For those of us who were lucky to grow up in Pampa during the 90s can remember going into Frank’s Grocery Store with their parents or grandparents and always being warmly welcomed into the cozy, locally-owned establishment.
As the smiling face of Frank’s Grocery Store and grandson of the owners, Jeff Stevens was always so cordial and friendly with all who came through the door.
Personally, I always thought that Jeff was a family friend with the way he called my grandparents and I by name and conversed with us every time we went in there, and in a sense, he really was just that.
During his time in his grandfather’s store, Jeff got to know all those who came in and made a reputation as being one of Pampa’s sweethearts.
“In the grocery business, you’d see hundreds of people daily. But I’ve always liked the retail setting and enjoy being around people and the different personalities makes it fun.”
But Jeff’s friendly disposition didn’t stop at just the grocery store; he carried that sincerity with him everywhere and still does, a trait that was engrained in him at a very early age.
Started in 1967, Frank’s Grocery Store was owned and operated by Frank and Norma Morrison, who passed along their business etiquette and charm down the family line.
Jeff Stevens walked in the footsteps of his father and grandfather at a very early age, starting out as a sacker for the beloved business: a period of time that Jeff looks fondly upon.
“I do find myself looking back quite a bit on that. I was put on a schedule when I was twelve and that taught me a lot of responsibility,” he said.
“I really do appreciate my parents and grandparents raising me to realize what responsibility is and showing up to do something. I look back on that and I feel like that taught me a lot of good standards and responsibility and I learned a work ethic. It teaches you a lot about life and what it’s going to take to try to achieve something.”
At the age of 18, Jeff became the manager for Frank’s during his senior year, when he would marry his high school sweetheart, Tammy, who walked across the graduation stage proudly carrying his last name.
Spending approximately 20 years in the grocery business, Jeff also spent his free time buying and selling cars on the side; an interest and hobby that was beginning to pick up momentum.
With the support of his grandfather and growing family, Jeff was motivated to focus on his true passion and in 2009, jumpstarted his own car dealership, Xtra Auto Center, a business that has thrived for 15 years.
“It’s like that quote you hear; you don’t work a day in your life if you love what you do. I don’t even want to call it a job because it’s not a job. I enjoy doing what I’m doing and I have a great team around me.”
To be able to carry an optimistic and friendly spirit throughout the years doesn’t come easy to most, but for Jeff, his inspiration comes from a place deep within his heart and the advice of his grandfather still speaks to him today.
“One thing that he always said that really stuck with me was you’ve gotta take care of our customers because our customers are all we’ve got. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about the things he told me. We’re all kind of partial to our grandparents, but there was just something special to him and his encouragement. Just having that mentor and having his support.”
“He had a way about how he would handle himself in situations, and when some of those situations weren’t the best, he was always really calm, really collected and really patient and so I try to strive for that.”
“I’m glad that I was of the age where I could work for him and get that guidance. I want to be that dad and granddad for my family.”
As a father of four and a grandfather of three, Jeff wanted to ensure that his children and grandchildren receive that same guidance he was given, and according to him, Pampa is the perfect place to do so.
While many born and raised Pampa residents leave their hometown at some point, Jeff never had the desire nor inclination to and planted his roots deep within Pampa’s soil.
When inquired what it was that made him want to stay here, his answer was humble and honest.
“I’ve got everything I need right here.”
