Parker County Today November 2016 | Page 25

David S. Irvin’s Positively Parker County G About Irvin PA R K E R C O U N T Y T O D AY David S. Irvin, The Portrait Photographers, is nationally recognized photographer. Irvin has photographed six presidents and a variety of celebrities, including Garth Brooks and Nolan Ryan. He has also been recognized by Kodak as one of the top 25 photographers in the United States. Irvin photographs notable families in the Fort Worth area who have ties to area businesses. To see additional photos by David S. Irvin, visit www.dsirvin.com NOVEMBER 2016 ilbert Pecan Company’s roots are long, reaching back to 1969 and pecan patriarch Bubba Gilbert’s decision to make the tasty nuts his business. In 1999, he branched out west, buying an orchard near Denver City, a small West Texas town 30 minutes this side of Hobbs and the New Mexico border. With the 2007 opening of a shelling plant in Santo, hometown for the Gilbert family, he effectively “cut out the middle man” and laid the foundation for a more competitive pricing model. The family store on I-20 at Santo opened in 2008. Gilbert’s daughters Kristy and Rhea own and operate the retail operation. “Growing up we did some with dad, but not a whole lot,” Kristy recalled. “We weren’t out in the fields gathering, but we always rode with him when he went to pick up or deliver pecans.” According to Kristy, peak pecan season is upon us and the holiday business bustle has begun. “October, November and December i s our busiest time of the year for sure,” she said, “right up until Christmas.” 23