Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
November 13, 2025- Bert Ogden Fiesta Chevrolet in Edinburg, Texas, marked a milestone achievement as Robert C. “Bob” Vackar and Janet Ogden Vackar were recognized once again for earning the 2024 Chevrolet Dealer of the Year award, a national distinction granted to fewer than 2 percent of Chevrolet dealerships. The award, presented by General Motors representatives Craig Vickers and Ashton Teasley, celebrates the dealership’s sixth overall win and fifth consecutive recognition.
“This is a phenomenal and almost impossible accomplishment,” Bob Vackar said during the ceremony, held at the dealership’s showroom. “Six total, five in a row. I don’t think anybody else in the United States has done that.” Vickers, Chevrolet Senior Zone Manager, reinforced that praise, noting, “We have 3,000 Chevrolet dealers across the country, and less than 2 percent win Dealer of the Year once. You’ve managed to win it six times now, and five in a row.”
The event, paired with the dealership’s annual Thanksgiving luncheon, brought together employees, leadership, and community partners. CEO Natasha del Barrio described the Fiesta Chevrolet team as “phenomenal” and emphasized their consistency. “Most dealers don’t ever do that,” she said. “There is something very special and very powerful about consistency, and not everyone can deliver that.”
Del Barrio also credited the Vackars for shaping both the company and the region. “You guys have seen the tremendous impact that the Vackars have had on this community,” she said. “I hope you all understand that the role you play everyday aids in their ability to do that.”
The couple, who lead the largest family-owned auto group in the Rio Grande Valley, were recognized not only for their dealership’s performance but also for their community involvement. Both acknowledged the employees who made the achievement possible. “We wouldn’t be anything without you guys,” said Janet Vackar. “From the salespeople to finance, to the people who clean after us at night… we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Bob Vackar added that the dealership’s success reaches far beyond the showroom floor. He shared that Edinburg’s city leadership frequently uses the dealership’s sales performance when recruiting new businesses. “They take our numbers and use them nationwide to bring companies here,” he said. “You’d be surprised how many heads turn. You all have an impact.”
That impact extended into the community during the ceremony with a donation benefiting the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. Connie Ramos, representing the organization, said the contribution will provide the equivalent of 25,000 meals. “Our 275 food pantries have seen double the numbers,” Ramos said. “With the check that we’ve got donated, it’s 25,000 meals that we’ll be able to help our community with. I’m very thankful for always being here for us.”
General Manager Billy Kelley expressed gratitude for both the recognition and the dealership’s ability to support others. “It starts with gratitude, but it ends with your hard work,” Kelley told employees. “Thank you for all your effort, all your wins, all your losses. We’re forever grateful.”
As the ceremony concluded, the Vackars reaffirmed their commitment to the region. “We are so happy to have all of y’all with us,” Janet Vackar said. “My dad is so proud, and my mother is too.”
