The hard working ethic of Gene Laas

A little hard work won’t kill you, are words uttered by many a father to their sons. Once a person has a good work ethic, it will last a lifetime. Gene Laas is the living example of that saying, and at 80 years old, just like the Energizer bunny, he just keeps going and going.

The next time you visit Brookshire Brothers in Wimberley, and once in a while at Brookshires Canyon Lake store, he’ll be there stocking the shelves making sure those needed items are on display for you.

His store manager in Wimberley, Dalen Welch is impressed with Gene. “Persistence and dedication to his job,” Welch said when asked to describe Gene in a few words. Words that any boss would love to say about any employee.

But it is easy to see how Gene has led his life. Born in Hallettsville in 1940 and moving to Flatonia to follow his dad’s job at Texaco. He was an only child, close to both his parents.

“Although my Dad only had a 6th grade education, he never let this stop him from providing for his family. These locations were totally in the rural country and when we moved to Houston, it was quite a culture shock, “but we quickly adjusted,” he continued. “At 12 years old I got a paper route, bicycle and all. I did this until I graduated high school (Lutheran High School) at the age of 18.”

Spending his formative years working on cars with his dad it became a love. Working on cars and listening to them purr never left him becoming a lifelong passion.

“I attribute my work ethic to my Dad and the values he instilled in me during my whole life. Never say never!”

After graduation, he joined the Air Force for four years, then back to Texas and a job at Coca-Cola. Back in 1963, Coca-Cola was the King with a capital K. Coke sales in supermarkets and across the country were skyrocketing and continued for most of Gene’s tenure with Coke over 30 years.

Starting out as a route salesman for seven years, he was promoted up the ladder to Division Service Manager over East and South Texas. He was responsible for over 250 employees. He retired in 2001.

He had known his wife, Sharon, for over 49 years and they married in 1997. “Gene knows only two gears. Fast and faster,” Sharon said. Gene has a stepdaughter and one grandchild.

They both became acquainted with Wimberley and the area when relatives moved here. They have been here for twenty years. He has been at Brookshire Bros. for 17 years and enjoys it immensely.

“There is no title to my job, but I would always want everyone to know I will what do what needs to be done and do it right. I truly enjoy assisting the customers who come in and have established friendships with many of them,” he said.

In his free time, he does have one passion.

“My real off the job enjoyment has included a love affair with Street Rods, and I just happen to own a 1931 Ford Coup painted Red to match Coke’s color,” Gene said. “We go to shows around the area and just spend a weekend wherever it may be.”

Looking back, he is happy where he is.

“I have been very blessed in my life and I never forget it; appreciating the roads that got me to where I am now and in the future,” Gene said.