Pub. 55 2014-2015 Issue 4

33 SUMMER 2015 acknowledged on a bulletin board. Aerial photos line the walls in sequence, dating back to the small, original building near the square, to what has grown into one of GM’s top dealerships. It’s a perfect portrayal of Durant’s hard work and accomplishments. “It’s unbelievable,” he said as he gazed over the photographs. “Not in my wildest dreams would I have thought I’d be in the same business 45 years later.” When asked what kept him going strong in the industry all these years, Durant said timing was key. “Every time I had an opportunity to move off, those doors would close down and there would be a greater opportunity for me to expand and stay where I was,” he said. “I think it’s just what I was supposed to do.” Weatherford has changed a lot sinceDurant purchased that defunct dealership on a lonely stretch of Interstate 20 some 45 years ago The once historic outpost has become the residence of choice for many in past decades, morphing from a sleepy bedroom com- munity mostly dotted around Main Street to the bustling and ever-expanding city that you find there today. Durant says, “It is still one of the greatest places to call home in North Texas. Al- though Weatherford has grown and changed a lot, we still retain that sleepy atmosphere and are still right on the edge of West Texas. You can drive a few miles down the road and still be in the country.” Jerry and his brother, Tom, both grew up having the support of both parents. While his father helped finance that first dealership, his mother made the drive regularly fromGranbury to Weatherford to help him manage it. So he knows that everyone needs a helping hand. Not only did Durant gain his strong work ethic from his fam- ily, he also gained an innate generosity and sense of civic duty. He never envisioned the impact that he would have on the com- munity. The success of his business has allowed him to invest in and give back to Weatherford and surrounding cities in some very tangible ways. Shaping the Future of Weatherford Tammy Gazzola is president of the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce. She says, “When asked how Jerry Durant has impacted our community, the best way I can respond is that I cannot think of a bigger champion for our community.” Gazzola has worked side by side with Durant on many projects and is thankful to have a partner like him in promoting Weatherford throughout the region. “Jerry is the first to step in to help, and one of the things I admire most is that he doesn’t wait to be asked. He is proactive and sincere in his support.” For instance, the long-term relationship that Durant has with the Parker County Animal Shelter has had a huge local impact. Dustin Deel serves as interim director of Animal Services. The first words out of Deel’s mouth are, “That man is awesome!” He  JERRY DURANT — CONTINUED ON PAGE 34