2009 Business Leader of the Year
Jason Hamlin
Vans Vans and More
A lifetime area resident, Jason was born in Jane Chinn Hospital in Webb City and attended College Heights Christian Schools.
Jason has always been “a worker”, with eyes wide open for opportunities. He was selling insurance when in the mid 1990’s he met Van and Tammy Benson who owned the Civic Place Auto Sales next to the old Civic Theatre on West Daugherty Street. Although there were only six or eight cars on the lot, Jason was soon detailing them and then buying Van’s “back row” trade-ins to sell after repairs and a thorough cleaning. Then later he became a part time salesman for Van.
About 1998 the growing business was moved to the corner of Main and MacArthur where higher visibility and traffic flow generated enough growth to nearly double the size of the lot necessary to accommodate their customers. Soon, with the help of Wally Shields, Butch Markham and Tracy Crider, Jason took the first steps to buy the business. Van and Jason shared the enlarged lot until Jason completed the purchase, whereupon the name was changed to Vans Vans and More. With sales growing each year a lot across the street was added and inventory reached approximately 150 vehicles. Two new buildings have been built, an office and a 2400 square foot shop, which is on the site of the former Mr. Swiss building.
Jason holds two business philosophies as his guiding light, “It pleases us to please you,” and from his grandfather, “Each problem is an opportunity.” Although the recent economic situation has been a bit of a challenge, Vans Vans and More and their team have been able to emerge better and stronger thanks to their loyal employees and faithful and repeat customers. The business was recently recognized by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating denoting ten years without a complaint.
Jason and his wife Becky are the proud parents of five “wonderful” children, all of whom work at Vans Vans. They are Peyton, Kambry, Christian, Kenzie and Cameron. Jason is active in the Downtown Preservation Committee, a volunteer on the Heritage Youth Development Capital Campaign and a Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce member, supplying dignitaries’ cars for the Chamber’s Christmas Parade. As a devout Webb City Cardinal fan, Vans Vans’ Cardinal bedecked station wagon can be seen displayed prominently all over town.
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