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Virginia DuPuy knows the value of service. As president and CEO of DuPuy
Oxygen & Supply Company in Waco, Texas, she works to ensure that her
family's business provides outstanding service to its customers. And as
two-term Mayor of Waco, she carries that same passion for service into
the public sector. DuPuy recently sat down with Welding & Gases
Today to talk about her roles as a business leader and a civic leader—and
what it's like being summer neighbor to President Bush.
W>: What is your background?
I received my Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Baylor
University in Waco. When I was growing up, I wanted to be a business owner,
a Christian educator, a theater director, an actress, a mother, a teacher
of children's drama, art and creative writing, a writer, an illustrator
of children's books, an artist... and I got to do some of those things.
But when my husband asked me to join the family business, I knew…that's
it! I fell in love with the business. He turned the business over to me
18 months later.
What's the best part about working in a family
business?
The opportunity to be in business with our two sons. We have been in business
together now for almost 20 years. We complement each other's strengths
and are blessed to be working in an industry that affords a good life
for families. This means I get to see our four grandchildren often!
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| Virginia DuPuy (right) is interviewed by Waco
news anchors Bill Young and Julie Shelton for a CBS Early
Show segment in July 2006. |
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How did you come to be Mayor of Waco?
In order to give my sons and employees room to grow the company without
my close oversight, I gradually started moving into volunteer positions
on local boards where there were some opportunities to make a difference,
including the YMCA, Chamber of Commerce, Workforce Development Board,
Waco Business League and City Council District III. I was first elected
Mayor in May 2005, and was re-elected in May 2006.
It must be challenging to be a Mayor and a CEO
simultaneously. How do you do it?
Over the years, I had to learn to hire well, delegate effectively and
"turn over the keys" so that my sons and their associates could
grow the company. The city has a great City Manager with a good staff,
so I'm able to "just be Mayor"—a full time job in itself!—and
stay available when needed in the company.
How has your business background helped you in
your role as Mayor?
Hopefully my business background affords the city sound business executive
leadership, without micromanaging.
What are some of the projects you are working
on as Mayor?
The city is rapidly developing its downtown area and the Brazos River
Corridor. We are developing an Airport Park for aviation businesses, adjacent
to the Texas State Technical College. My key focus has been economic development
and young leadership development. We're one of the finalists for the Bush
Presidential Library, working closely with Baylor University on this effort.
George Bush's Ranch is ten miles outside of town in Crawford.
What are your thoughts on the importance of public
service?
I believe it's very important for business leaders to serve on community
boards and commissions. Our cities need business leadership and the perspectives
of the business community. We as business leaders expand our own horizons
through working with other business leaders and citizens. Leaders from
the educational, industrial and public sector can provide tremendous strength
to community development. The public sector needs the private sector perspective,
and vice versa. Public/private partnerships are growing throughout the
country as an effective means of building our cities.
What responsibilities do you think businesses
have to their local communities?
Businesses do not operate in a vacuum. Getting involved in the community
is the best way to understand that fact. As businesses, we have received
so much from our communities, so we should "give forward," and
one way is through community service. Plus, it's both gratifying and fun!
It adds spice to the workplace. Volunteer work gives you the opportunity
to work with folks other than your co-workers. There's a lot that can
be learned in the process.
How does DuPuy Oxygen & Supply Company "give
forward"?
At this point, the primary contribution is making it possible for me to
serve as Mayor. We also donate to numerous nonprofit organizations and
events throughout the community. Employees have helped with reading to
schoolchildren and mentoring young people through a program in one of
the high schools. Sponsoring baseball, basketball and soccer teams is
another service we provide. We have seven stores between Dallas and Austin,
and each store is selects their own means of contributing.
How would you describe DuPuy Oxygen & Supply's
role in the community?
We believe we are trusted to provide the very best service available in
our seven markets. That is our goal and our commitment, daily.
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