San Antonio auto dealer and businessman Ernesto Ancira Jr. was honored with the Entrepreneur and Innovation Award by TMI Episcopal, formerly known as the Texas Military Institute, on Oct. 7.

TMI’s Entrepreneur and Innovation Award recognizes entrepreneurship and innovation in collaboration with the school’s commitment to excellence, service and leadership. The award is presented annually to an individual who not only demonstrates success in entrepreneurship and innovation but also embodies the core values of the school: wisdom, integrity, service, excellence and reverence.

Ernesto Ancira Jr. is an entrepreneur and community leader with a long legacy. After growing up in Mexico City, he graduated from St. Edward’s University and gained leadership experience at Gillette and Kimberly-Clark. In 1972, a stop in San Antonio led him to recognize the need for Hispanic-owned dealerships in the area, and he met that need by establishing Ancira Enterprises.

Starting from a modest location, Ernesto expanded the business into a major automotive group, comprising 13 brands, 12 dealerships and over 800 employees. Ancira Auto became the region’s first Hispanic-owned, Spanish-speaking and minority-run dealership, as well as one of the most recognizable brands in South Texas.

Beyond business, Ernesto has held leadership roles with TADA, the Texas Department of Commerce and the San Antonio Economic Development Board. Honored by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Business Hall of Fame, he exemplifies entrepreneurship and civic dedication. A former student of TMI, he now proudly supports the school as a TMI grandparent to Gunnar Thompson, Hope Thompson and Henry Richardson.

During his remarks at the award luncheon, Ernesto said, “If this recognition means anything, let it be a reminder that true success is never solitary. It’s shared, it’s nurtured and it’s passed forward.”