Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Chris Hatzold, a Weslaco, Texas native, has dedicated 35 years to Bert Ogden Auto Group. His journey began at a young age, influenced by his father, Chuck Hatzold, a former service manager at the same dealership. Born 56 years ago and turning 57 in July, Hatzold has seen the automotive industry evolve and has grown alongside it.
Familial ties and a passion for automotive service marked Hatzold’s path to Bert Ogden. Initially working as a service writer elsewhere, his father’s influence and invitation led him to join Bert Ogden, where he started his career as a service advisor. His father, Chuck, who had served in the Air Force and was originally from Philadelphia, settled in the area, making it a natural transition for Hatzold to join him at the dealership.
Hatzold’s early years at Bert Ogden were shaped by working directly under his father’s guidance. After Chuck moved to another location, Hatzold continued to develop his skills under a new manager, who taught him the intricacies of navigating GM systems and handling warranties. This foundation set the stage for Hatzold’s long-term success within the company.
In 1996, a significant opportunity arose when Hatzold was appointed as the service manager for Mission Mazda, a new facility opened by Mr. Bob and Janet Vackar. Two years later, he was asked to return to Bert Ogden Buick GMC in Edinburg, where he has served as the service manager ever since.
Throughout his tenure, Hatzold has witnessed and contributed to the dealership’s reputation for excellence. Under the leadership of Bert Ogden Auto Group CEO Ms. Natasha del Barrio and with the support of managers like Billy Kelley and Jorge Gutierrez, the dealership has consistently outperformed competitors in larger cities such as San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas. Hatzold attributes this success to a strong sense of teamwork and a shared goal of being the best.
Hatzold’s passion for helping people is evident in his approach to customer service. He relishes the challenge of resolving vehicle issues and understanding the stress and inconvenience they cause for customers. His dedication to providing quick, efficient, and empathetic service has built a loyal customer base, with some clients returning for decades.
The automotive industry has changed dramatically, and Hatzold has embraced these advancements. He has continuously adapted and learned from traditional vehicles to the latest battery-powered models. His enthusiasm for new challenges and commitment to growth reflect the industry’s dynamic nature.
One of Hatzold’s proudest achievements is the team at the service facility. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork, likening it to the legs of a table—essential for stability and success. His leadership style fosters collaboration and mutual respect, ensuring every team member feels valued and integral to the operation.
Hatzold Hatzold’s journey with Bert Ogden Auto Group exemplifies his dedication, adaptability, and passion for helping others. As the dealership thrives, his contributions and leadership remain a cornerstone of its success.
Hatzold’s dedication to Bert Ogden Auto Group extends beyond his professional achievements, deeply intertwined with his personal life. Married for 29 years to Cindy, a retired principal from McAllen ISD, Hatzold has built a life and career rooted in the Valley. They live in McAllen, where they raised their son, a Texas A&M graduate and now a successful software salesman at Oracle. Hatzold speaks proudly of his family, reflecting his pride for his work and colleagues.
Memories of Mr. Bert Ogden: A Hands-On Leader
Hatzold fondly recalls his early interactions with Mr. Bert Ogden, highlighting the unique blend of hands-on involvement and polished professionalism that Mr. Ogden personified. Arriving at the dealership by 6:45 am, Mr. Ogden would return, working on heavy equipment and instructing his team. Despite the nature of his work, he always maintained an impeccable appearance—something Hatzold found remarkable. “He never had grease on his clothes,” Hatzold remembers. “Even when his hands were dirty, his tie and shirt remained spotless.”
This hands-on approach extended to customer interactions. Hatzold admired how Mr. Ogden always made time for clients, no matter how busy he was. “He would never turn his back on a customer,” Hatzold notes. This lesson in customer service left a lasting impression on Hatzold, guiding his approach to client relations throughout his career.
Hatzold also admires Mrs. Ogden, who radiates elegance and class. “She always looked beautiful,” he recalls, noting that she was the glow in the office where she worked with a group of ladies in accounting, working alongside the staff with grace and professionalism. Her presence and poise contributed to the welcoming atmosphere at the dealership, making a strong impression on both employees and customers.
Hatzold’s anecdotes also highlight Mr. Bob Vackar, whose business acumen and composed demeanor have been instrumental in the dealership’s growth. Hatzold marvels at Mr. Vackar’s ability to remain calm and collected, even when making significant business decisions involving millions of dollars. “I’ve never seen him sweat it,” Hatzold says. Whether expanding the dealership or taking over new ventures, Mr. Vackar’s confidence and strategic vision have been key to the company’s success.
The leadership at Bert Ogden Auto Group has not only focused on business growth but also on community involvement. Hatzold highlights the numerous projects and contributions made by Robert and Janet Vackar, such as their support for Easter Seals and the establishment of the Robert Vackar School of Business. These initiatives reflect the dealership’s commitment to giving back to the community and fostering local development.
Hatzold’s reflections on his 35 years with Bert Ogden Auto Group reveal a deep appreciation for the leadership and teamwork that have defined his career. He values the lessons learned from Mr. Ogden’s hands-on approach, Mrs. Ogden’s elegance, and Mr. Vackar’s business prowess. These experiences have shaped Hatzold’s leadership style and dedication to providing exceptional customer service.
Throughout his 35 years at Bert Ogden Auto Group, Hatzold has seen firsthand the importance of teamwork and strong leadership. This was highlighted during a recent event where Billy Kelley, the general manager, attributed the dealership’s success to the joint efforts of the entire team. Kelley emphasized that having the right inventory was crucial, a responsibility on Mr. Bob Vackar, who meticulously manages this task daily.
Hatzold explains that inventory management is a complex and critical component of the dealership’s operations. Mr. Vackar’s ability to balance the right mix of colors, features, and trim levels across over 20 franchises is remarkable. Hatzold pointed out that Mr. Vackar possesses an intuitive understanding of what will appeal to customers in the Valley, noting that black and white vehicles are particularly popular. At the same time, other colors, like yellow, are less likely to sell. This ability to predict market trends and customer preferences ensures that the dealership is well-stocked with vehicles that will move quickly, contributing to the business’s overall success.
Mr. Vackar’s savvy extends beyond inventory management to marketing. While he has a strong background in traditional advertising, such as newspapers, he recognizes the need to adapt to newer platforms as the industry evolves. This adaptability is crucial as the dealership continues to attract a diverse customer base, including younger generations who are more engaged with social media. Hatzold believes that despite the shift towards digital, a significant portion of the community still values traditional media, highlighting the need for a balanced approach.
Hatzold quickly acknowledges the foundation Mr. and Mrs. Ogden laid, crediting their vision and hard work for the dealership’s enduring success. He speaks with deep respect and gratitude for the opportunities they created, which have allowed him to provide for his family and see his son graduate from Texas A&M University. The Vackars’ leadership has built upon this foundation, driving the company to new heights and expanding its reach and influence.
Today, under the guidance of CEO Natasha del Barrio, Bert Ogden Auto Group continues to thrive. Hatzold highlights the significance of her leadership in selecting and supporting a strong team, including general managers like Billy Kelley. This approach keeps the dealership moving forward, striving to improve and excel.
Hatzold’s appreciation for the company and its leaders is evident as he reflects on his career. The support and opportunities provided by the Ogdens and Vackars have been instrumental in his professional and personal life. As he continues to be committed, Hatzold remains devoted to the values of service, teamwork, and excellence that have defined Bert Ogden Auto Group for decades.
As Hatzold looks ahead, he remains optimistic about the dealership’s future. As he says, the automotive industry is ever-changing, with new technologies and trends emerging regularly. Hatzold embraces these challenges, confident that with the right leadership and a dedicated team, Bert Ogden Auto Group will continue to set the standard for customer service and industry innovation.
Chris Hatzold’s 35-year journey with Bert Ogden Auto Group is a story of dedication, growth, and gratitude. It reflects the strong leadership and teamwork that have driven the dealership’s success and will continue to do so in the future.
Roberto Hugo González is the 2009 SBA Journalist of the Year Award winner and the recipient of the Paul Harris Award in both 2009 and 2012. He currently publishes Texas Border Business and Mega Doctor News. His past publications include McAllen City Magazine, Texas Border Digest, CBS Chronicle, Health Care Services Guide, Winter Texan Tour Guide, and MegaMetropolis.