, who have changed his ideas about family to a great extent. Another really important person in his life who inspires him greatly is his partner, Misty Atkinson, who has been with him for about 5 years now. As far as guidance about life and business is concerned, his uncle took care of that when he spent about 8 months with him learning everything there is for a business like Veterans Garage Door Co. This happened when Kirk quit his regular job at Taylor Electric and came to his uncle looking for a direction. During that time he went out with his uncle on installs, went out with the guys on estimates, learned how to do the books and made sure he was prepared.
48 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
Kirk’s uncle started Veterans Garage Door Co about 25 years ago. The business was supposed to be handed over to his son, but as result of a huge tragedy, his son passed away from having a heart attack. His uncle knew what a responsible and skilled person he was, so he asked Kirk to leave his normal job and join him and take over as he learns how things work. It has now been 20 years since he began running things, and he admits that he has learned after making numerous mistakes due to the fact that he had no prior experience to run a business. But since he worked previously as a supervisor, it was somewhat similar, this kept him motivated to face new challenges every day. His uncle chose the business name Veterans Garage Door because he was a retired airman and Kirk kept the same name strong because of the immense respect he had in his heart for the sacrifices made by the Veterans.
“
Kirk is definitely big on family, friends and loves his children from the bottom of his heart.�
They offer the highest quality products from brands like CHI, Raynor, Clopay & Martin, including gate operators, custom gates and automatic openers for both commercial & residential applications. The best attribute of Kirk’s awesome team is that they’re always up for challenges and won’t turn down any job. Other than the top quality products, the service after installations is unmatched. He and his team treat their clients just the way they would like to be treated when dealing with a vendor. Due to this standard that they have successfully maintained over the years, their business is one of the most respectable businesses in the area. Back when he was given ownership of the business by his uncle, it was totally daunting for him at first, but with the help of his talented crew, he has managed to work stuff out just fine. Being an essential business in a pandemic, the only hiccup that they faced was the shortage of supplies due to plants getting shut down. But even in this situation they did not lose any clientele because of a strong & trustful character in the industry. And no matter the situation, Kirk and his crew managed to stay positive by sticking together and supporting each other.
“
Veterans Garage Door offers the highest quality products from brands like CHI, Raynor, Clopay & Martin, including gate operators, custom gates and automatic openers for both commercial & residential applications.”
We believe Kirk owns one of the Best Company Vehicles in the Big Country Area. A 2006 Hummer H2 wrapped in an obnoxiously good theme. Originally, it was a mainstream champagne color, but now it houses the logos for the business as well as the brand names of equipment used at Veterans Garage Door including CHI, Clopay, Martin & Raynor. These graphics really stand out with the eagle and an attractive color scheme. Accompanying the black wrap, the H2 has a set of beefy 40 inch tires and black, powder coated wheels. This combination gives a menacing look to the SUV. The customizations don’t stop at the exterior. Inside the cabin, you will find custom embroidery and genuine ostrich leather giving it a unique and bespoke finish. Kirk is also interested in motorcycles, Harley Davidsons in particular and that’s where he got the inspiration for Veterans Garage Doors logo from.
“
After enjoying a custom chopper for some time, he currently owns a 2006 Super Glide that he bought new back in 06. The bike has been used the way it’s meant to be used and Kirk has managed to put more than 27 thousand miles on the clock himself. Growing up surrounded by all sorts of mini bikes, dirt bikes and everything in between, he feels right at home with the bike life. His hobbies are not limited to just motors. Pheasant, dear and dove hunting has also kept him occupied many a time. All those who know Kirk personally or even as a vendor, they will agree that he is a genuine guy living a happy, cheerful life with all of his priorities set straight. He is honest and works very hard for his family and business, a man that takes pride in always doing things the right way.
Originally it was a mainstream champagne color, but now it houses the logos for the business as well as the brand names of equipment used at Veterans Garage Doors including CHI, Clopay, Martin & Raynor.”
50 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
“
We believe Kirk owns one of the Best Company Vehicles in the Big Country Area. A 2006 Hummer H2 wrapped in an obnoxiously good theme.”
ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2020 51
Big Country Diesel Performance is going to
SAVE YOU MONEY!!! We have full time "Diesel Mechanics" so we can have quick repair turnaround times and get you on your way.
Family owned & operated with a friendly atmosphere, loyalty, best prices & 100% guaranteed satisfaction to all of our customers!
Give us a call & see for yourself ! We are BBB accredited & have great reviews from our customers.
We will show you the best quality service around. Address: 540 S Treadaway Blvd, Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: (325) 672-4555
BIG COUNTRY BIKE LIFE A.J. CENIGLIS TEXT BY JACOB PETERS PHOTOS BY CHRIS MAWSON
ABILENE, TX - When it comes to the motorcycle scene, Harley Davidson is one of those brands who has a rock solid fan-base that is only growing in number. Different styles like cruisers, touring, street and trikes combined with a wide range of third party modification parts, countless clubs, groups and teams, it almost feels like Harley Davidson has its own cult. In a good way of course. We recently found ourselves in the presence of someone who enjoys the raw an unfiltered experience that bikes provide, especially when it comes to Harley Davidsons. 54 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
A. J. Ceniglis, son of Tom Ceniglis Jr. from Tom’s Tire Pros has been living in Abilene permanently for about 7 years now and he absolutely loves the calm and laid back vibes of Abilene. A great place for raising a family in a safe and relaxed environment is how he describes Abilene, and we would definitely agree with that. He is the husband of a truly supportive wife, Emily Ceniglis. They have two wonderful children together. His son, Thomas is 4 years old and their precious daughter Olivia, is just a year and a half old. Ever since he became a dad, family has been his top priority and it’s obvious that he got this from his dad and granddad.
He now realizes that the time spent with them at the shops from a very young age of just 11 was totally worth it because of the life lessons that he got to learn. In any case, being surrounded by family in a workplace has always been an entirely different experience when compared to his normal job that he had at another tire store in Lubbock when he was going to college. A family owned business often has some unique challenges, because when it’s family, you don’t think twice before pointing out mistakes. But surely at the end, the bond of blood is always strong enough to put differences aside and everything works out just fine. He considers himself to be really fortunate to have picked up a great deal from his father about always trying to help others out wherever you can. Both he and his father have always maintained a similar mindset that simply tells them to take care of other because they will take care of you. And he has experienced this numerous times. Another attribute that he thinks he has inherited from his old man is his work ethic. He is strict when it’s time for work and at the same time, a fun and jolly guy to hang out with.
To his surprise, he found out that bikes were really fun and easy to work on, and the rides are way more enjoyable than car rides.”
“
Initially he was fond of sports cars, he even had a twin turbo GTO back when he was in college. But after a couple years he started to lean a bit more towards the motorcycle scene just to experience something new. To his surprise, he found out that bikes were really fun and easy to work on, and the rides are way more enjoyable than car rides. You could feel the air & scenery more, the vibrations from the tarmac, it was something totally amusing for him. Though he was somewhat accustomed to this experience with a number of motorcycles that he has owned over the years. He has had a variety of bikes including a 2007 Suzuki GSXR 600, a 2011 Dyna Street Bob, a custom 2011 Road Glide, a KTM 450 dirt bike, a 1996 FXD Super Glide, and his most favorite one of all his bikes, the Softail Heritage. A dashing 2011 model with a personality of its own. The heritage is basically a touring bike of the Softail family. Usually Softails are considered to be not as bulky and robust feeling as the actual touring line, but if you put the clichés on hold for a second and take it for a spin, you’d definitely understand that the ride is amazing even if you’re 6 feet tall. The only real difference is a lighter chassis and smaller 103 cubic inch motor. The upside of a compact design is that the ride feels surprisingly nimble and raw, an experience that every true driver enjoys.
“
He has had a variety of bikes including a 2007 Suzuki GSXR 600, a 2011 Dyna Street Bob, a custom 2011 Road Glide, a KTM 450 dirt bike, a 1996 FXD Super Glide, and his most favorite one of all his bikes, the Softail Heritage. A dashing 2011 model with a personality of its own.” 56 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
“
He urges all his fellow riders to always wear helmets and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles at high speeds, and never go for a big motorcycle unless you’ve ridden a number of similar ones.” 58 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
Even though the stock engine churns out power figures that are more than enough for both highways and city roads, this particular motorcycle has been tastefully treated with a few modifications and is by no means an average looking stock Softail. These additions were enough to step up the performance as well as the overall aesthetics. An enthusiast will easily be able to spot these updates as they are far from OEM. The most prominent upgrade is for the exhaust system with a Vance & Hines Big Radius 2-Into-2, also known as the Street Sweeper Exhaust. It really enhances the visuals and the performance of the bike. A Vance & Hines Fuelpak was also installed to take advantage of the exhaust system. It gives access to several different maps straight from Vance & Hines that he can run according to his performance needs. Deleted stock leather bags and windshield, a set of 16 inch ape hangers, a Willie G air intake and low mounted rear view mirrors are also added to the mix for an even cooler overall presence that helps this one stand out in any crowd.
Even after having such an extensive history with motorcycles, he still considers this to be a dangerous hobby, but this is only due to some of his painful memories. No matter how skilled you are, you can never predict the actions of others. He urges all his fellow riders to always wear helmets and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles at high speeds, and never go for a big motorcycle unless you’ve ridden a number of similar ones. Start small and transition gradually. He’s even okay with his son having a bike someday. That is, when he has a license and knows how to ride one of course.
ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2020 59
CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY SERVICE FOR ABILENE, TX Has the leather auto interior of your 1989 convertible seen better days? Have you always wanted to sport a sunroof on your vehicle? If your classic car that still has plenty more miles on it could use custom upholstery for an improved look, or your truck would be complete with a sunroof, we’ve got you covered. Classic Auto Restyling of Abilene,TX can take care of your auto improvement and upholstery repair needs, no matter what they may be.
WE ARE YOUR LEATHER REPAIR EXPERTS If you’re looking for ways to improve your ride, let our professionals give you their recommendations. We can makeover any interior on any vehicle, whether it’s a two-door Chevy Cobalt, a full-size pickup truck, or a classic convertible. We’ll make your ride look brand-new
SUNROOF INSTALLATION & REPAIR
from the inside!
If you enjoy the warm summer breeze blowing through your hair on a beautiful, sunny day, the team at Classic Auto Restyling of Abilene has you covered. We can help you keep the A/C off and your new sunroof open while you’re cruising on the open road. Our professionals can install sunroofs and repair them, too.
For auto leather repair service and more, call us today to schedule. We proudly have locations all over, including Abilene, TX; Midland, TX; Pantego, TX; San Antonio, TX; and Palm Springs, CA.
BEFORE
AFTER
Address: 151 S Pioneer Dr, Abilene, TX 79605
BUSINESS HOURS : Mon to Fri : 8AM–5PM
Phone: (325) 793-2277
BIG COUNTRY HARDWARE
ABOUT US Big Country Hardware offers a brand new 6,000 square foot hardware heaven in Clyde, Texas. We have everything from bird seed to fertilizer and insect control to yard tools in our lawn and garden department. We carry automotive and RV supplies, pool care supplies, and lawn mower parts. We have large plumbing and electrical departments with a full line of lights and lighting accessories. You'll also find paint, power tools, and household items here at Big Country Hardware.
Big Country Hardware offers the following services: Welding supplies and gas sales and exchange
Window screen repair
Glass and plexiglass cutting
Propane
HOURS:Address: 1801 Butternut Abilene TX 79602 MONDAY TO FRIDAY 7AM–6PM ADDRESS: 623 Oak St, Clyde, TX 79510 SATURDAY 8AM–5PM PHONE: (325) 893-5501 SUNDAY CLOSED
TEXT BY KANWAR M. UMAR PHOTOS BY CHRIS MAWSON
HARD WORK PAYS O F F WEST TEXAS MAN TURNS HIS DREAMS INTO REALITY ABILENE, TX - Dedication is undoubtedly a key component for success. Without a strong will to work hard, and giving it all you got towards a venture, you can forget about establishing a stable and beneficial settlement. Originally from Merkel, but practically spending his whole life in Abilene, Texas. David Segura, a young business owner, is the perfect example to justify these quotes! He has worked night and day to fulfil his dream, to start his own business. He did succeed, though the journey was by no means a piece of cake. David shared with us that he has always been fascinated by vehicles and he wanted to get into custom work on vehicles somehow. Without having any contacts in the vehicle industry at his disposal, it seemed fitting to enroll himself in a reputable college ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2020 63
that offers similar programs. He made it happen and ended up in the Sweetwater campus of Texas State Technical College. Throughout his stretch, he enjoyed the painting side of the repair more often than normal, this kicked off and now his business rotates mostly around this very section of the whole custom work process. Speaking of his business, it all started during a conversation that he was having with his friend, where they started discussing how they could run their own shop. Fast travel a few years later, in 2016, Big Country Collision was born. He found a building that was a great match for what they had in mind. It was formerly occupied by the Payless Body Shop for a long span of 43 years, before David got his hands on it and renamed it to Big Country Collision.
64 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
The name chosen was well suited, as their specialty is all sorts of major and minor collision work along with automotive glass repair and headlight restoration. It is their top priority to focus more on quality instead of quantity, which is the reason why outcomes are always top notch. Equipment and products ensure quality repairs for all of their customers. This has led them to gain loyalty from their customers. And as a return, not only did they receive loyalty, they experienced massive support when the clients brought anyone in their circle who needed such services, through referrals. This was a huge relief during the pandemic both financially and emotionally. This type of feedback proved to be an essential piece that got David and his business through the stressful worrying times of COVID-19.
“
It is their top priority to focus more on quality instead of quantity, which is the reason why outcomes are always top notch. Equipment and products ensure quality repairs for all of their customers. This has led them to gain loyalty from their customers�
We can all agree trucks are cool, especially if they have customizations done all over. David is all about truck life and currently owns three beasts from Ford. A 72’ F-100, a 95’ F-150 and the latest addition to his collection, a dashing 2017 F-250 Super Duty that he got in December 2017. He has a special place in his heart for the way Ford trucks are built and how they look, especially the Super Dutys. He has done some great looking mods to the F-250 including a custom hood from Cervini, a solid custom front bumper that’s built like a tank, an aftermarket lift kit and a cool wheeltire combo with some chunky General Grabber X3’s and Gear Offroad 747MB Sled wheels. He even added a cool looking stripe on the side, which, believe it or not, adds to the overall look despite being a small touch. Motivation matters so much in the pursuit of achieving our goals and sticking to them for the long run. He has had his family’s support with him for as long as he can remember. He told us how his family embraces the business by wearing all of his merchandise including shirts, caps and jackets. He is very grateful for these kind gestures from all of his family members for promoting the business. Every entrepreneur can relate to the fact that a startup initially leaves you with empty pockets, but all those tough times spent with thorough focus and determination do pay off if you check all the right boxes at the right time. After going through all the phases of a self-backed business, David is now quite stable, and it makes even the hardest moments pass in the blink of an eye when he realizes that the business is able to support his family, and the families of all his employees. Because at the end of the day, these are the reasons that keep the hustle going!
66 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
“
David is all about truck life and currently owns three beasts from Ford. A 72’ F-100, a 95’ F-150 and the latest addition to his collection, a dashing 2017 F-250 Super Duty that he got in December 2017.” ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2020 67
ABILENE, TX - We came across an average looking young man dressed in a UPS uniform at an Allsup’s gas station in Abilene, Texas. He caught our attention because he stood next to a GMC Jimmy that looked impeccable. Josh Smith, a resident of Abilene, Texas, a hard worker, a father (assuming by the toddler booster seat spotted in his truck), making ends meet to provide for his family. Josh is big on trucks. His love for trucks was initiated a long time ago when his father handed him one, this was Josh’s first truck, and after that, the enthusiasm and passion grew like any passion does with time. Over the years, he has pursued this passion of his, with pride. He had all his priorities set straight, whether it was his love for trucks, his job, or taking care of his son. And at the end of the day, this is what life is all about. Speaking of the GMC Jimmy, it was initially released in the year 1970 as a competitor to the Jeep, both being shortwheelbase vehicles. Until 1975, it had full convertible removable tops, but since 1976, GMC opted for a half-cab design for safety reasons, this design made it a unique model. Josh’s truck in specific, is a 1988 Jimmy that he purchased from RT Truck Sales in Coleman, Texas. To enhance the truck’s aesthetics, he gave it a clean white paint job,
“
spotless front and rear chrome bumpers, a subtle light bar mounted right on top of the front bumper, raised suspension, huge Mazzini Mud Contender tires wrapped around a set of heavy duty 8 spoke wheels with a silver disc and an almost matte black outer deep lip, giving it an aggressive stance. Josh’s favorite part is of course the removable top which he enjoys the most by “Driving down the road with the top off”. People always have great comments about his truck and find it pretty cool, so do we. But most of the time he ends up telling them that it’s still a work in progress, like most car projects are throughout their lifespan. He is also the owner of a 2018 Nissan Titan that he bought from McGavock Nissan Abilene. The best thing about Abilene for Josh is that it’s his hometown, he was born and raised there. His parents also live there and so does his son. The way he prioritizes his family clearly shows that he is a devoted family member who strives to love and look after his own. He has been working in UPS for about 15 years now, and working at the same firm for such a long time tells us that he is a dedicated and hardworking man, a good father, and regardless of all these responsibilities and daily chores, he continues to pursue his passion for having cool trucks. Anyone can take motivation from Josh and maintain an equilibrium in their lives between responsibilities and hobbies at all times. We appreciate Josh a lot for giving us his time, and for sharing his story with us.
He caught our attention because he stood next to a GMC Jimmy that looked impeccable.”
70 WINTER 2020 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE
“
The best thing about Abilene for Josh is that it’s his hometown, he was born and raised there.”
ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2020 71
LET US FIX YOUR BODY...AUTO BODY!
COME SEE US FOR ALL OF YOUR INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR AUTO DETAILING/ PAINT & BODY NEEDS!
SCHEDULE YOUR DANDY DETAIL ADDRESS: 1939 S. TREADAWAY
PHONE: 325-400-2744
INSURANCE CLAIMS WELCOME | FULL DETAIL SERVICES | PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR | PAINT & BODY WORK CERAMIC COATINGS | MILITARY & FIRST RESPONDER DISCOUNTS | BOATS & RVS WELCOME | PAINT CORRECTIONS
Carquest Parts Automotive Repair Truck Fleet Bus Repair Address: 518 Kent Street, Merkel, TX 79536 Phone: (325) 928-5166
Automotive, Truck, Fleet, and Performance Car Repairs
Simply The Best “Home of Team Green Racing”
Address: 402 S 11th St, Abilene, TX 79602 Phone: (325)675-6776
THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING In the midst of a global pandemic, I decided to take a leap of faith and follow my dreams. That dream was to start a community based automotive publication called Abilene Motors Magazine. Though, it was a scary and difficult decision. I knew it had to be done and I could not wait any longer. So, I quit my job on August 10th, 2020. The next day, I went door to door and business to business throughout the Big Country area. During this time, I found out so much about myself and met so many amazing people, who I never knew existed before I decided to take this journey. It wasn’t easy at times, in my mind there was constant doubt that lingered. I would think, “What makes you think you could create one of the first community based automotive magazines?” To my knowledge at the time, it was one of the first of its kind. So, there was no blueprint. Not only that, most businesses were facing so much uncertainty due to the pandemic. On the other hand, at the age of 35, having 3 beautiful daughters that I love dearly. I want them to follow their dreams when they grow up. I wanted to show them anything is possible if you work hard and go after your dreams with everything you have. So, I did it, I took the leap! Like my favorite motivational speakers Les Brown says. I did not ever anticipate what would happen next! I would meet so many amazing people throughout the Big Country area. Many times, they would encourage me to keep going at times when I felt discouraged. Even though their businesses faced so much uncertainty due to the pandemic having on the economy, they still supported my new business, and a small business owner who they never met until that given day. Sometimes I wouldn’t even make the “sale” but I would have great conversations, many were faith driven. These conversations would sometimes last for hours. One business owner in particular prayed for me and my business. It was exactly what I needed at the time because I was having a horrible day. Those conversations would lift my spirits, give me hope to keep going and I did. To my Advertising Partners, I would like to say thank you for believing in our vision and without your support Abilene Motors Magazine would not be possible. Thousands of free copies will be distributed throughout the Big Country area because of you! Thank you for sharing your amazing stories, testimonies, life journey with me. To John Lenamon of Outlaw Automotive, thank
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
you for sharing your testimony with me. It was very difficult for you at times, but you were so kind everytime we met for our interview and photoshoots. You even helped fix a car issue I had on the same day it happened. I hope you love the article and content we created for your wonderful family. Special Thank You to Tom’s Tire Pros’ Tom Ceniglis Jr., wife Angie Ceniglis, and the entire Tom’s Tire Pros’ family. They have all been so supportive from the beginning. When I first met Tom, he immediately saw the vision and we connected like magnets. His business has seen so much success for over 4 decades now but yet he is so humble, respectful, attentive and calm. All the characteristics I strive to possess as a faith driven man and business owner. I also would like to thank my lead writer Kanwar M. Umar. Though we met a little over a year ago and he lives 1,000 miles away. We talk like we have known each other for years. His automotive knowledge is out of this world. One of my biggest supporters. Special thank you to the young and talented photographer, Chrisopher Mawson. He took my concept to a whole other level with his amazing eye for photography and intellect. Our lead graphic designer Alexander Kuyanov, is on a whole other level. Even though he resides in Russia, his work ethic and professionalism makes me feel like he lives next door. One thing I can say about all of these guys is that they are extremely hard working and talented. Thank you for all that you do, WE DID IT!! I would like to dedicate this issue to my mother, Beverly Shelton. I know you watch over me and my brothers every single day. I was only 3 years old when she passed away but everyone one always tells me you were a strong christian woman. Who always prayed for me and my brothers. They say you would say we would be great men of God. I hope me and my brothers Carroll Haynes, Stephen Haynes, and Daniel Haynes are making you proud, love you ♥ I truly believe God places people in your life for a reason. Through this journey I have met so many amazing people. As Abilene Motors Magazine continues to grow, I am excited to see what the future holds. Thank you for reading, we hope you enjoyed our 1st issue ever and God Bless.
ADVERTISING PARTNERS Tom’s Tire Pros Red Wing Shoes Presley Sales Alliance Auto Auction - Abilene Dandy Auto Detail New Health 365 Howard Radio Quality Carpet Cleaning Ronnie Smith Transmission Auto Glass Classic Auto Restyling Happy Rayz Tint Alpha Aesthetics Smith Outdoor Power Equipment Big Country Diesel Performance Team Chip Tae Kwon Do Centers Big Country Hardware - Clyde, TX Garbo’s Locksmith Service Big Country Collision Blue Twisted Steel Veterans Garage Door Outlaw Automotive A.J. Enterprises A-Star Diesel Performance A.J.’s Auto Parts & Repair Center
Promotional copies of Abilene Motors Magazine will be distributed throughout the Big Country Area. A limited number of FREE copies will be available at all Advertising Partners business locations. Abilene Motors Magazine is published quarterly by Abilene Motors Magazine, LLC., Advertising space is available. For more information email sales@abilenemotorsmagazine.com or call 325-232-5927 for rates and availability. Abilene Motors Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved, printed in the U.S.A. Abilene Motors Magazine P.O. Box 6984 Abilene, Texas 79608
Tom Ceniglis, Jr. PRESIDENT & CEO
PROUDLY SERVING THE BIG COUNTRY AREA AS YOUR AUTO REPAIR AND TIRE SERVICE PROVIDER FOR OVER 40 YEARS ! HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON AT ONE OF OUR TWO LOCATIONS: TOM’S TIRE PROS 1434 SOUTH CLACK ST. ABILENE, TX 79605
325-698-6800
TOM’S TIRE PROS 15 WEST CONCHO SAN ANGELO, TX 76903
325-655-9555
WWW.TOMSTIREPROS.COM