On Tuesday, August 14, 2018 Payne Weslaco Ford celebrated 25 years of business.
The history of Payne Auto Group is an illustrious one. The founder of the organization was E.J. Payne. He grew up in a Ford dealership in Southern Illinois learning all the tricks of the automotive sales industry. When the United States went to war in World War II, so did E.J. Payne, flying 104 missions in a P47 and eventually making it home safely. Of course, you can guess what he did next, he opened a car dealership called Ed Payne Motors in November of 1949, right here, in Weslaco. He may not have known it then, but what he really started was an organization that now spans 13 different franchises scattered all over the Southern tip of Texas. [X]
25 years ago Payne Weslaco Ford was Donalson Ford. Owned by the Donalson family for over 33 years, the patriarch of the family decided to sell the family business to Bud Payne in 1993. “[Donalson Ford] was the first small dealership in Texas to win the President’s Award!” Pete Donalson stated proudly. Pete Donalson is still loyal to Ford and has continued happily working here since his father sold the business to Bud Payne. “It’s a family company,” Donalson says.
Fast forward 25 years to August 14, 2018. The Payne Weslaco Ford showroom is glittering in blue, silver and confetti emblazoned with “25th anniversary” logos. Guests included everyone from the Weslaco Ambassadors to Miss Weslaco 2018.
At 6:30 a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to officially honor the event. Kurt Laur, of Ford Credit and Larry Goch, the Ford Division Regional Manager, expressed their deep appreciation for the hard work the Payne’s provided throughout the last 25 years. Goch states “It is an honor to be here today to present [this 25th Anniversary Plaque] on behalf of all the executives of Ford Motor Company. I don’t get to give many of these away!”
After the ceremony and speeches concluded, guests were directed to the food table. The event was catered by Motöramen. Patrons were treated to Korean barbecue such as brisket sandwiches, bratwurst hotdogs, and slow-cooked ribs. For dessert, blue and silver cupcakes to match Ford’s blue and silver color scheme.
The event marked a quarter of a century of Payne Weslaco Ford. Through years of serving the community, Payne Weslaco Ford welcomes the future.
“Here’s to the next 25 years… with these guys!” Bud laughed, pointing at Mark and Austin Payne.
Congratulations to the Payne’s and Payne Weslaco Ford!
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