General Shelters Celebrates 75,000th Building; Chamber Recognizes James Campbell, Family (Video)

May 20, 2016 - Album - General Shelters celebrated a new milestone on May 20, 2016 with the completion of their 75,000th building which is a 1,152 square foot cabin with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, central air/heat, on demand hot water, GE stainless kitchen appliances, washer/dryer and vaulted ceilings.

The morning's events began with a welcome from David Koonce, President/CEO of General Shelters, "It's great to be in a community that's got so much support."

He expressed appreciation to everyone for attending and on behalf of General Shelters and the Campbell family thanked everyone for being present.

"Peter Drucker once said, 'If you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.' Well in 1973 James Campbell made that courageous decision to go in the mobile home business and after that didn't work out, he decided he'd build mobile offices and storage buildings and what you see here today is from that vision he had in 1973."

Koonce said Campbell can't be thanked enough for what he has done for the employees of General Shelters and the community. With an annual payroll of $3.4 million there are many who depend on General Shelters.

Recognition was given by Koonce to his wife, Angela; brother-in-law, Rick Campbell; nephew, Colin McElroy; nephew, Cameron McElroy. He also recognized the executive staff of General Shelters.

"We couldn't do it without accounting staff, builders, plant managers. All of y'all have all contributed to success of us completing our 75,000th building. We've got several key employees that have been here with us for over 35 years, I'd like to mention them. We've got David Eubank, whose been here nearly 38 years, Shorty Aguilar nearly 38 years, and Terry Lunsford 35 years," said Koonce.

Jim Sawyer, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce President, then presented a plaque to James Campbell commemorating the 75000th building built by General Shelters.

"On behalf of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, thank you all for coming today. We have a plaque for you, David and the Campbell Family. General Shelters of Texas, 75,000 buildings. Congratulations to all of you, and we thank you for the work you do in this community and what you mean to this community, especially you Mr. Campbell, everyone in this room thanks you all," said Sawyer.

Everyone then participated in touring an open house of the 75,000th building. During the tour of the home, Koonce made a presentation to the Moss family, Moss Ranch of Normangee, Texas who purchased the building. Tours followed of the General Shelters facility and buildings.