Arch “Beaver” Aplin III was born in Southeast Texas and earned a Bachelor of Construction Science from Texas A&M University in 1980. In the summer of 1982, he opened the first Buc-ee’s store in Clute, Texas, near Lake Jackson. He named it using his own childhood nickname, the name of his dog, and inspiration from a cartoon beaver mascot. From that single store, he built a chain of travel centers that grew into more than fifty locations across Texas and the southern United States by mid 2025, offering fuel, food, and clean restrooms as hallmarks of his brand.
Aplin worked with his business partner Don Wasek on this journey and became known for his focus on cleanliness, especially in restrooms, and low prices on essentials like ice. He stayed deeply involved in his community, serving as chair of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, on Texas A&M alumni boards, and on state advisory boards. He received awards such as the M.B. Zale Visionary Merchant Award, the 2022 McLane Leadership Business Award, and the 2023 Friend of Wildlife Award. He lives in Texas with his wife Joanie, and they have five children.
Art Favre, founder of Performance Contractors, Inc., is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $1.2 billionas of 2025. His wealth comes from building a major industrial construction business that earns over $1.2 billion in annual revenueand covers large-scale projects across the Southern U.S. He reinvested and expanded his firm steadily, and he also owns The Wharf at Orange Beach resort and marina, which adds value to his personal holdings.