Sadler’s Marine recognized as Texas Treasure after 67 years in Jacksonville

Sadler’s Marine and Sporting Goods in Jacksonville is celebrating 67 years in business after being recognized as a Texas Treasure Historic Business.

JACKSONVILLE, Texas — Sadler’s Marine and Sporting Goods has been part of the Jacksonville community for nearly seven decades.

The longtime family-owned business was recognized Friday as a Texas Treasure Historic Business for its contributions to the community and Texas economy.

Robert Sadler, president and owner of Sadler’s Marine, said diversification, loyal employees and customers have helped the business continue growing over the years.

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“Diversifying, I would probably say, has been the key thing,” Sadler said. “And employees, key employees, loyal customers and diversifying your inventory.”

Sadler said he has been with the business for 56 years. During that time, the company has expanded beyond boating and fishing to offer products and equipment that serve people’s needs throughout East Texas, including farming and ranching equipment.

Community volunteer Shari Lee said Sadler’s has become a reflection of the Jacksonville community and its history.

“It does recreation, but it also does farming and ranching equipment,” Lee said. “So, you look at the whole dynamic of the community, and it is really found within these walls, within the equipment that they sell.”

Local officials, family members, employees, friends and community supporters gathered Friday for the recognition.

The Texas Treasure Historic Business Award program, created in 2005 and coordinated through the Texas Historical Commission, recognizes well-established Texas businesses that have operated for 50 years or more and contributed to the state’s economic growth and prosperity.

Lee said the designation is also a way to preserve and share the stories behind businesses that have helped shape Texas communities.

“The Texas Treasure designation is one of those that tells a story, and Jacksonville is such a great community,” Lee said. “And just to link that original story with the town was fun, and it’s a story that needs to be told.”

Lee said the designation can also bring attention to businesses that offer visitors something unique to their communities.

“It brings tourism, it brings economic development and it also just brings that unique thing that you can’t find anywhere else,” Lee said.

For Sadler, the recognition is not only about the company’s past. He said it also gives him motivation to continue adapting the business as customer needs change.

“Makes you more enthused,” Sadler said. “Makes you ready to make some more changes, changing with the time and makes you figure out if you want to get into a different line of merchandise. And, just keeps you enthused to keep going.”

While Sadler’s serves customers throughout East Texas, Sadler said Jacksonville remains the heart of the business.

“Jacksonville is our business,” Sadler said. “We sell Tyler, we sell Longview, we sell the surrounding cities, but Jacksonville is our main support.”

The family also supports the Jacksonville community through local partnerships, school grants and efforts to support other businesses.

After 67 years, Sadler said he hopes the business will continue serving Jacksonville and the surrounding communities for generations to come.