TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Ledwell employees gather in 2025.
As we step into 2026, we are not just turning the page; we’re writing the next chapter in a story that began 80 years ago with my grandfather’s vision and determination. In 1946, Buddy Ledwell and his father started Ledwell with little more than grit, ingenuity, and a belief that hard work and quality would always matter. That belief still drives us today. Every weld, every design, every product reflects the same values that built this business: Quality. Grit. Legacy. Family. These aren’t just words— they’re the foundation of who we are and why we have endured for eight decades. This milestone isn’t about looking back. It’s about moving forward with the same spirit that got us here. To our incredible team, customers, and partners: thank you for being part of this journey. The future of manufacturing is bright, and together, we will keep proving why American-made matters.
Matthew 6:3 tells us, “But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father who sees everything will reward you.” That mindset is deeply woven into the family’s faith and history, reflecting the biblical teaching that good work is meant to be done quietly, without seeking recognition. Generosity, in their eyes, is not performative. It is lived through private decisions, unseen kindnesses, and steady support offered without fanfare. This belief has shaped the culture of the company and the character of the family, reinforcing a legacy grounded in humility, gratitude, and purpose. The Ledwell story is, at its heart, about life and family. It is a story of perseverance, loyalty, and the determination required to overcome challenges that stop most people in their tracks. It reminds us that the American dream is not accidental. It is built through long days, steady faith, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. It is proof that the most meaningful legacies are not the loudest ones, but those that endure, carried forward by people who choose to build something lasting together. Steve, Lesley, and the entire Ledwell organization genuinely appreciate their 30,000 customers, the Texarkana community, county, and state, including the firemen, police officers, and all those who help them make a living. Steve Ledwell said it simply: “We are grateful to live and work in Texarkana and are blessed to give back to a community that has given so graciously to our family and the entire Ledwell organization.”
Here’s to 80 years of excellence and to the next generation of builders who will carry this legacy forward.”
—Lesley Ledwell Dukelow, President, Ledwell
Sources include personal interviews and The Ledwell Family book.
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BUSINESS & POLITICS
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