Parker County Today July 2018 | Page 30

dreams of becoming a lawyer led him to work his way through Weatherford College. He graduated in 1931 and earned his law degree in 1936 from the University of Texas at Austin. He returned to Parker County, immedi- ately put up his shingle, and set the foundation for the firm of Borden & Westhoff. One of the law firm’s proud- est moments came in 1974 when Westhoff arrived to join the practice, having been licensed to practice law that year. Westhoff obtained his law degree from Texas Tech University. The firm then became Borden, Hand, Zellers & Westhoff. A new breed of young business owners had cropped up in Parker County around that time and many of them were working hard to estab- lish their businesses. Westhoff was someone tho se young business lead- ers soon began to look to for help when they had legal issues of almost any kind, from business contracts to divorces. Westhoff quickly went from being Borden’s protégé to becoming one of the firm’s greatest assets and a legal force to be reckoned with. Word spread quickly that Westhoff was a dynamic attorney — one that likes to win his cases and works tirelessly to see that he does.  Some of the charitable projects he’s supported include the Texas Pythian Home and Weatherford ISD, in various capacities, including the Education Foundation Board. Borden and Westhoff practiced law together continuously from 1974 until Borden’s death in 2011, at the age of 103.  Like Borden before him, Westhoff continues to help the people of Parker County, and that includes Ric Williamson Energizing Parker County Award — Chance Martin 28 Back in 2016, the oil industry crashed, leaving Chance Martin without a job. He had worked for the same company for more than eight years.  “I was devastated and unsure what would be my next move, but the challenge turned into the greatest opportunity, as I was able to start Hilltop Petroleum LLC,” Martin said. Running his own business hasn’t been without its share of difficulties, but Martin is proud of the work he does. “It has challenged and intimidated me on a daily basis, but I love figuring out how to make old wells function efficiently and effectively,” he said. A lifelong resident of Parker County, Martin admits to having had many role models who are influential leaders of the community and is grateful for the positive influence they have had on his life, but he credits one person above all. “I have been fortunate enough to have many inspiring role models in my life. The one that has inspired me through his work ethic, character and integrity would have to be my father,” he said. Martin wants to be actively involved in giving back to the community. “ … Parker County and its beautiful community has always been my home and I want to make sure I give back to her as much as possible. I always support local businesses, both personally and professionally. I also attend many commu- nity events and volunteer my time as much as possible to vari- ous organizations.” The kind of man who is most comfortable in jeans, boots and a pearl-snap shirt, his favorite place is at his home along the Clear Fork of the Trinity River. He is happiest “…when I am hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends,” Martin said. mentoring talented young lawyers. In 2014, Nicholas Harper joined the firm, shortly after obtaining his license to practice law. Harper graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis in 2003, and upon graduation, fulfilled his military commitment through service in the United States Marine Corps. He served one tour of duty in Afghanistan and achieved the rank of captain before his discharge.   “Nick shares the same integrity, honesty and drive of those who came before him,” Westhoff said. “He has become very involved in the commu- nity.” Under Westhoff’s leadership, today, as in decades past, the firm of Borden & Westhoff is known as the standard bearer in the legal and busi- ness community.