Veteran-owned business celebrates anniversary

CenTex Inspection Services, which offers buyer’s, seller’s, mortgage, new home, new construction and 11-month warranty inspections, recently celebrated its first year in business. In addition to those services, the company conducts inspections of rental properties, retail and office spaces, townhomes, duplexes and condos. Their comprehensive website details their many services and includes a helpful blog.

The company recently attracted the attention of KXAN who sat them down for an interview, giving them enviable exposure for a relatively young company. CenTex is owned and operated by Shawn Patterson, an army veteran who volunteered for service one month after the September 11 terrorist attack. As a soldier, he was part of the first wave of ground troops to enter Iraq in 2003. After his tour, he returned to Austin, completed his education, and held several positions, the most recent as Director of Operations at The Long Center, before opening CenTex Inspection Services.

Now a Wimberley resident, Patterson said in a recent interview that being based in Wimberley is the perfect geographic location for his business that now serves 16 counties. “We’re one hour from everywhere — Austin, San Antonio and the rest of the Hill County,” he said. Not only did he applaud Wimberley for its excellent location, he commended the small business climate that he finds here.

“This community is really great. The small business owners really support each other. It’s psychologically grounding to have this support, especially when creating a company from the ground up,” he continued.

When pursuing a marketing strategy, he found a willing partner in Maggie Carpenter at Wimberley Donuts who helped him brand donut boxes. And when he needed the services of a filmmaker to help him launch his business, he turned to Kris Green of Wimberley Films. Each month he does business reports at the Shade Tree Cigar Lounge under the watchful eyes of owner Chad Smith and Kirby Rogers, who are all about keeping him comfortable.

“I love Wimberley. As a boy, I spent time here fishing on property owned by my grandfather. It is a magical place — and I got here as soon as I could.” Recently married, Patterson shares his home with his wife, three dogs and a cat.