Texas Tech Bestows Highest Honor Upon McCoy’s CEO

Texas Tech Alumni Association has named McCoy's Building Supply CEO Brian McCoy as a 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in recognition of his personal and professional achievements and outstanding humanitarian service.

Brian McCoy developed a passion for the family business early in life, along with a work ethic that defines him to this day. He grew up on Galveston Island and began his career working summers in his father’s lumberyard, restocking product and filling customer orders in the brutal coastal heat. McCoy’s Building Supply Center was a success, and the company soon grew to 11 locations.

When time came for Brian to head to Texas Tech in 1972, his father’s expectations were high. Emmett McCoy encouraged his children to earn their degrees quickly, while remaining involved at work. His middle son was up to the challenge, securing a degree in finance in three years while working long hours at the Lubbock McCoy’s location.

Brian McCoy’s college experience would continue to shape him in the coming years. He realized he could accomplish a lot with the right combination of character, continuous learning and hard work. Decades later, Texas Tech Alumni Association has named McCoy as a 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, in recognition of his personal and professional achievements and outstanding humanitarian service. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association and the University.

Quick to acknowledge the contributions of others, McCoy attributes his success to a supportive family and committed employees. “I am sincerely grateful for the recognition from the Texas Tech Alumni Association,” says McCoy. “I want to express gratitude to my family and everyone at McCoy’s for the hard work and dedication it takes to make our operation successful.”

McCoy’s Building Supply is a fourth-generation, family-owned supplier of building materials with 83 locations in five states. Brian McCoy has been actively involved in the company for over 40 years, serving as President and CEO since 2001. Although the chain is headquartered in San Marcos, McCoy's hands-on approach requires constant travel. "Brian spends at least three days each week out in the field, visiting our stores," explains James Lewallen, VP of Store Operations. "He loves getting feedback and ideas from both customers and employees on the ways our company can serve them better. And it's no secret to people who know him best that those are his favorite days of every month."

Through McCoy’s leadership the company has established a “Business As Unusual” culture, which emphasizes putting people ahead of profits and giving first to others. McCoy’s leadership has also inspired his daughter, Vice President of Field Support Meagan McCoy Jones. “I feel deeply fortunate to have grown up with such a motivating father and mentor,” says Jones. “He’s always been distinguished to us – a distinguished business leader, boss, co-worker, Dad, and ‘Gramps.’ We’re thrilled he can add Distinguished Alumnus to the list and be so honored by the school he loves.”

McCoy is also a partner in McCoy Remme Ranches, a cow-calf operation with land holdings in far West Texas. He serves on the boards of the Lumbermen's Association of Texas & Louisiana and Intimate Life Ministries. Additionally, McCoy is president of the board of the McCoy College of Business Administration Development Foundation at Texas State University in San Marcos.

The Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented to Brian McCoy on Friday, November 9, 2012 during a ceremony in the McKenzie-Market Alumni Center. The program will include a reception, dinner and a video biography highlighting the recipient’s life and accomplishments. Since 1967, the Texas Tech Alumni Association has reserved this award for the most prestigious graduates of Texas Tech University in honor of their professional achievements, contributions to society and support of the university.