OK Pipe and Fittings, a family-owned and operated custom mitered fittings and pipe company headquartered in Moscow, Texas, was honored with the Texas Family Business of the Year Award, Small Business. The award, part of the John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise in Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business, was announced during late November's 2021 Baylor Impact Awards celebration.

In a statement released by Baylor University, “The Impact Awards were created to recognize successful Baylor alumni-owned or alumni-led businesses and Texas family-owned businesses. Each year, awards are given out in recognition of businesses that have made transformational impacts on the community, industry, and company. All awards are exclusively for Baylor graduates, except for the Texas Family Business of the Year Award, which honors multi-generational, family-owned businesses committed to family and business continuity,” said Priscilla James, program manager of the Baugh Center.

OK Pipe and Fittings has a deep history within the PVF community. Family-owned and operated for 20 years, Owners Gabe and Krystal Hatfield are the second generations in the business, which was started by Gabe's father Dave, who has more than 40 years in the PVF industry. The company's commitment to the PVF industry and its company, customers, and community has made it an award contender for several years.

“Receiving this award means so many different things to each of us. I received both my BBA and MBA from Baylor University, and my brother Graham attended as well until his passing in 2000," said Gabe Hatfield. "Baylor’s memorial for students who passed while attending is the only place his name is written in stone. There will always be a deep connection for me personally, and my parents, to the university because of that.”

The Hatfields have a firm commitment to both customers and the community. “OK Pipe & Fittings is a business for the purpose of supporting the Hatfield family. However, stewardship, humankind, and our Christian principles demand a deeper commitment to the welfare of our employees, ensuring that they maintain a life-living quality standard above other places where they might work," Hatfield said. "Integrity has been and will be a constant in all OK Pipe & Fittings' endeavors.  Starting a family business is not easy, and even after 20 plus years, we still experience new obstacles and technology that must be mastered for us to continue to grow."

OK Pipe and Fittings is one of 10 companies recognized for their contributions. “They have such riveting stories about their families, overcoming hardships and making a difference among underserved communities,” James said of the businesses. “It’s important to recognize companies who are not only successful but are also difference makers, proudly representing Baylor in a variety of ways.”

More information can be found on the Baylor Impact Awards website.