Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
On August 13, 2025, the Rio Grande Valley marked a milestone as the Bert Ogden Auto Group hosted the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Genesis of Harlingen. Located at 8621 W. Expressway 83 Frontage, the sleek new dealership brings the luxury South Korean automotive brand to the region for the first time, offering customers a state-of-the-art buying experience. Guests included community leaders, business partners, and corporate representatives from Genesis Motor America, all gathering to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Genesis, launched as an independent brand in 2015, has rapidly earned a reputation for combining high performance, award-winning design, and cutting-edge technology. The new Harlingen dealership represents not only the expansion of the brand but also the Bert Ogden Auto Group’s commitment to innovation, customer service, and community investment. For Chairman and Dealer Principal Robert Vackar, Chairwoman and President of Marketing Janet Ogden Vackar, and CEO Natasha del Barrio, the event was a testament to years of vision and hard work.
The program opened with words of gratitude from Natasha del Barrio, who invited Dr. Milton Gonzalez to deliver an invocation. Dr. Gonzalez spoke warmly about the Vackars’ generosity and their belief in honoring God through their work, calling them “philanthropists” and emphasizing that their business is “not in the car business, but in the people business.” His prayer asked for blessings over the new facility, the team, and the community it will serve.
Janet Ogden Vackar expressed heartfelt thanks to the general managers, praising Michael at the Mercedes store for his outstanding work and calling Richard “a jewel” for the Genesis of Harlingen location. She said the organization is truly blessed with an exceptional team, adding, “Our managers are awesome.”
Robert Vackar described Genesis as “one of the best-kept secrets in the auto industry,” highlighting customer testimonials and the need to build awareness for the brand. He also spoke of expanding the company’s presence in the Lower Valley and praised Harlingen’s growth and leadership.
From the corporate side, Cameron Wagner, Genesis Senior Group Manager, Regional Operations, South-Central Region, and Jonathan Payne, Regional General Manager for the South Central Region, expressed their appreciation for the Bert Ogden Auto Group’s partnership and commitment to the Genesis brand. Payne presented a symbolic gift — a Moon Jar, representing prosperity and good fortune in Korean culture — as a gesture of goodwill and shared vision.
The dealership’s General Manager, Richard Lipsey, took the opportunity to educate guests on the uniqueness of Genesis vehicles, emphasizing that each model is engineered exclusively for the brand with no shared components with Hyundai. He invited attendees to experience the cars firsthand and provide feedback.
The celebration also drew remarks from local leaders, including Dr. Christian Corrales, Board Chairperson of the Greater Chamber of Harlingen. Also, from Armando Villarreal, Director of Memberships & Events for the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The evening concluded with a dual ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce and the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Beyond the celebration, the grand opening of Genesis of Harlingen stands as another chapter in Bob and Janet Ogden Vackar’s entrepreneurial story. From their leadership in growing the Bert Ogden Auto Group into a network of 25 dealerships with over 30% market share in the region, to their extensive philanthropic efforts, the Vackars have built more than a business — they have created a lasting legacy. Their dedication to quality, community, and vision continues to shape the future of the Rio Grande Valley.
Roberto Hugo gonzález is the 2009 SBA Journalist of the Year Award Winner and the 2009 and 2012 Paul Harris Award recipient.
