







Founder H.S. Higginbotham's beliefs were formed in part by the Great Depression of the 30's. So it seems only fitting that during the Great Recession of 2009 that those same principles would see Arrow through it's darkest days. At the beginning of the recession, Arrow was selling 350 units per month and had over 175 employees, by December of 2009 sales had dropped in half and the number of employees stood at 116. The recession hit the working man hardest of all, and Arrow's focus on "Main Street not Wall Street" soon led Abilenians to see Seaton on TV with a message of hope. He encouraged the community that better days were ahead for those who looked in the mirror, took responsibility, and held out a helping hand of Partnership and Teamwork for all. Arrow continued to grow even in theses times and started a new department, "Quick Lane" to compete with Jiffy Lubes of the world, and expanded their Auto Accessories & More department. Recession hit Arrow doubly hard in June of 2009 when Chrysler declared bankruptcy and terminated, without cause, 800 dealers. Arrow was one of those dealers. Arrow Chrysler Jeep was given 30 days to liquidate, and thanks to fellow dealers like Mike Dunnahoo and Blake Fulenwider, the liquidations deadlines were met. This did not, however, stop the debt and Arrow completed paying for the franchise it no longer owned in 2013.
Seaton gives special thanks to three groups during these dark days.
First, his employees, who took a pay cut, worked longer and harder and maintained an unwaving faith in "The Way Forward Plan." In 2010, Arrow started on a quest, a journey to go from "Good to Great." They first recommitted themselves to each other, because without trust in each other they knew nothing great could happen. Then to the principle of "First Who" as they started to rebuild their organization one person at a time, each committed to a doctrine of fairness centered around their customers' wants and needs. This continuous quest to adapt to an ever-changing world is what drives them today. Their Hedgehog philosophy became "to create Raving Fans by enthusiastically identifying customers' wants and needs and satisfying them completely." Their jobs became simple, "to provide their customers with enough information to make informed buying decisions." RAVING FANS-NO EXCUSES became their battle cry.
Second, to Arrow business partners like Christ Kerby and Eric Melon with First Dealer Resources, Ford Motor Credit's Mary Dorsey and Gary Byrd, First National Bank's Scott Dueser, and Prosperity Bank's Ed Greenlee and Gary Galbraith. This community is about relationships and partners who stand with you through thick and thin.
Finally, to his customers community: Seaton has a belief that what you give out you get back, and the return of love and support from our customers and community turned those dark days bright. It was simple things that make the difference, like a ticket to the Fur Ball for Rescue the Animals or Abilene Christian Schools' Banquet or a free gold watch in support of Love and Care Ministries. When asked about the dark days, Seaton said, "It has all been about partnership and supporting each other as a family, staying focused, and working diligently towards one vision and one goal of creating Raving Fans."
In June
of 2013, the time had come for more changes as Seaton and Dorthie, his employee
partner of over 40 years, promoted themselves to the position of "Mentor" and turned
over the reins to the next generation. He promoted his daughter, Shanna Kevil, to
General Manager and Trennon Cauthen to Comptroller. Shanna and Trennon served in almost every role in the dealership, from Service
Manager to Sales Manager, and from Finance Manager to Office Manager. They
know and understand the needs of their customers. In Shanna's first year as General Manager, Arrow broke ground on it's third renovation and the dealership celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014. Arrow continues the legacy of H.S. Higginbotham by its steadfast dedication to Abilene and Big Country community and to helping customers accomplish their goals.