Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Bert Ogden Auto Group’s Buick-GMC dealership has earned one of the highest honors in the automotive industry: being named 2024 Dealer of the Year by both the Buick and GMC divisions of General Motors. It’s a rare distinction—only two dealerships in Texas received both awards—and it places the Rio Grande Valley-based group in an elite category among more than 2,000 dealerships nationwide.
For CEO Natasha del Barrio, recognition is not just about performance metrics but also about honoring the people and community that have helped shape the organization over decades.
“It really is a testament to all of the support that the community has given this dealership and this dealer group over the last 50 years,” said del Barrio. “We definitely want to make the Rio Grande Valley proud, and this is one way that we do it. We’ve got the most amazing team. They work so hard—not everyone can do what they do. And they are good-hearted people. They care about our customers, deserve to see their name in lights, and have this moment of recognition.”
But del Barrio emphasizes that the dealership’s performance is grounded in values, not just volume. The culture is rooted in integrity, care, and personal connection.
“Our people are not just numbers. We don’t manage strictly by the numbers,” she explained. “We really try to build personal connections with all of our team members. I think that’s what makes them feel valued and seen and want to come in and give their very best.”
And how do you think this recognition reflects the leadership and legacy of Mr. and Mrs. Vackar?
The dealership’s legacy traces back to its founders, Robert C. Vackar, Chairman of the Board & Chief Performance Officer, and Janet Ogden Vackar, Co-Chairwoman & President of Marketing. The couple launched the business with a single Buick-GMC store, selling just 36 vehicles in its first month. Today, their vision has grown into the largest family-owned auto group in the Rio Grande Valley.
Del Barrio credits their leadership for instilling a culture of excellence that endures. “If you know Mr. and Mrs. Vackar personally, you know how much they care about people. They care about young people. They care about education. They care about their team members. They’re always recognizing them and acknowledging them,” she said. “But Mr. Vackar pushes us hard too—he’s driven for results. And so, I really think that this shows the same excellence that they carry themselves with every day.”
That philosophy is summed up in the company’s motto: “grace and grit.” As del Barrio explained, “The word grace represents Mrs. Vackar, and the word grit represents Mr. Vackar. But they carry themselves with the utmost integrity, professionalism, and dedication every day.”
What’s next for the Bert Ogden Auto Group following this milestone?
With continued growth and momentum, expansion is on the horizon. “We’re talking about a brand-new big dealership for these guys as soon as we can get them one,” del Barrio said, hinting at the next phase of the group’s development.
In addition to expanding, the company aims to climb even higher in industry rankings. In 2023, Bert Ogden Auto Group was ranked #49 in Automotive News’ Top 150 Dealers to Work For, reflecting its reputation as a top seller and employer. The goal now is to break into the Top 25.
The Dealer of the Year award is a symbol of success—but more importantly, it’s a validation of a people-first business model. “This recognition isn’t just for me—it’s for this team,” del Barrio said at the recent celebration. “Your talent, commitment, and passion make this team so special. Year after year, you accomplish what very few dealerships can.”
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