Name: Hlavinka, Terrance “Terry”
Title: General Manager of Hlavinka Equipment Co.
Texas A&M Class: 1985
Inducted: 2022
Biography
Terry Hlavinka grew up in East Bernard, Texas, graduating from East Bernard High School in 1981. With only forty-eight students in his class, it was relatively easy to become active in all aspects of student life, and it was expected. Terry was active in sports and served top leadership positions in FFA, class council, and student government.
Hlavinka graduated from Texas A&M University in 1985 with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics. He was a member of the Corps of Cadets and appointed to the Ross Volunteer Company. He was active all years in the MSC Hospitality organization. Terry was selected fish President of Puryear Hall and twice elected to the position of Yell Leader. Terry was influenced by others from every sector of the university life. After fish Hlavinka discovered that he needed a counselor to approve his class schedule, he walked into Dr. Curtis Lard’s office who assumed that role for the remainder of his college term. Terry later discovered that Dr. Lard would also serve as Academic Advisor for his Squadron Six military outfit. Dr. Howard Hesby’s mentoring and introduction to industry leaders and entrepreneurs were certainly impactful. Still an underclassman, Terry had just been elected junior yell leader and was detailed to go introduce the Aggie tradition to newly hired Coach Jackie Sherrill. Time later spent with Coach Sherrill at Aggie Bonfire and athletic events would cement a relationship that remains today. Terry attended all basketball games and often traveled with the teams. These trips provided a one-on-one opportunity for Coach Shelby Metcalf to share his philosophy and notable wit. Aggies from that era would be remiss not to mention the legendary impact of Dr. John Koldus who was truly a neighbor to students, especially those living on campus.
Today, Terry Hlavinka leads Hlavinka Equipment Co., a farm and construction equipment dealership with multiple locations in Texas and markets throughout the world. He is credited for establishing a variety of family entities and partnerships. Hlavinka Cattle Co. markets cattle and produces rice, cotton, corn, and soybeans on 25,000 acres spread across the coastal region. He and his brother, Kenneth, established Hlavinka Commodities Co. which operates bonded warehouses for commercial drying and storage of rice. He has branched into commercial development, including energy (petro and renewables), and entertainment and hospitality. The Typhoon Texas Waterparks are a realization of this effort. Under Aggie leadership, the Pyek Group now operates four parks in three of the top 25 markets in the U.S. It is not surprising that Aggie leadership and participation are common incidences across the portfolio of businesses.
Mr. Hlavinka’s professional leadership development activities have included participation in the USA Rice Leadership Development Program under the direction of the USA Rice Foundation. Terry is a proud a cohort of Texas Lifetime Leadership Program (TAMU TALL X ’08) which is a comprehensive state and global agricultural program requiring two years of classroom instruction along with domestic and foreign travel.
Active in the local community, Mr. Hlavinka has served as an Alderman on the City Council and was President and Board Member of the East Bernard Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture. He has coached Little League baseball and managed softball teams. He has been active over the years at various levels supporting area county fairs especially the Wharton County Youth Fair. Mr. Hlavinka also continues to be an advocate for Texas A&M University. He has participated as a Director, Past President, and Lifetime Member of the Texas A&M Former Yell Leaders Association. Terry has been a director and Muster Chairman for the Wharton County A&M Club and served as guest speaker for Aggie Muster. Mr. Hlavinka is a member of The Association of Former Students, Champions Council, 12th Man Ambassador, Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association, and Texas A&M Letterman’s Association. Terry enjoys learning along with A&M students through events such as the MSC Fall Leadership Conference, the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, and the occasion to interact as a “Prof-for-a-Day.”
Mr. Hlavinka married his high school sweetheart, Susan Marie Lewis, in 1986. The marriage was celebrated at Holy Cross Church in East Bernard where they remain active parishioners. The couple has four children, Tara ’13, Lauren ’16, Blake ’18, and Patrick ’23. Terry still enjoys water skiing and snowboarding. He has competed in several running events, qualifying, and running the Boston Marathon three times. Today, Susan and Terry mostly enjoy spending time with their growing family, including the four grandchildren, which often includes backyard cookouts, lake trips, and lots of Aggie football games.