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by Terry Reeves, Concierge, Entrepreneur of the Month: The Hamiltons
Each month, EntrePaducah and the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce are proud to honor a local business or organization with our Entrepreneur of the Month award. We present the award at the Power in Partnership breakfast.
February’s Entrepreneur of the Month is actually a family of entrepreneurs.
B.A. and Francis Hamilton founded B.A.’s Automotive on Blandville Road almost 41 years ago. Parallel to establishing B.A.’s shop, Francis became one of this area’s most well-known insurance agents. Together they raised their four children in this entrepreneurial environment…even opening a second location at 818 S. 3rd St. in Paducah in 1984.
Frances retired from her agency about five year ago — B.A. about 10 years ago. Of the four children, most of you know that their son Tony (left) now runs the family business, B.A.’s Automotive. B.A.’s currently has 12 full-time employees and offers complete automotive service. How wonderful it must be to go to work every day under a sign that bears your Dad’s name…a constant reminder of your father’s business legacy!
The legacy that Tony is quick to mention, however, is the legacy of how he and his brothers and sisters were raised.
“We were raised to work hard, be dedicated and have faith…which, to me, is what being an entrepreneur is all about,” Tony told me.
Asked if he thinks he’s set a good example in the community, Tony graciously says, “I’m not sure if we’ve been an example…but we’ve tried to live our lives as a positive example to others. We try to always do what’s right and reach out to those who need a hand.”
With five children of his own, Tony has learned firsthand about passing positive values down through the generations. That’s good for us to know. Hopefully, at least one of those five will continue the business legacy of their grandparents…right here in Paducah.
Congratulations to B.A., Francis and Tony Hamilton (and their entire family, photo by Fox Fotography) of B.A.’s Automotive…the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce and EntrePaducah Entrepreneur of the Month for February 2010.
About EntrePaducah
Got the entrepreneurial spirit? Now’s a great time to start a business in Paducah. And Terry Reeves, concierge of EntrePaducah, wants to hear your ideas.
Created almost two years ago by some of our area’s most forward-thinking folks from the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Paducah Economic Development Corporation, a group called the Think Tank and other key organizations, EntrePaducah is a free service dedicated to helping people create small and growing businesses in our area.
Now staffed by Terry, former corporate communications director of local success story Dippin’ Dots, EntrePaducah:
- devotes resources specifically to launching small businesses,
- identifies businesses that can eventually spawn additional businesses and
- serves the public by offering a single, identifiable location to get help.
That location: for now, the Commerce Center, 401 Kentucky Ave., where Terry Reeves and Technology Concierge Richard Davis maintain their office, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more info, contact Terry, 443.1746, x208.
