Successes, but… tough times, tough going - The New Mexico Private 100

New Mexico Business Journal, Nov, 1991 by Jack Hartsfield

In tough times, the tough keep going. And New Mexico's top Private 100 companies are shining examples of what can be accomplished in an economic slump through perseverance, shrewd business judgment and downright intestinal fortitude.

Participants in this year's Top Private 100 rankings aren't just survivors, they're survivors whose efforts represent a significant contribution to the state's overall economy.

The companies come from every quarter of the state and represent thousands of jobs for workers -- and paychecks that turn over at least 2.5 times in the overall economy.

A statistical analysis shows that 56 percent of the Private 100 come from the Albuquerque area; 6 percent from Santa Fe; 5 percent from Farmington; 4 percent from Roswell; 3 percent each from Hobbs, Carlsbad and Las Cruces; and 20 percent from all other areas of the state.

Twenty-three of the companies are in the construction industry; 21 in the auto industry; 13 in oil and gas; 11 in food and beverages; 5 in computers; 4 are government contractors; and 23 are in other specialties.

Twenty-four percent of the firms employ 100-150; 23 percent, 50-100; 21 percent, 25-50; 12 percent 150-200; 11 percent, 200-300; and 9 percent, over 300.

Sales volume statistics are equally impressive: 1 percent represents over $100 million annually; 8 percent, $50-100 million; 5 percent, $40-50 million; 11 percent, $30-40 million; 9 percent, $20-30 million; 20 percent, $15-20 million; 31 percent, $10-15 million; and 15 percent, under $10 million.

Records show that 26 of the companies were established in the 1970s; 23 during the 1980s; 12 during the 1960s; and 19 during the 1950s. Twenty were established in the '40s and earlier.

TO QUALIFY FOR the Private 100 list, companies had to be privately held, which excludes cooperatives, not-for-profit organizations, health care facilities, utilities and financial services corporations.

The companies must have had gross revenues over $5 million and more than 25 employees. Precise gross incomes are not released in detail.

The Private 100 companies will be honored Nov. 7 at the Marriott Hotel in Albuquerque, including recognition of the group's most admired company as polled by the 100 companies themselves.

The Private 100 listing begins on page 12.

Below are some capsules and descriptions of the 1991 Private 100, including cameo descriptions of the top 10 companies in descending order based upon annual gross revenues.

1. Allsup's

Started in Clovis in 1956, Allsup's Convenience Stores, a chain of small grocery stores, gasoline outlets, fast foods and drinks, has grown to become New Mexico's leading Private 100 company with annual revenues of over $100 million. The company employs 1,900, 900 of them in New Mexico. Lonnie Allsup is chief executive officer and president and Barbara Allsup is chief financial officer, treasurer and secretary. This is the fourth year Allsup's has led the list with revenues of over $100 million.

2. Bradbury & Stamm Construction Co.

Bradbury & Stamm Construction Co., Inc., with chief executive officer and chairman of the board Robert J. Stamm, was established in 1923 and today has 155 employees, 150 in New Mexico. The general contractor and commercial building construction firm has revenues between $50-$100 million annually. The company is headquartered in Albuquerque. Steven D. Lords is chief financial officer and controller. The company ranked 10th last year.

3. Yates Petroleum Corp.

Yates Petroleum Corp., of Artesia was established in 1960 in the oil and gas extraction business and has since grown to a firm employing 205 and turning between $50-100 million each year. John A. Yates is chief executive officer and president and Dennis G. Kinsey is chief financial officer and treasurer.

4. Melloy Brothers Enterprises

As a holding company and owner of full service new and used automobile franchises, Melloy Brothers Enterprises, Inc., of Albuquerque has 185 employees with annual revenues of between $75-100 million annually. The company was established in 1957. R. E. Melloy is president and chief executive officer and P.C. Melloy is chief financial officer and secretary-treasurer. Melloy Brothers Enterprises ranked second last year.

5. Garcia Motors

Garcia Motors, an auto dealership for Toyota, Honda, Volvo and Suzuki, was established in 1967. The Albuquerque firm, with Sheilah Garcia as president and chief executive officer, also deals in real estate and investments. The company has 151 employees and annual revenues of between $50-100 million. Garcia Motors ranked seventh last year.

6. Jaynes Corporation

With J. Howard Mock as chief executive officer and board chairman, Jaynes Corporation has an excellent reputation in building construction. Established in 1946 in Albuquerque, the company employs 200 with revenues of between $50-100 million a year. Richard W. Rice is chief financial officer and secretary-treasurer. Jaynes ranked fourth last year.

7. Brewer Oil Company

Brewer Oil Company of Artesia, a petroleum jobber and owner of convenience stores, was established in 1958 and today has 255 employees. The company has revenues of between $50-100 million a year. Don Brewer is president and chief executive officer with Charley and Stanley Brewer as chief financial officers and vice presidents. Brewer Oil Company ranked sixth last year.