266 Express
Welcome to the 266 Express, your official podcast of Sanger, TX.
In every episode, we paint a picture of life in this beautiful North Texas town.
You will gain insight into everything from our rich history, community events, and the rapid growth and development of Sanger. Welcome to the 266 Express.
266 Express
Family Wheels Turning: Glen Polk’s Roots, Growth, and Giving Back in Sanger
You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX. IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to dgreen@sangertexas.org
Welcome to the 266 Express. I'm John Noblet here with my co-host Donna Green. Donna, who do we have with us today?
SPEAKER_03:We have Sean and Caden Polk from Glen Polk Chevrolet here in Sanger.
SPEAKER_01:Hey. How are you? Good, good. Hey. Glad you could be here today. Well, thank you for having us. Absolutely. Well, you know, we uh we were just talking before the podcast about the podcast, and not a lot of people know that we do a podcast, but we do, we do, and here we are today. And um the part of the purpose uh of the podcast, and we don't talk about this much, Donna, is we want people to be informed about the community, the friends, the neighbors, the businesses here that are available to us, because for a long time a lot of people thought Sanger was just a small dot on the map and there wasn't much going on. We're finding more and more that there are a lot of things going on. And one of the big things we have going on is Glenpolk Chevrolet and their big expansion. Can you tell us a story a little bit about how Glenn Polk came to Sanger and what inspired you to be a part of the community?
SPEAKER_00:Absolutely. So uh we're family-owned and operated, and we've been uh in Gainesville. We have the Ford Dodge store up there since 1995, and then um got a call from Mr. McNatt back in 2018, who owns the owned the uh Gainesville Chevy store and Sanger store and expressed interest in selling, and uh you know, we were interested in expanding at the time, so uh we were able to come together and uh do a buy-sell. And you you know, we we as I said, we've been part of Gainesville community, and coming into Sanger was definitely something new, but one of the most exciting parts of it is like you mentioned, you know, it's a growing community and everything's moving north. And um, I gotta say, everybody's been extremely welcoming, and it's been an honor and a privilege to jump into the community and uh you know support Sanger I SD and you know some of the many other organizations you'll have here.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, no, I mean I'm I'm an old Gainesville guy. Um so you know I've been familiar with the Polks and the Polk family for a long time, and I can't be more excited that you guys not only have are in Sanger, but are expanding and doing well because uh you guys have always been uh community-minded. So we're very, we're very happy to see you guys succeed.
SPEAKER_03:Yeah. Maybe uh by the end of this podcast, we'll get them to actually tell us who really sells more Ford trucks since they are involved in all of it. Is it the Ford, the Chevy, the Dodge, you know, no pressure, but so um being that you're family-owned, what is that like working with as a family in this business? I mean, I know what it's like to work in a place with people who become like family and you fight with them, so I can't imagine real blood how that could be.
SPEAKER_00:Uh believe it or not, you know, yeah, we have our arguments every now and then. But uh truly, I mean, we all have our the same vision, and you know, that's just sporting community, selling cars, taking care of our employees, and you know, everything else will come with it from there. Um my dad, Glenn, um, started the business. He recently retired this past year. We're super happy for him. Uh he's worked hard all his life, and that's all he's ever done. Um, and then Trent, my brother, and I are uh partners now, and so we split time day to day. Trent has a son, Connor, who runs the Chevy store here in Sanger. Um he's fixing to turn 30, a little bit younger. He's got energy, he's doing awesome. All he cares about is just putting car deals together, smiles on people's faces, and you know, moving along. Um and then Caden, my daughter, who's sitting here next to me, she's 21, and uh she's here at the Sanger store as well, um doing BDC, which is uh calling on service customers, ensuring that you know they're happy and uh you know, setting appointments and things of that nature, uh, all while she's attending college. You uh graduate when?
SPEAKER_02:Um December of twenty sixth. What do you say? Yeah um business. Business, specifically marketing. So it's pretty fun.
SPEAKER_03:Yeah, that's at my line.
SPEAKER_01:That is your line. Yeah, everybody's gotta have one.
SPEAKER_03:Yep. Yeah, that's a great one. Best thing ever. Right?
SPEAKER_02:Yes, he'll use it all the time. Yes. But unlike he said, he had a plan for it. I really didn't. Whenever I was in high school, I really didn't want to go into the dealership world. So I was kind of like, mm-hmm. I was a receptionist up at the um I was a receptionist at the singer store. And then as I moved to the Ford store, I was like, I really don't want to do this. I was in and out of fast food for a little while.
SPEAKER_00:So um then in college.
SPEAKER_02:I worked at a uh well, it wasn't like it was a kind of a branch off. It was a car wash at the dealership in Stephenville owned. So I worked over there for a little bit and um the owner of that, he kind of talked to me about it. He's like, So what do you really want to do? And I was like, honestly, I kind of want to go into the dealership world, just like seeing how they run, seeing how they do it. It was it was pretty fun.
SPEAKER_00:But I guess he was a better salesman than uh than we are. He sold it on the car business.
SPEAKER_01:No child wants to do what their parents' name is. You got to get out of it to look back in and go, this is not a bad route. Yeah. You said in and out of the fast food business. I'm still in and out of the fast food business several times a week.
SPEAKER_00:All in all, though, I mean, being a family business, it it really is rewarding. I mean, we're not a corporate store, so um, you know, there's a bulk in a store every single day, and uh there's problem, issue. Yeah, we're we're right there on it.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah. So now it's interesting because you know, we we have generational businesses throughout the community, and other communities do, but you know, you talk about uh uh the the business between the the late 1900s now, but the but the mid-90s to now and you've been exposed to it, you know, surely, you know, if you grow up around it, you see it. What are some of the in the automotive industry, what are some of the changes that you've seen over the years and and how have you adapted not not just here in Sanger, but just your business as a whole? I mean, you've got a pretty pretty good conglomerate, you know, regionally.
SPEAKER_00:Right. Um well truly in any business, I think you you you're just gonna have to adapt. But um, you know, car business is unique, of course, you know. Um recently we've had to figure out tariffs and things of that nature, and um, you know, not just us, but the manufacturers as well. Um but even prior to that, you know, 9-11, it it was a tough time. 2008, 2009, you know, um those were trying years as well. Um we were able to get through it because we have a lot of repeat and referral business, um, you know, which showed us that's key in succeeding um when a lot of other businesses were having a tough time, you know, keeping the doors open. Um and then of course COVID, you know, that really opened our eyes to you know buying online and you know, customers not wanting to come into the dealership to do the entire process. So um, you know, most of our business is actually done over the internet or by phone and you know, work out the numbers and the financing, trade values, things of that nature. And then by the time the customer comes in, it's a quick test drive, make sure that they enjoy the vehicle, that's what they want. Um, you know, answer any questions, you know, about it if we need to look at a different one just because that might not fit their needs like they thought. Um, and then almost in all cases, we can have you in and out by the time you test drive with you know less than an hour. Uh we try to make it a simple, quick process. And you know, nobody wants to be at the dealership all day, every day. I don't even want to be there all day. That's my job, so I am there. But you know, people don't want to spend all day Saturday, they want to enjoy their family. So come in, let's do business and hey, shake hands and there you go. Enjoy your car and let us know if you need something afterward.
SPEAKER_03:You have all that changed. You also have vehicles have changed. I mean, when I grew up, you know, power steering was a blessing. And now we have cars that you don't have to steer them at all. They just drive yourself. So it won't be long. We'll be you'll be selling flying cars.
SPEAKER_00:Uh huh. Yeah, that'll be God help us. I know. Dealing with the FAA might be a little bit different, huh? Yeah, like I don't know if you think it was in textiles.
SPEAKER_03:So you're you're known for being very involved in the singer community. Um so what drives your passion for giving back?
SPEAKER_02:Well whenever I started the singer store, I just saw how dad, my uncle, Trent, and then Papa, my granddad, Glenn. So it was it definitely drove my inspiration into being in it. I joined the Sanger Chamber in February of this year. That's been very fun to see how you know businesses come together to motivate you, to bring you up and stuff like that. And then I'm also a part of the um Sanger Education Foundation. So that's fun getting to know Valerie's awesome. And then um born to be the Equine Center. That's for the um lost my train of thought. Right, it's any ages from super young to older seniors, they help them with um disabilities, and it's a pretty or pretty fun organization to be a part of. So I've loved every bit of it and hopefully looking into joining some other organizations that hopefully pretty soon. So yeah.
SPEAKER_01:So let's talk about the the the foundation a little bit. We know that you guys are one of the biggest sponsors they have. What inspires you really to partner with the Education Foundation and support their mission?
SPEAKER_00:Well, when Valerie showed up, you know, big smile on her face and she's a go-getter and motivated. You you kind of can't tell her no. But uh, truly though, um, you know, whether it's Sanger Education Foundation or, you know, communities surrounding Sanger and in Gainesville, which we have supported for many, many years um before we came here, um, you know, children are our future. Um, you know, I in the 22 years that I've been at the dealership full time, you know, I've seen some of our employees' kids grow up and now are, you know, working in the service department or you know, selling cars. Um, so you know, it's just that generational change and and we have to support our future. Um it's also rewarding to see, you know, going to football games and things of that nature, and you know, seeing our name on vehicles in the parking lot, of course, is is uh rewarding. But you know, all in all, um, you know, seeing the new whatever it may be, scoreboard or you know, jerseys, uh, you know, or or hearing that, hey, we were able to support this kid's um lunch, you know, this year, um you know, it it's it's a blessing in the end.
SPEAKER_03:I know you've done a lot with the Sanger ISD and the the CTE programs, their um their career technical programs, and the educ our uh economic development corporation has been involved with that. So kind of how did that come about that I mean I know Valerie's a strong personality, it is hard tell or no. Yeah. But but you guys, I mean, really, really stepped up to the plate uh there and to help the kids with the the bay and and all of that. So kind of tell me how that came about and what that looks like and how it's going so far.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, um Sanger S D reached out and you know expressed interest in wanting to start the auto department. Um they asked our opinion and um if we could help out. And of course, we've never really been truly directly involved in something like that in the past. So um, you know, we were like, hey, you know, this this seems like a great opportunity for both sides, you know, help kids out because not every kid wants to go to college. Um, you know, trade schools are are always there. Um, and we're also looking and have been successful with growing our own technicians from the ground up. So uh we figured, hey, this this will be great. You know, um, so really we've donated some uh lifts, tools, uh and uh a ton of other goodies to the program, and we have a couple of singer ISD students that work in the uh loop bay for us right now. Yeah, so uh it's a new program, you know, as far as success and things of that nature. I mean, I'd say we're off to a a really good start. Um we'll we'll see how the future goes, but yeah, um all in all, I mean the kids are doing awesome in the lube bay and they're learning, and they're able to, you know, go to our technicians, more experienced techs, um, who are have really embraced the program as well, um, you know, and pick their brains on any questions they have and you know, what's it like being a tech and uh you know the hundred degree heat to you know freezing cold temperatures, which we do have a climate-controlled shop, which definitely helps. But um, you know, all in all, it's it's an awesome program. We're really proud to partner.
SPEAKER_01:That's nice because it sounds like it extends just beyond the notion uh donations here and there. It sounds like you're actually doing some internships and some mentoring there. So yeah. So I that's a I when you hit on that, the um we're finding more and more that college is not for everybody, right? I mean, um Oklahoma, I hate talking about Oklahoma sometimes, but I will. Um, you know, I spent I spent some time there. It's like being in prison. Um spent some time in the Oklahoma there. But that that portion of the one thing that I noticed that they did really good was the vocational programs. Uh the vote's there, very active, you know, uh from top to bottom of programs that just cover the gamut from mechanical and HVAC all the way down to emergency medical technicians and nurses. I mean, they they really put an emphasis on if you're if you're not college bound, we're gonna get you into programs that provide the uh mentorship the and the uh and the education you need to succeed at a different level. Because these are these are all, I mean, there are college-paying jobs are not always the highest paying jobs or the best career career moves that and vote offer those offers that. I was very excited to see when when the school really started to emphasize some more vocational programs with uh with their uh offerings because it's uh that's a huge deal to have um to be able to have a plan. You know, some kids have a plan that uh and they don't always have the resources they need to achieve. So that's great. I mean that's great.
SPEAKER_03:So how is how do you guys balance this? I mean you do you do a lot with the community and you run, you know, you have multiple stores and you run a very successful business. How do you how do you balance that and have a family life too?
SPEAKER_00:All in all, um we have we're just blessed to have great employees and management. Um, you know, we are very involved in the store every single day, but you know, we do come out to do things like this and uh you know donate our time. And um we are on several different boards in the community, so um we aren't able to be at the store every hour from open to close, but our management and being family owned, of course, um everybody understands our vision and they uh definitely put their weight in. So I like I said, uh we really gotta hand it to our employees.
SPEAKER_01:When you talk about your employees, they're they're family, right? That's right. Yeah, that's right. 100%. So the nuances of Sanger, you know, uh we we know that you the the you have a long history in Gainesville, they are too have a history here in Sanger. What what do you believe makes Sanger unique?
SPEAKER_00:So uh you know, Sanger has that small town feel, but it's it's definitely growing. Um and it it's ironic because that's what we've said for years, is we have a big town inventory and atmosphere, however, we really are small town dealership. Um you know, again, not corporate and being family-owned, shaking hands. We like to greet our customers. Um and that's kind of how Sanger is, too. There's a lot coming to the town, of course. Um growth, tom thumb. Um, we understand that you know, not everybody wants the growth. Um, you know, a lot of people have moved here because it is a small town. Um but all in all, uh you know, it's coming one way or the other, but luckily it's very tight-knit, and and that that's why we are so involved and you know, are able to be involved because you know, we have relationships within the town and and customers and things of that nature. Um it's an exciting time for Sanger, really. We we're truly excited.
SPEAKER_03:The growth is like I said, the growth is coming. So hold on. Yeah, it's here, yeah.
SPEAKER_01:It's here for sure. So um your your business obviously shapes a portion of of what we're doing. Um the uh how do you see your roles as leaders in the community, as business leaders? Um how do you see that as helping shape what this growth and what's going on here?
SPEAKER_02:Um so just being a part of like just being a young member involved in the community as well as younger in like the dealership business, it's it's fun to bring in fresh ideas because you know, keeping up with the trends, like what's going on, and just trying to use the marketing degree, get your business out there, like using different social media. So it's definitely been fun. And then joining other organizations, like it's fun to get out there, you know. So that work with them.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, like Aiden said, I mean, sh she's a different generation than I am, of course. Um you know, I I think that's another part that makes Sanger unique is we uh all generations are involved, and you know what one generation may want or may suggest might not be the best suggestion for you know our up and coming generations. Um, you know, it it's cadent every now and then we'll come up with some great ideas, and I'm like, wow, how did you think of that? That would be awesome for this town. Or why don't you go voice it to Valerie? Or um you know, it's pretty rewarding in the end. Yeah. Cool times.
SPEAKER_04:Absolutely.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, that's the same across the board, right? Be involved. I mean, that's that's a big one. We we see that um very much like your business and my business. Uh sometimes I make decisions and everybody else has to live with them, you know, whether it's my staff or the community. And some of those are, you know, some of those are long-term decisions that we're dealing with. And just like with your business, some of those decisions you have have have impacts that go on on for years. Um, the best thing I tell people when they call my office, first off, don't think you can't call my office, but I tell people, hey, you know, better than calling my office, and you know, why don't you go to a meeting? Why don't you show up? Won't you serve on a board? Why don't you do some of these things where your voice is not just heard, but uh it's heard at a at a high level that can really impact change. And so um it's great when the younger generation is involved in those those decisions because you're you're right. We don't, I mean, we're winging it for it, let's be honest. You know, we're the decisions we make sometimes are well thought out or as uh or we think they're as good as they can be, whether it's for our business or for the community. But you know, there is that element of you know, we're we may be looking into the future beyond and not really thinking about the future that's you know sitting next to us or that we're dropping off at school later later in the day and things like that. So it's I'm glad you're involved because uh that that uh we want to see more of that. I know at our level we want more involvement from the the younger uh singles, uh younger couples, the youth of the community. I mean, because we we have a whole host of things uh that are can can easily fall through the cracks if uh if we don't hear about them. You know, I don't know unless I know.
SPEAKER_00:That's what I always tell tell our customers, you know, even if it's the thing that I don't want to hear, you know, we messed up or whatnot, how do you let me know? Um, because we can't fix a mistake if we don't know about it.
SPEAKER_04:Sure, sure.
SPEAKER_03:So speaking of mistakes, so what are some of the lessons that you've learned along the way, both with the business and community? And what uh lessons do you want to pass on to those who would seek your advice on starting a business here or or I think John just hit the nail on the head, um, you know, just be involved.
SPEAKER_00:Um, you know, open ears, be involved. And um I'm I'm 41 now and uh it took me a while to get engaged. You know, I I wasn't like Caden and started in organizations and getting involved in the community. I was just there working every single day, and um I feel like I missed out on on part of that, and that's been an eye-opener, um, which is why I've kind of urged her to get involved in some things and um she's really embraced it and I'm proud of her.
SPEAKER_01:So, what about the future? What excites you most about the future of Glenn Polt, Chevy, and its role in the Sanger community?
SPEAKER_00:Uh the role's endless. Um I you know, like we touched on, the community's growing. Um we just opened our state-of-the-art building uh last year and just had our grand opening. Um as far as future, I I it's endless. We uh we don't know, maybe a manufacturer will knock on our door and say, hey, we want want to add this brand, or um no telling. But uh all in all, I mean it's exciting. Yes, traffic's a little tough sometimes, but hey, you know, that's just growing pains. Uh we'll get through it. About 10 years, it'll be fine, right? But but I mean, you know, still while you're sitting in traffic and you look left or right and you see all this stuff popping up and these new options to go eat or go shop. I mean, yeah, it that's exciting, you know. You don't have to drive 15, 20, 30, 45 minutes. You know, we're getting there. That's right there.
SPEAKER_03:It is incredible how much has changed. I mean, I've been here four years and it has changed a lot just in that little bit of time and then knowing what's coming. Another another four years we won't recognize Singer.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, it's um it's definitely different, yeah, for sure. You know, and I mean you're one of in you're in one of those small communities that uh that w what has been poised for growth. I mean, I'm sure you remember we've driven past the Bella Mansion since we were kids, and it has been just like it is, and to see the work that they're doing there, as they're getting that venue ready, it's exciting to think that someday I'll see that thing active. Right because you know, we drive up, what was it? You drive up to get your clothes, you were either going to the Golden Triangle Mall or Foster's Westernware, right?
SPEAKER_00:Right, right.
SPEAKER_01:So, yeah, a lot of changes.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, and that's a beautiful structure too, the Bella Bella Mansion. Yeah, uh I can't wait to see that done.
SPEAKER_01:It's gonna be a beautiful amenity. Yeah, super excited about it. So, any words of wisdom?
SPEAKER_03:Or anything we don't know that you that you might want to share? Some insight into the uh you know the next car. What's the next, what's the next app, what's the next Apple make? You know, you know, because they they put out something new every year that you don't expect. So what's coming? Anything?
SPEAKER_00:Hey, electric vehicles have been super hot. Uh they're definitely not for everybody. Um, I'll be honest. I don't drive one myself. However, um, you know, my wife has really opened her eyes to it. She drives uh in town quite a bit, and um I actually fixing to put her in one. Uh, so we'll see how that goes. But um, you know, for commuters, um, somebody that drives, you know, roughly 60, less than 100 miles a day, hey, hop in it, you go, get to work, come back home, charge up, you're ready to go the next day. Um, and they're building the infrastructure too. And not to mention um the charging times are are getting quicker and the ranges are getting longer as well. So, you know, we're excited to see where that part of the industry grows in the next few years. I I think um yeah, that we're gonna be headed that way more and more. Not everybody's excited about it. Of course, big trucks that you know it's probably not gonna work, but there is a chunk of the population that it is a good piece for.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, it's a viable option for sure. Um Sanger Electric is very happy to have you have your electric vehicle pulled up in your driveway and plugged into the wall.
SPEAKER_04:So, yeah, 100%.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, and we have a couple of fast chargers at the dealership here that um a lot of people pull off the interstate, swing in. What's the fast charger?
SPEAKER_03:What's that? What's the time on that fast charger?
SPEAKER_00:Um it depends on the vehicle, truly, but um, you know, 30 to 40 minutes, they can get generally up to 80 percent of battery.
SPEAKER_03:And what's the what's the I I have no idea. I clearly don't drive not high for nothing. You know, I've never gas mileage has never really been my thing. It's I'm more about what the vehicle is, but oh how how what's the range now? Average range on again.
SPEAKER_00:Uh each vehicle is different. Some of the pickups can go up to 400 miles. Um, and then some of the smaller cars can range anywhere from you know right around 300 to 500 again, depending on the model. Um but yeah, uh there if you haven't driven one, the power is absolutely unreal. It's immediate power once you hit the gas pedal.
SPEAKER_01:There you go.
SPEAKER_00:Or throttle, I should say.
SPEAKER_01:So this is a good this is a good question, right? Which is so you've got electric, you've got your gas, and then you've got your hybrids. We've been talking about the dealership. How do people find you? Where are you located? What are your what are your social feeds? What's your website? Where the where do people go if they want to know more about what's going on in the car business?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, we're right across from uh Migalidos here in Sanger on the north end, uh Bells Road exit on the southbound side of 35. Uh you can find us online at Glenpolk Sanger, which is G-L-E-N-N, P-O-L-K Sanger.com. Um and then, of course, we have a huge selection of pre-owned as well, and we can pull from any of our Gainesville stores. So you didn't have to travel all the way up to Gainesville if you don't want. We uh also service any make and model.
SPEAKER_02:Maintenance on the yeah, maintenance, alignment, brakes, tires, wheels, pretty much anything. So in the you do any aftermarket?
SPEAKER_00:We do grill guards, lift kits, you name it. I mean, we we can pretty much touch it. And if if we can't, we'll find an option.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah.
SPEAKER_00:And we have an amazing service team. Uh we call them Chevy Chase over there. I'm sorry, Chevy Chase. Um and then uh John Sidel. They're they're both awesome. Uh these guys. I I don't know if they pay customers or what, but man, their reviews are just insane. It's crazy the positive reviews we get.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, well, I will I will say um I bought a Barbie mobile not too long ago. I didn't get it from Glenn Polk. I will be honest, I regret it. Kick you under the table now. Totally, totally had some uh maintenance done on it just this week, and I was very disappointed uh because uh I've dealt with Glenn Polk in the past and uh the issues that I I face here this week, although not life-ending, were just not the same quality at all. And so we're I I'm excited again that you guys are are not just here, but you're expanding. There's nothing better again for us than to see a business find success because we all win together. We're very pleased that you guys are so involved in the community uh with the foundation, the CTU program, and the numerous other things that you guys uh and gals um do for us. And uh, we're looking forward to a long, long partnership with you guys here in the Sanger community.
SPEAKER_00:Thank you. Likewise, here. We appreciate y'all very much.
unknown:Yeah.
SPEAKER_01:Well, Donna stepped out. Usually I would ask Donna, you know, if she had anything else to say, but she doesn't apparently. But I appreciate you guys coming in again. Um if if uh if you want to again know more about what's going on at Glenpolk, we'll put those feeds and those websites down in the notes so that you can uh you can make a phone call or just drop by. Until then, I'm John. I'm Donna Green. We stepped out. Uh we thank you for listening in to what's going on in our small little North Texas town.