February Entrepreneur of the Month: A family affair

February’s Entrepreneur of the Month is actually a family of
entrepreneurs.

B.A. and Frances Hamilton founded B.A.’s Automotive on Blandville Road almost 41 years ago. Parallel to establishing B.A.’s shop, Frances 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 on Third Street in Paducah in 1984.

Frances retired from her agency about five year ago…B.A. about ten years ago. Of the four children, most of you know that their son Tony 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 said, “I’m not sure if we’ve been an example…but we’ve tried to live our life 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., Frances and Tony Hamilton of B.A.’s Automotive…the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce and EntrePaducah “Entrepreneur of the Month” for February 2010.

B.A.’s Automotive Service, Inc. is located at 818 S. 3rd Street in Paducah. The Entrepreneur of the Month Award is given at each month’s Chamber Power in Partnership breakfast.

*(pictured left to right: EntrePaducah Concierge Terry Reeves; B.A. Hamilton; Frances Hamilton; Chamber Chair Helen Sims; Tony Hamilton)

photo: Fox Fotography