Arch “Beaver” Aplin III is a well-known American entrepreneur who co-founded and is the CEO of Buc-ee’s, a popular chain of convenience stores and travel centers. Buc-ee’s, founded in 1982 in Clute, Texas, has grown tremendously, becoming a highway mainstay in Texas and other states, known for its large stores, clean facilities, and broad product selections.
Early Life and Education
Arch Aplin III was raised in a family with a business background after being born in Lake Jackson, Texas, in 1958.
He learned the virtues of hard labor and customer service from his grandparents, Arch and Mae Aplin, who had a general store and gas station in Harrisonburg, Louisiana.
Aplin attended Texas A&M University to further his education, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction. In addition to imparting technical skills, his stint at the institution encouraged his entrepreneurial drive.
Founding of Buc-ee’s
Together with Don Wasek, Aplin opened the first Buc-ee’s location in Lake Jackson, Texas, in 1982 when he was just 24 years old. “Buc-ee’s” was derived from Aplin’s nickname as a boy, “Beaver,” and his Labrador Retriever, Buck. The store immediately became well-known for its spotless facilities, extensive snack menu, and welcoming staff.
Under Aplin’s direction, Buc-ee’s opened restaurants in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Colorado in addition to Texas. The chain will have 50 operating sites in the US by 2024.
Net Worth of Arch Aplin iii
Estimates of Arch Aplin III’s net worth vary:
- Some sources estimate his net worth at approximately $55 million as of 2025.
- Other reports suggest a significantly higher net worth, estimating it to be over $500 million.
These variations may stem from differing assessments of Buc-ee’s valuation and Aplin’s ownership stake.
Philanthropy and the Aplin Center
Aplin gave $50 million to Texas A&M University, his alma mater, in 2022, making a major charitable commitment. One of the biggest gifts the university has ever received from a single source is this kind donation.
The Aplin Center, a cutting-edge academic building intended to function as an immersive learning laboratory, will be built thanks to the donation. The Aplin Center, which is situated across from the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, will concentrate on fields like food product development, retail studies, and hospitality. By giving students real experience in these areas, the center hopes to help them develop a pragmatic grasp of the sector.
Aplin wants the center to be a gathering spot where the Aggie culture may flourish and a location that is a model of hospitality. The Aplin Center should be “a happy place” that has a great influence on kids for many years to come, he said.
Physical Attributes of Arch Aplin iii
Height: Approximately 6 feet (183 cm)
Weight: Around 81 kg (179 lbs)
Major Awards and Recognitions
Aplin’s business achievements and significant involvement in turning Buc-ee’s into a nationally recognized brand earned him recognition as a 2023 Texas Business Hall of Fame Inductee.
The McLane Award for Leadership in Business (2022) was presented by the Mosbacher Institute at Texas A&M University to recognize Aplin’s outstanding contributions to business and public service.
The M.B. Zale Visionary Merchant Award honors Aplin’s creative retail strategy and his trailblazing leadership in the convenience store sector.
2023 Friend of Wildlife Award: Aplin’s efforts to assist wildlife and natural resource programs earned him this award, which recognized his dedication to conservation.
Additional Honors
Grand Marshal of the 2024 Houston Rodeo Parade and Livestock Show: Aplin was appointed Grand Marshal of this illustrious occasion honoring Western history and camaraderie in appreciation of his contributions to Texas culture and industry.
Arch Aplin Wife & Children
Wife: Arch Aplin III is married to Joanie Aplin.
Children: Together, they have five children:
- Abbey-Elizabeth Aplin
- Katherine Aplin
- Arch Hartwell “Hart” Aplin IV
- Lauren Aplin
- Joshua Aplin
Family Legacy
Father: Arch Hartwell Aplin Jr., who pursued a career in construction in Texas.
Mae and Arch Aplin, grandparents, owned and operated the “Biggest Little Store,” a general store and gas station located in Catahoula Parish, Harrisonburg, Louisiana.
Because of Arch Aplin III’s business sense and entrepreneurial background, Buc-ee’s was established.
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Conclusion
Arch “Beaver” Aplin III is an innovative businessman whose life and work serve as a testament to the strength of creativity, perseverance, and civic ideals. As a co-founder and CEO of Buc-ee’s, he turned a single gas station in Texas into a well-liked nationwide brand that is renowned for its scalability, cleanliness, and customer service.
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Beyond his commercial achievements, Aplin has a strong foundation in public service and philanthropy. His $50 million gift to Texas A&M University to create the Aplin Center demonstrates his commitment to education and the training of the next generation of retail and hospitality executives. His many honors, such as his entry into the Texas Business Hall of Fame, demonstrate how widely his accomplishments are acknowledged.
Arch Aplin III remains a potent symbol of leadership, giving, and Texan pride, bolstered by a solid family base and motivated by his entrepreneurial background.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Arch Aplin III’s net worth?
Some sources estimate his net worth at approximately $55 million as of 2025.
Other reports suggest a significantly higher net worth, estimating it to be around $1 billion.
How did Buc-ee’s get its name?
The name “Buc-ee’s” combines Aplin’s childhood nickname, “Beaver,” and his Labrador Retriever named Buck. This unique combination inspired the brand’s name and its iconic beaver mascot.
How many Buc-ee’s locations are there?
As of 2024, Buc-ee’s operates over 50 locations across several states, including Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Colorado.
What is Arch Aplin III’s background and education?
Arch Aplin III was born in 1958 in Lake Jackson, Texas. He pursued a degree in Building Construction at Texas A&M University. In 1982, he opened the first Buc-ee’s store in Lake Jackson, Texas, partnering with Don Wasek.
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