Pub. 57 2016-2017 Issue 2

14 T he Kultgen family of Waco has been an extraordinary leader in Central Texas for 80 years. From first gen- eration family icon J.H. Kultgen to fourth generation Claire, the Kultgen name stands for integrity and commu- nity. Employing literally thousands of Texans in those eight decades, Bird Kultgen Ford has contributed to the quality of life of every person, town and business in and around McLennan County. J.H. (Jack) Kultgen, in addition to founding the business in 1936, also started the Kultgen family on its way to building a better Texas. A close advisor to President Lyndon Johnson in the 60’s and 70’s, Mr. Kultgen served as Chairman of the Texas Highway Commission, which is one reason why Inter- state 35 through Waco is named the J.H. Kultgen Freeway. His influence and leadership are seen in the churches, hos- pitals, schools and charitable institutions that are essential to Waco and Central Texas. That dealership culture continued with Jack Kultgen’s grandsons Peter and Ed who built an impressive facility on the Waco loop when it was brand new, and is now Auto Row. Peter and his daughter Claire are the dealers now celebrat- ing the 80th anniversary of Bird Kultgen Ford. Claire is a founding member of TADA’s Texas Dealer Academy and is one of the young leaders ensuring TADA’s successful future and that of an essential Texas industry.  THEKULTGENSOFWACO EightyYearsofServicetoTexas