Don Hart
Don Hart, is a native of Waller County, Don graduated from Waller High School in 1977 and married his high school sweetheart, Betty Kay McCaig, in 1978. After working in the radiator business in East Texas for a few years, Don and his dad, Maurice Hart, Sr., opened Don Hart’s Radiator in Waller in 1985. What started out as a three-person operation has grown into three locations employing 50 employees. Don and Betty Kay are especially proud that their three children are now part of the business, making them the 5th generation in the radiator business. Several nephews and great-nephews are also part of the team.
Don has spent the past 38 years building Don Hart’s Radiator and Hart Heat Transfer into a business that services customers throughout Texas, the United States, and even internationally. You’ll often see massive pieces of equipment waiting for repairs as you drive by on FM 362, and the Hart team travels all over the country servicing hospitals, universities, marine operations, sewer plants, and the like.
As a member of the Waller community, Don has watched the rapid growth of Waller, and wants to keep Waller a desirable place to live and work. “It’s exciting to see the growth and prosperity for Waller. I want to help shape that growth to benefit our citizens and existing businesses, and to make it an inviting place for new businesses.”
With three children now in the business, I have the time and, frankly the desire, to give back to my community. A good number of my family live here, and Betty Kay and I are committed to living here for the rest of our lives. I want to do all I can to keep Waller’s hometown atmosphere, no matter how big we get.
I feel my experience in building an established business has provided a lifetime of knowledge. My years in business have taught me how to manage people, make decisions and direct projects. I know property management and evaluation of equipment, vehicles, and machinery, all elements of a city operation. I think that will make me a valuable contributor to the City of Waller. A well-managed city makes for a desirable community for all of us to live in.
Don has always been involved in the community through church, civic organizations, volunteering, club sponsorships, and youth activities. He served on the International Heat Transfer Association board of directors, including a term as national president and chairman, and is accustomed to making management decisions.
Don is not all work and no play, especially since his three kids Elizabeth Hart Dominguez, Thomas Hart, and Rebecca Hart are carrying some of the workload. He enjoys spending time with his four grandsons and with the expanded family. Don and Betty Kay spend time “in the country” growing and cutting hay and managing a small cow/calf operation. He likes boating, fishing, and golf, and he and Betty Kay spend time in their motor home traveling around the United States.
