Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office of the SBA

The Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office of the SBA has recently unveiled Tommy Graham’s Paint and Body as a distinguished SBA Legacy Business. Among the 68 Legacy Businesses nurtured by the SBA’s guidance, Tommy Graham’s Paint and Body stands out, gaining nationwide recognition as part of the agency’s 70th-anniversary festivities.

This declaration comes on the heels of a significant event: SBA Administrator Guzman’s recent visit to the New York Stock Exchange, where she marked the SBA’s milestone anniversary by ringing the closing bell. This occasion celebrated Legacy Businesses that, with the SBA’s support, have transformed from modest startups into some of the most well-known brands in the United States.

SBA Regional Administrator Ted James remarked, “The Legacy Businesses embody the deep-rooted history and traditions that have influenced communities throughout the South-Central region. I am privileged to acknowledge their tenacity and unwavering commitment to success as the SBA commemorates 70 years of bolstering small businesses.”

Angela Burton, district director, highlighted the SBA’s longstanding dedication to nurturing entrepreneurship, promoting innovation, and offering vital support to countless individuals who ventured into the realm of establishing and expanding small enterprises. Recognizing the Legacy Small Business from the SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District is a profound honor.

The inception of Tommy Graham’s Paint and Body dates back to 1978 when the late Thomas Graham initiated the venture with the aid of an SBA 7(a) guaranteed loan. As the business thrived, it expanded and transitioned from a rented space to its current location, procured in 1986.

Mark Magouirk, who began his journey with Mr. Graham at the age of 14, assumed leadership responsibilities when Mr. Graham and his wife could no longer manage the business. In 2007, Mr. Magouirk sought guidance from a Small Business Development Center business advisor at the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce. With support in crafting a business plan and addressing technical aspects, he continued to advance the business.

In 2010, following Mr. Graham’s passing, Mr. Magouirk took ownership of the business while preserving its original name as a tribute. Tommy Graham’s Paint and Body has consistently garnered awards and recognitions and remains a cornerstone of Harlingen City.

Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mark Magouirk ensured his team’s continued employment with assistance from the Paycheck Protection Program.

Expressing deep gratitude, Mark Magouirk shared, “Being acknowledged as an SBA Legacy Small Business is an immense honor. Our legacy reflects our past endeavors and challenges, but its true value lies in the positive impact these efforts have on shaping someone’s future.”

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