FEB. 2025. Blues Vol 41 No.2

THE HISTORY OF HELFMAN

THE HISTORY OF HELFMAN AUTOThe legacy of Helman’s entry into theauto business dates back to 1959 when Alan’sgrandfather Samuel Helfman openeda used car lot on Washington Avenue justsouth of I-10 (The car lot was there forthe longest time under a variety of differentowners from W&R Auto Sales to Buddy’sUsed Cars). Alan’s dad, Jack Helfman,worked alongside his father Samuel honinghis sales skills while at the same timehelping to build a successful used cardealership. That experience gained over13 years working with his dad laid thefoundation to what would become a successful39-year relationship with Chrysler.Fueled by the success of Helfman Motors,Jack began looking into the possibility ofselling new cars. He had his eyes set on asmall dealership, inside the loop, ownedby a local businessman named Bob Ring.Soon the papers were signed, and in 1972the Helfman’s took control of River OaksChrysler Plymouth. Unfortunately, SamuelHelfman would pass away shortly after theHelfman’s acquired the new dealership.During Jack Helfman’s years of successas a dealer, he had been very involved inthe community. For more than 30+ years hehad been a major contributor to the SevenAcres Jewish Senior Care Services, a nursinghome in the Houston area. Contributingnot only money, but his time as well.Throughout his years of service to SevenAcres, he donated wheelchairs, walkers,and other supplies as they were needed. Healso encouraged his children into the serviceof the elderly, and on many occasions,they would spend their time reading to theresidents. When it came time for the annualSeven Acres Jewish Senior Care ServicesGala, he would donate a car or truck forraffle, and personally make the calls necessaryto sell the raffle tickets. In 2001 JackHelfman and his wife Elaine were presentedwith the 2001 Sprit of Life Award at thatyear’s annual Seven Acres Gala. But this isonly one of many charities he had givento. He annually, contributed to: The UnitedJewish Federation, Muscular Dystrophy,March of Dimes, United Way, and many others.Seven Acres is simply the one believedto have been closest to his heart.Jack Helfman had been honored over theyears for many achievements. In 2004 hewas the recipient of the 2004 Time MagazineQuality Award. That award was given96 The BLUES - FEBRUARY ‘25

to new car dealers for their exceptionalperformance in their dealership, and distinguishedcommunity service. This awardwas given to only 63 dealers out of nearly20,000. It was the highest honor achievableby a dealer. Jack was honored thathis son Alan decided at an early age tofollow in his footsteps into the auto business.Alan earned his business degree at UTand quickly adopted the strong work ethichis dad lived his entire work life. “Dad wasvery austere but fair,” Alan said. “He taughtyou a hard work ethic – work morning ‘tilnight, six days a week. Work hard and playhard. He didn’t have a lot of outside interests.We (the car industry) went throughsome tumultuous times in 2007 but he wasgrateful that we had something. He wasn’tthe kind of man to spend money on expensivehobbies or pastimes.” Jack Helfmanalso taught his son to give generously toworthy causes “as long as they were legitimate.”The Helfman family made a largecontribution toward the construction of theHelfman Football Field at Emery-WeinerSchool, where Alan and Renee Helfman’sthree children attended school – Blake, Ericand Caitlin. Today, Jack Helfman would beextremely proud of his son’s generosity andhis unending desire to help others.Tom Kennedy, a longtime editor of theHPOU’s Badge & Gun Newspaper, wrote agreat article about Alan a few years ago.Here is just some of that article on howAlan came to be known as “Mr. Humanitarianand Mr. Philanthropy.”Alan Helfman is the car dealer with aTCLEOSE (TCOLE now) Certification whoconstantly goes the proverbial extra milefor HPD Officers and other Law Enforcementcauses, using his sales ability onthe auction circuit to raise funds for Officersin need. The company chieftain in thewell-tailored suit always seems to havea phone in his ear. He crisply moves fromone call to another, juggling conversationsabout his car business or his extra-curricularpassion – auctioning sports memorabiliato raise funds for injured or ailing Houstonpolice officers. When soliciting auctionThe BLUES - FEBRUARY ‘25 97