At Bert Ogden Auto Group, our dedication extends far beyond delivering vehicles: it's a lifelong promise to support families, workers and local communities across the Rio Grande Valley. That enduring commitment gained national prominence with the nomination of Robert C. Vackar, Chairman of the Board and Chief Performance Officer of Bert Ogden Motors, for the 2027 TIME Dealer of the Year award.
Nominated by Darren Whitehurst, President of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association, Robert was chosen to represent the entire state of Texas as one of only 48 franchised dealer nominees selected from more than 20,000 dealerships nationwide. Presented by TIME in partnership with Ally Financial, the award is one of the automotive industry's most prestigious honors, celebrating leaders who unite exceptional business success with an unwavering devotion to community service.
A Legacy of Leadership, Service & Grit
"This nomination is an incredible honor, and I am proud to represent our employees, customers, family and the Rio Grande Valley," Robert said upon being nominated. "What began as one family-owned store has grown through the hard work of generations of team members and the enduring support of the communities we serve."
As TIME CEO Jessica Sibley highlighted, the program recognizes dealers who "pair excellence in the automotive industry with an enduring commitment to the communities they serve," setting a standard of leadership celebrated nationwide. For Robert, this nomination honors a lifetime spent expanding opportunities across the Rio Grande Valley while stewarding a family business:
Edinburg Roots & Work Ethic
Raised in Edinburg, Robert developed his discipline and personal responsibility working afternoons at his father's lumberyard, Vackar Lumber & Supply, while attending Edinburg High School.
Corps of Cadets & Military Service
Working multiple jobs to put himself through Texas A&M University, he graduated in 1966 with a degree in business administration and accounting before serving as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969. That journey forged his conviction that "grit is one of the greatest keys to success," explaining that "talent and opportunity matter, but grit is what keeps you moving when things do not go according to plan. It gives you the ability to work through adversity, learn from setbacks and keep going."
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Robert joined his father-in-law, Bert Ogden, at Bert Ogden Motors in 1983. Following the tragic loss of Bert and Dorothy Ogden in 1992, he stepped forward as dealer principal to protect employees and re-establish manufacturer franchise agreements. Reflecting on that milestone, Robert remarked, "Preserving what he built and growing it beyond what our family imagined has been one of the greatest privileges of my career."
Building the Largest Auto Group in the RGV
Under his leadership, Bert Ogden has grown from a single-family store into an automotive group of nearly 30 dealerships and franchise operations representing top global brands. The company now employs more than 1,200 people and ranks No. 38 among the largest dealership groups in the nation, according to Automotive News. As Robert points out, "Our size gives us valuable resources, but our identity remains rooted in family ownership and local relationships. We want customers to feel valued and employees to know they can build lifelong careers here."
Commitment to Quality Used Inventory
That customer-first focus is evident in our massive inventory of reliable used cars, Certified Pre-Owned vehicles and dependable used trucks, making it easy for every driver across the RGV to find high-quality transportation tailored to their needs and budget.
Transformative Philanthropy Across the Rio Grande Valley
Alongside his wife, Janet Ogden Vackar, Robert has translated business success into lasting civic progress, investing tens of millions of dollars to strengthen local education, healthcare and community infrastructure
UTRGV & Higher Education
With more than $35 million in contributions to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the Vackars established the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship and funded endowed scholarships benefiting hundreds of students. Recognizing that "education has the power to change the future of an individual, a family and an entire region," Robert's support enables talented local students to earn degrees and launch careers close to home. In honor of their generational support, UTRGV named its football stadium Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium in perpetuity.
Check It Out: Unveiling Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium
Healthcare & Regional Wellness
Inaugural supporters of the Renaissance Cancer Research Center at DHR Health, Robert and Janet also supported DHR Health's growth into the region's first Level I Trauma Center, ensuring local families have access to advanced critical healthcare.
Honoring Veterans & Community Traditions
A proud veteran, Robert helped establish the Veterans War Memorial of Texas in McAllen. Bert Ogden Auto Group also serves as a founding sponsor of the McAllen Holiday Parade and provides ongoing support to the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Boys & Girls Clubs across the Valley, Make-A-Wish and Easterseals Rio Grande Valley. When speaking about his dedication to the RGV, Robert shared, "We all need someone tuggin' us along and the Valley has given me so much; I wanted to build something that would give back."
Regional Sports & Entertainment
The family name proudly anchors the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, driving commerce, jobs and entertainment for families across the Valley.
Our Purpose, Mission & Values at Bert Ogden
Beyond our huge selection of new vehicles, the Bert Ogden Auto Group has long been a part of the Rio Grande Valley community. We're dedicated to helping our friends and neighbors across the region access reliable transportation for a fair price, and we do so by following the guiding principles set forth by our Mission and Vision Statements. We have an unwavering commitment to excellence that's on full display at our car dealerships in McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, Harlingen, Pharr, Mercedes and Lyford.
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to redefine the automotive experience with passion, innovation, integrity and exceptional service. Committed to exceeding expectations, we offer a diverse selection of high-quality vehicles, world-class service and unwavering devotion to community. As a nationally recognized leader, we build lasting relationships and set industry standards, ensuring every customer's journey is seamless, transparent and rewarding.
Our Vision Statement
Our vision is to become the nation's most trusted source of automotive information and services. Driven by our team's dedication to creating a seamless and inviting environment through best-in-class service and relentless innovation, we aim to revolutionize the industry while prioritizing the needs of our customers.
Bert Ogden Core Values
At our RGV car dealerships, we operate by a simple motto: Do the Right Thing, Every Time, All the Time.
We achieve this by sticking to the Core Values set forth by our owners, Janet and Robert Vackar. These extraordinary people have built legacies that define our culture and commitment -- Janet through her compassion and generosity, Robert through his relentless pursuit of excellence. Together, they embody GRACE and GRIT!
Honoring Janet's Giving Spirit Through G. R. A. C. E.
- Giving: We're dedicated to giving back, supporting local initiatives, and serving as a pillar of strength and generosity.
- Responsibility: We take ownership of our actions, decisions and commitments, demonstrating accountability for outcomes, whether positive or negative. We follow through on promises, address mistakes with integrity and take proactive steps to improve.
- Accountability: We take ownership of our actions and the impact they have on others. By being honest, transparent and dependable, we build trust in our relationships. We approach mistakes with humility, view them as opportunities to grow, and remain committed to doing what's right for the people and communities we serve.
- Community-Focused: We're committed to actively engaging with and uplifting the communities we serve. Through meaningful actions and involvement, we aim to create positive connections and foster a sense of belonging for all.
- Empathy: We lead with empathy, embracing the power of listening, understanding and compassionate actions. Our aim is to strengthen our relationships and ensure we remain attuned to the needs of our employees, customers and the community at large.
Honoring Robert's Strength Through G.R.I.T.
- Growth: We embrace continuous learning and development, encouraging individuals to step outside their comfort zones, take on new challenges, and reach their full potential both personally and professionally.
- Results-Oriented: We prioritize achieving measurable goals by setting clear targets, tracking progress and adapting strategies to ensure success. Our focus is on delivering impactful outcomes that drive growth and excellence.
- Integrity: We uphold the highest moral standards by prioritizing honesty, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to "Doing the Right Thing, Every Time, All the Time."
- Tenacious Teamwork: We thrive through collaboration driven by determination, resilience and a shared vision of success. By fostering comradery and communication, we build upon each other's strengths and support one another through challenges to ensure collective success.
Visit Our RGV Car Dealerships
These guiding principles are not just words but a promise to our customers, employees and community to uphold the highest standards in every aspect of our business. Together, we are building a legacy of service, integrity and community impact that will endure for generations to come.
Whether you're searching for the latest new vehicle releases or shopping for a dependable, thoroughly inspected pre-owned model, Bert Ogden Makes It Easy across all of our Rio Grande Valley locations!
Contact us or visit our car dealers in Harlingen, McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr, Mission or elsewhere today to experience the difference of working with a community-driven auto group.
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