Photo: From left are Justin Tindall, Tina Douglas, Mayra Banda, Ariel Moore, Heath Badders, Matt Handcock, and Donna Thomas. (Photo by Kelly Augustine)
Badders Law Firm named Medium Business of the Year
By Kelly Augustine, Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce
Most all in Nacogdoches are familiar with the distinctive two-story Badders Law Firm office located on North Street. Most likely, we can also recite the well-known “when it matters, call Badders” slogan. What we all need to know is the firm’s philosophy, the underlying reason for helping injured people.
Heath Badders, the number three of this three-generation law firm explained, “There is no growth or progress in our business or our community when benefits are only shared among a few select people. We have to put our clients’ interests before our own, and we apply that mindset to everything.”
That perspective along with a devotion to the town where founder Bill Badders started the firm can be seen in Badders Law Firm support of numerous local service organizations including the Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Foundation, the Solid Foundation Association, the Boys & Girls Clubs of East Texas and the Nacogdoches Jaycees Freedom Fest. For 60-years, Nacogdoches has benefitted from the success of Badders Law Firm, and the firm has experienced support from the town. “The people of Nacogdoches have been good to us. That’s why we are here,” Heath said.
Bill Badders founded the business in 1964, and his son Jeff Badders joined the practice in 1981. Jeff is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University and Baylor School of Law. Heath took a different path through environmental consulting after graduating from SFASU, before attending and graduating from South Texas College of Law in Houston, joining the family business in 2016. While at South Texas, Heath met fellow law student, future wife and now law partner Mari Weaver. Matt Hancock joined the Badders team in 2017. He is a South Texas College of Law graduate with a Doctor of Jurisprudence. Matt called Tyler, Tex. home until he worked with Jeff. He and his family made the decision to join Badders Law Firm and moved to Nacogdoches.
Today, Jeff, Heath, Mari and Matt work in five different office locations with 30 employees.
“We are helping people the best we can and working daily to continue to build our reputation for winning and doing the right thing,” Heath said. “For the future of our town, I hope to see opportunity grow for everyone, and that’s done through our businesses with all industries working together.”
For the outstanding leadership and contributions to the community, the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce is proud to name Badders Law Firm as the Medium Business of the Year, a Gary Justice Business Excellence Award sponsored by Regions Bank. The business will be honored at the chamber’s 102nd Annual Meeting & Membership Banquet on Sept. 24 at The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center. Tickets and sponsorships are available. Contact the Nacogdoches County Chamber at 936-560-5533 for more information.
