Strategies_Spring2024

important to Don that it be someone willing to come in and learn the business from the ground up while working side by side with the store’s employees. After much thought and prayer—and a conversation with a mutual friend—Don found the perfect solution in someone he already knew. Hunter Walls was born and raised in Graham and worked for a farm and ranch store when he was a student at Texas Tech University. After graduation, he continued to work for the operation, managing a store outside of Lubbock, Texas. However, he recently moved back to Graham so he could live closer to family and raise his child with his wife in the town where he grew up. After weeks of serious discussion, Don and Hunter entered into an old-fashioned, handshake agreement: Beginning in January, Don would mentor Hunter on all aspects of the Shamburger & Graham store so he could one day take over management of the business. “Hunter is just a perfect fit,” Don says. “I call it a God wink when things just fall into place like this.” Don says he is excited about the future. He plans to continue working at Shamburger & Graham as long as he is able but hopes to work fewer hours and transition to part time in the next five or 10 years. “I couldn’t be happier,” he says. “The Shamburger name will survive and carry on.”

“There was not a day that went by that my mom didn’t know if I got a fresh haircut or a new shirt,” he says. “But I just kept putting on more hats and it worked out.” He credits getting through this time—and his success—to his three loyal and hardworking employees who have worked at the store for many years. Bert, who Don describes as like a brother, has dedicated 39 years to working at the store. AC boasts a 19-year tenure, while Pam has contributed to the team for 13 years. The Next Chapter These days, Don likes to stay involved in the community. He is a member of the local chamber of commerce. He was also active for many years with the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, where he served on the board of directors and donated building supplies. Don works six days a week at the store. His children live outside of the area and don’t have an interest in taking on the business. Although Shamburger & Graham’s past is ever present, until recently, the future was less clear. “I never thought about succession planning, but what if something happened to me? I worried the store could shut down,” he says. “You need to plan for this because time will sneak up on you.” Finding the right person to mentor and eventually take on the future management of the business was no easy task. It was

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