Bible Hardware
333 Walnut
This family owned business has roots deep in Abilene. R. A. Bible founded the hardware store in 1942 on the principles of service and customer satisfaction.
The conduct of employee toward customers was always one of the things Mr. Bible stressed, "You do the best for a customer that you can at all times." These foundation principals are carried forward by the current ownership, Jim and Linda Walraven. They told the judges they "follow the old practice of doing things." Bible Hardware's integrity and ethical position has been known for many years.
They are also known for carrying just about everything under the sun when it comes to hardware. One of their customers said: "I've been using Bible Hardware for more than 30 years. During this time it has been very few times they have not had what I needed. There is always someone available to help you find what you are looking for and they know if they have it and where it is."
The business has been able to continue, even in the fact of bigger and stronger competitors. One way Bible Hardware succeeds is by excellent customer service and they point to their employees as one reason. The staff has over 151 years of combined experience. That enables the company to give customers all of the knowledge and service they deserve. The company's mission is making customers happy by selling the best product, by having the product that is in demand and by standing behind the product sold to the customer. Values developed 60 years ago by R.A. Bible and continued today.
Family Vision Associates LLP
440 Hickory Street
This eye care practice traces its roots in Abilene back to 1948 when Dr. Grady Jolly opened his practice here. Since then the Association has grown and in 1997 became Family Vision Associates to reflect the philosophy of caring for both staff and patients, what the association calls their eye care family.
Currently the association is comprised of Dr. Dorothy Preston, Dr. Steven Ezzell and Dr. Darren Postelwait. The company's mission statement speaks to high ethical standards from the beginning: "Our practice is built on professionalism, honesty, and a strong sense of caring. Our goal is to meet the needs of our eye care family now, and in the future."
The person who nominated this company had this to say: "Very professional, very efficient office staff, very customer oriented and customer friendly." Excellent customer service doesn't happen by accident, it's the result of training, team building and hands on work. One customer wrote: "As an employer, I always notice how customers are treated. Every time I have been in your waiting area, I have noticed your employees are cheerful and courteous to everyone. When you visit a doctor's office, it makes such a big difference if the receptionists and staff are friendly and kind."
Included in the company's submission to the judging committee was a first rate employee handbook, including detailed job descriptions which no doubt is fundamental in creating such good customer service. The company's service extends beyond the bounds of their practice, the partners are volunteers in the YWCA, Junior League, West Texas Rehab, Kiwanis, Hope Heaven, and Harmony Family services to name a few.