text: *£: - "j ,'T^.*W,'"f^p^'’-' A ^S'-*>■ f^^5''^!-; M^JWOWKWIWIWM .■■»*!»1 ■ ». f€t 0 «§f)fc .>-1^ :Jl ;'-H*M:r•'•¥'5'^r":f - < ■-■ P «I««*•»$. • -j .«-Jf^' .V f £■ ‘. ; ’ * '^V;<-ii-;. :,-f.^ f?y4'-- £ if 5.*' m O t O f1 it O • ; f;>‘V. 'W^l.-"Js? :„. i i ff:"' S«<*«»* ■ ■■■I -------- • 0 r —.. ISV '>- ••’-;'£VJfej VOL. XXXII, No. 337.__BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS, SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1925. ESTABLISHED 1892 i Jra&lsBfi. ’^'|jV 5::i v;*jB p v' * T§jj ** i Patteson Motor Company Marvel Of Growth Specialization Aids Ford Development Here, Minor Asserts Specialization is the keynote of the business that is connected in any way with the Ford Motor company and the Patteson Motor company is no exception to the rule, according to Joe H. Minor, secretary-treasurer of the Patteson Mo .tor Co. “This business is divided into depart ments for the operation of certain re lated functions, and the sales depart ment is still further divided in order that the public may be given full in formation on every type of unit that is made, there being salesmen whose spe cial duty is the gathering and dispens ing of information concerning cars, a salesman of trucks and one of tractors. “In this way anyone who contemplates the purchase of a truck can obtain from the special truck salesman a vast fund of information of practical value which a salesman interested in all types would find it hard te gather and retain. These men are directed personally by Joe H. Minor and have a very thorough system of operation through the use of card indices which help them to cov er the territory with least loss of time. They have at all times a ready reference to prices and facts concerning the products offered to the customer. There are nine salesmen working the entire field, six being general salesmen and four special men. Miss Bernice Graham is the only woman member of the Patteson Motor company organization. She has but recently joined the selling division but very promptly showed her liking for the work by breaking all the records in weekly purchase plan sales. She has been placed in charge of this special division of the sales department. Her efforts won her commendation from the Ford Motor company for efficiency and enthusiasm in promoting what has been done in Matamoros. In Matamoros, M. J. Tipton is head of the Matamoros branch of the Patteson Motor company, recently opened under the name of the Matamoros Motor Company. Mr. Tipton came to Brownsville from Runge, Texas, shortly after the business was opened by Mr. Patteson. He took charge of the accounting department and through efficient handling of his duties carried the department through that period when the business was growing in leaps and bounds and straining to the limit the facilities that had been designed for but a portion of the volume being handled. He had his training under Mr. Patteson at Runge, where he had held a similar place in the agency there that was headed by Mr. Patteson. He took charge of the Mexico branch about a month ago. He is vice president of the company. "It is quite different in Mexico, declares Mr. Tipton, "but the result is the same; everybody wants Ford products and with a little figuring and so-called red tape we are fast making ourselves ready to supply everything wanted on a moment’s notice. Our sales have been good and the indication is that we shall have a steady increase. We have a complete stock, and considering the conditions necessary to cross the goods and the limits of demand over there, we are in position to give the same good service in Mexico that patrons of the Patteson Motor company enjoy in the United States. "We have a new building over there also, and it is situated in the heart of the business district on the most prominent corner of the plaza, opposite the customs house. We have expert mechanics and equipment designed to serve both Ford and Fordson products. Tractors are new in Mexico, comparatively speaking, but the Fordson is to be seen in noticeable numbers. It is doing the work for the dry farmer over there in a way that is fast multiplying its popularity. “The Mexican farmer, like the Mexican citizen of all classes, is most appreciative of an honest desire to serve him properly in a business transaction. He is quick to tell his friends of the kind of service he gets from the Fordson on the farm and from us in the Matamoros Motor company. I am very much pleased with my new place and look forward to a very fine business career on the other side of the Rio Grande. I have been called “the easiest way to own a Ford.” Several hundred thousand people bought Fords under this plan last year according to Miss Graham, and were made happy in the ownership of a car whereas the regular method of payment was impossible to them due to lack of sufficient cash to make the first payment. “It is grand work,” she declares, “making people happy is not work; it is pleasure, and that is what I do by helping them to own cars with which to get out into the big outdoors down to the beaches and into the parks.” She is also in charge of subscription sales for the Dearborn Independent. Mr. Ford’s weekly, which has been called “chronicler of the neglected truth,” and which has no word of advertising in it either of Ford or other business, but is Sold through the Fort! dealerships. Boggus Is Leading Salesman of Company J. Lewis Boggus sells Fords for the Patteson Motor company. He sells so many that the figures opposite his name on the sales record are often mistaken for the total of sales by the entire organization. His sales are frequently more than half of the total of sales for the period. His records closely approach an average of one sale for every working day during the time he has been in Brownsville. With this record before them, the officials of the Ford Motor company cite Lewis Boggus as an example of success for Ford salesmen throughout the branch territory to copy. Yet Mr. Boggus lays no claim to a certain method of approach or of sales talk commonly ascribed to salesmanship. He has never been charged with having a hypnotic eye. His is not called a glib tongue. But he sells one unit almost every day and sometimes as high as eight in one day. He says it is simply a matter of foot work mixed, with a little headwork; he calls upon many people in a day. He tries to make it as easy to buy a Ford from him as possible; he has a natural turn for finance and is, in many cases, both salesman and purchaser of the notes through which the delivery is made, on time payment plan. “People like to be sold Fords," declares Mr. Boggus. Everyone wants one who hasn’t and is just a matter of getting around to see them fast enough. I sometimes think my friends are the best friends anyone ever had. They are mighty nice to me, being patient with me when I am forgetful and calling me when they want a car. “I am asked frequently how I sell. I have no rule except possibly the rule of trying to put myself in the other fellow’s place and then figuring out just what I would want to do in the same case and condition; I find it is a mighty safe rule to be as plain and practical in selling as possible and of course always careful of my statements, that they be true.” T Torres Leads in Accessories Sales L. M. Torres is one of the oldest members of the Patteson Motor company sales division, having entered the service shortly after the doors were opened in the old location on Washington street. He has a record of sales to be proud of, being dependable for a large number each month. He is well and favorably known throughout the Brownsville section and knows his products thoroughly. He leads all the salesmen in sales of accessories, and is particularly noted for the sale of special horns that are capable of peculiar sounds. He was the first to adopt whole-heartedly the balloon tire last year when there was some question of its adaptation to the roads of this section. His judgment has been thoroughly proven out as is attested by the tremendous sale of balloon equipment this year. Fine Record Made By A. D. Hinojosa A. D. Hinojosa is a young man of pleasing personality who joined the sales department of the Patterson Motor company last fall, coming here from Donna where he had made himself a reputation for square dealing with his customers which helped him in sales. He has many relatives in Brownsville and has done well in selling all types of Ford products. He has probably turned more used cars than any other salesman during the past six months, having a knack for the judgment of values in unused mileage that helps him with his trade. He is known among his associates as being particularly conservative and (Continued on Page Two) NEW PATTERSON MOTOR CO. HOME AND LOYAL EMPLOYEES Photos by Holm's Studio Faith in the Valley and in Ford Products With Loyal Workers Builds a new building in the upper picture is seen the new building on Elizabeth and Ninth streets which has just been occupied by the Patterson Motor Co. It is said to be the largest single story garage in Texas. With a frontage of 200 feet on Elizabeth and 120 feet on Ninth street, it has a floor space of 24,000 feet. Thos. E. Cook of Dallas is owner of the building. In the center is pictured a number of the loyal workers in the firm who have contributed to the success of the undertaking and who are proud of the new location. They are, left to right, L. E. Thomas, J. L. Boggus, Miss Bernice Graham, L. M. Torres, Frank Ottman, Jesse Epinoza, A. D. Hines, J. R. Snoeberop, Drew Patteson, Joe H. Minor, H. H. Jones, Carroll Steed, Dale Partin, Hubert Tipton, John Puckett and Mike Boggus. Kneeling and seated, left to right are M. A. Reasoner, Eulenio Hernandez, A. R. Bradley, Joe Davila, Pryor Dillard, Gus Van Hatten, A. C. Carter, Justo Cantu, L. B. Gonzales, Ambrosio Cantu, Ignacio Taberp, Jim Hernandez. Below at left is Drew Patteson, president and directing head of the firm, who has made a phenomenal success of the Ford agency in Brownsville, making necessary the enlarged quarters. At the right is Joe Minor, secretary treasurer and manager, right hand man to the president and a large contributor to the success of the business. M. J. Tipton —Photo by Holm’s Studio Manager Matamoros Branch NECK BROKEN; WORKS 4 DAYS MONROE, La., May 30.—After four days of suffering, during which time he continued working, Henry Hunter, 35, a negro, today submitted his neck to a physician for examination following an accident in which he was struck on the head while in the elevator shaft of a new building under construction. Henry has a broken neck by hopes are entertained for his recovery. Recovery. Brownsville’s Future Bright, Cook Believes Faith in the future of Brownsville caused Tims. E. Cook of Dallas, to purchase the Elizabeth street property on which the mammoth Patteson Motor Co., garage building stands within a few hours after he had arrived here on a visit to his daughter, Mrs. W. Taylor, and a belief that the progressiveness and “pep” of the young men at the head of the local Ford agency were destined to do great things caused him a few days later to order the construction of the building. “When I left Dallas, I was merely on a trip to visit my relatives here and the idea of investing in Brownsville properly had not entered my head,” Mr. Cook said. “I had never heard of the Patteson Motor company or its officers. I met them only after I had bought the Elizabeth street property and then learned the firm had outgrown its quarters and was seeking a much larger location. “An investigation satisfied me that the young men at the head of the business were putting things over in a big way and that they were destined to do even bigger things. I considered them worthy of encouragement and a lease was entered into and the plans for the building prepared. “I am proud of that investment for several reasons. I am proud to have a part in aiding an industry such as the Patteson Motor.” Co., and I am resolved to return fair returns on the money I have invested. “I believe Brownsville is just on the threshold of a new era of development which will be the greatest in the history of the Valley and I am considering further investments where I find the people capable to do business with and the city government has treated me splendidly. “I like Brownsville.” The new Patteson Motor Co., building is probably the largest single floor garage in the state, containing 24,000 square feet of floor space. It has a 200 feet front on Elizabeth street and is 120 feet on Ninth street. The building is estimated to have cost approximately $40,000. The foundation was built to accommodate a second story. M. L. Burford superintended construction. PUNISH GUILTY WASHINGTON, D.C., May 30.—The Mexican embassy here, which recently made representations concerning the killing of a Mexican citizen while imprisoned in San Quentin penitentiary in Galiforna, has been informed by the state department that steps to punish those responsible have been taken by the state authorities. J. L. Boggus —Photo by Holm's Studio Leading Salesman STATISTICS SWAMP LONDON LONDON, May 30.—Somerset House where are stored the vital statistics of London, uses colors to facilitate its filing system. The volume's on the various subjects each has a color, green for marriages, red for births, black for deaths, brown for wills and yellow for divorces. The shelves are now so congested with 160,000,000 records that new quarters are being sought. BEAUTIFUL NEW HOPE OCCUPIED SOON Ford, Lincoln Agency Did $469,519 Business Last Year; Continue to Expand Rapidly The Patteson Motor company opened its place of business in Brownsville at 1208 Washington Street on April 1. 1923. The figures of Ford sales in past years were not such as to inspire belief in the wisdom of a very large investment. Due to Mr. Patteson’s faith, however, in the future of Brownsville, as well as his knowledge of the possibilities of the territory, preparations were made for the handling of a large volume of business. The original force of seven men soon became inadequate, and sales began to be developed in surprising numbers. During the remaining nine months of the year 1923, more than three hundred Ford units were delivered to retail buyers, and during that year it became necessary to double building space by renting a large warehouse in the old Rice Mill. Also during this period the force had grown to 18 men. It was not until the year 1924 that the company really reached its stride. In that period a total business was transacted amounting to $489,519.51. There were sold in Brownsville and the surrounding territory 250 open cars, 132 trucks, 59 closed cars, and 58 Fordson tractors, while in Matamoros sales were 74 open cars, 27 trucks, 17 tractors, and 6 closed cars. The company again outgrew its quarters and opened what has been known as the Used Car Market as a branch of the Patteson Motor Company. The working force at this time had grown to 40 men. With the volume of business being transacted and in order to give its Mexico customers the kind of Ford service which is known and expected the world over, a branch has recently been opened in Matamoros under the name of the Matamoros Motor Company, with M. J. Tipton, formerly of the Patteson Motor company, in charge. In January of this year, a deal was closed with Thomas E. Cook of Dallas for the erection of the large building at Ninth and Elizabeth, which is now being occupied. It has been found advisable to concentrate the activities of the business in one building and thus give to Lincoln, Ford, and Fordson owners the service to which they are entitled. Sales of Ford products for the first five months of 1925 indicate that the move to larger quarters is entirely justified. There are now employed more than 40 men in all departments. New Building Planned The new building was planned by Mr. Patteson, and the plans with some slight changes were approved by the Ford Motor company's representatives in charge of that work. There are but two or three Ford dealerships in Texas occupying larger quarters and it is said that there are few automobile agency buildings anywhere in which the space occupied is used to better advantage. The filling station will be convenient to the heaviest traffic in Brownsville. It will be large and commodious and equipped with modern devices. Competent men will be in charge to give quick and efficient service. At no time will it be necessary for one car to be taken while mother is being served. Customers driving into the building for service will pass for a short distance between the showroom and parts department and find themselves on an open service floor, which will at no time be crowded, and where expert mechanics will be ready to give them attention, either for minor adjustments or send them to the shop for major repairs. Cars going into the shop will be worked on by high-grade mechanics, in a clean, well-lighted department. While the Patterson Motor company’s shop has at all times been well equipped for quick work, due to crowded conditions, it has not been used to best advantage. Several thousands dollars worth of new machinery has now been purchased, however, and customers owning Ford cars, trucks or tractors may expect to receive only the best possible workmanship. Battery Service Battery service will be available directly upon the main service floor and will be in charge of a battery specialist trained particularly for electrical work of this nature. The parts department will be accessible from the service floor and the filling station. Three competent men will serve in this department working from one of the largest stocks of Ford parts to be found in South Texas. A system of parts storage in special bins of steel built to facilitate the handling of the parts with greatest speed and precision is used. The floor space in this department is next to the largest given (Continued on Page Three). 