Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Our People: Native son keeper of Christmas tradition for Cannon Airmen

Justin Stagner was born and raised in the Clovis/Portales area. He left after graduating from Portales High School to join the Navy. Following his naval service, he returned to the Clovis area to work for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railway. In 2001, he started a new career in auto sales and is the used car manager for the local Bender dealership.

He is married to Sarah Stagner of Clovis. Both are involved in community events. The two are recognized for and are passionate about their service to the Annual Single Airmen Christmas Party at Cannon Air Force Base. Every year, the couple raises funds to host a fun evening for the young men and women serving at Cannon. In 2016, they estimated gifting and feeding over 400 men and women stationed at Cannon.

Stagner and his wife are both committee of 50 members and when service called to continue the tradition started by Al and Freddie Jolly, the two jumped at the chance to help.

What do you like about your job?

I really enjoy my job and the relationships I've created over the years. I've never really looked at customers as just a sale because I always want to make friends with them. Some of my best friends started out as customers. I know "car guys" can have a bad reputation but it's part of my mission to get rid of that stereotype because some of the best people I know, both locally and nationally, are the car guys.

What don't you like about your job?

The only downfall to my job is time commitment. The work hours can be long and hard. Other than that I can't think of anything else I dislike about the car business.

What's your idea of a perfect day?

My idea of a perfect day is definitely spending time with my wife and kids and probably cooking something.

What's your favorite song at the moment?

I think the music on my phone would surprise most people. It ranges from Chance the Rapper to Chris Stapleton. My favorite music at the moment is anything by NF, who is a Christian rapper.

What's so great about your favorite sport?

My favorite sport to watch is football, specifically Dallas Cowboys football and favorite sport to play is basketball.

What's your favorite taste?

My favorite taste is green chile. It's something we are lucky as New Mexicans to have access to. You travel outside of New Mexico and people don't even know what it is sometimes.

What's your favorite smell?

My favorite smell is definitely smoke coming from my BBQ smoker on my back porch. There is nothing like it. That smell means a great meal is coming up.

What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is "Stop being average" by Eric Thomas. It's plain and simple. Don't' be average at work. Don't be an average husband or dad. Whatever it is you do, be great at it.

If you could master one instrument, what would it be?

Without a doubt it is the guitar. I have no musical talent so I don't see that ever happening, but listening to a great guitarist is really amazing.

Tell us about your greatest individual accomplishment?

Being a good dad. I have a great relationship with my kids and I hope to always lead them in the right direction.

- Compiled by The News Correspondent D'Nieka Hartsfield