Arch “Beaver” Aplin III (born 1958) is an American businessman best known for founding and expanding Buc-ee’s, the iconic Texas-based travel center chain.
Born in 1958, Aplin has transformed a single convenience store into one of America’s most beloved and recognizable retail chains.
The Buc-ee’s empire has grown from a modest 3,000-square-foot store in Lake Jackson, Texas, to a multi-billion dollar business spanning multiple states.
Arch Aplin III Wikipedia
| Full name: | Arch Hartwell Aplin III |
| Nickname: | Beaver |
| Born: | 1958 (age 67 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Lake Jackson, Texas, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Parents: | Arch Aplin Jr. and Lorita Aplin |
| Education: | Texas A&M University (Bachelor of Construction Science, 1980) |
| Occupation: | CEO and President of Buc-ee’s |
| Spouse: | Joanie Aplin |
| Children: | Five (Anne-Elizabeth, Katherine, Hart, Lauren, Joshua) |
| Net Worth: | Estimated $1.3 billion (2025) |
| Company: | Buc-ee’s Holdings, Inc. |
Early Life
Arch Aplin III was born in 1958 in Lake Jackson, Texas, to Arch Aplin Jr. and Lorita Aplin. He grew up immersed in entrepreneurial spirit, as his family had deep roots in the retail business.
His great-grandparents, Arch and Mae Aplin, owned a successful general mercantile store called Arch Aplin’s Biggest Little Store in Catahoula Parish in Harrisonburg, Louisiana.
During childhood visits to his great-grandparents in Louisiana, young Arch eagerly participated in store operations, pumping gas and persistently asking to work the cash register.
His family nickname “Beaver” originated from his childhood, inspired by the Bucky Beaver cartoon character from Ipana toothpaste advertisements.
His father, Arch Aplin Jr., moved the family to Lake Jackson after World War II, where he built a successful construction business specializing in churches, post offices, apartments, and subdivisions.
Education
Aplin attended Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Construction Science degree in 1980. Initially, he planned to follow his father’s footsteps in construction, harboring dreams of building skyscrapers.
During his teenage summers, he worked on his father’s construction crews, gaining hands-on experience in the building industry.
Career
Early Career and Business Founding
Two years after graduating from Texas A&M, Aplin shifted his career trajectory dramatically. In 1982, at age 23, he identified an unused property at a four-way stop sign between Lake Jackson and Clute, Texas.
He successfully negotiated with Houston banker A.G. McNeese Jr. to purchase the land for what would become the first Buc-ee’s store.
Buc-ee’s Development
On July 28, 1982, Aplin opened the first Buc-ee’s at 899 Oyster Creek Drive. The store featured 3,000 square feet of retail space, larger than the industry standard of 2,400 square feet, with brass ceiling fans and rough cedar wall treatments.
The name “Buc-ee’s” combined elements from his childhood nickname, his beloved hunting dog named Buck, and the local Brazoswood High School Buccaneers mascot.
The business grew steadily through partnerships with Don Wasek, beginning in 1985. Together, they developed the Buc-ee’s model of destination travel centers, emphasizing clean restrooms, friendly service, and extensive product selection. Their motto became “Clean, Friendly, and In Stock.”
Expansion and Innovation
Under Aplin’s leadership, Buc-ee’s evolved from regional convenience stores to massive travel centers. The Luling location, opened in 2003, established the template for modern Buc-ee’s stores with its focus on interstate travelers and ban on commercial trucks.
By 2019, the company expanded beyond Texas, opening locations in Alabama, Florida, and other southeastern states.
The New Braunfels location, spanning 68,000 square feet, holds the record as the world’s largest convenience store according to the National Association of Convenience Stores.
Personal Life
Arch Aplin III is married to Joanie Aplin, and together they have five children: Anne-Elizabeth, Katherine, Hart (Texas A&M graduate, class of 2021), Lauren, and Joshua. The family resides in Texas, maintaining their connection to Lake Jackson where the Buc-ee’s journey began.
Aplin is actively involved in community service and state-level organizations. He currently serves as Chairman of Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and sits on The Association of Former Students board at Texas A&M University.
He is also a member of the Lieutenant Governor’s Transportation Advisory Board and the Governor-appointed ERCOT board selection committee.
Previously, he served nine years on the Brazosport Independent School District board, including two years as board president.
Body Measurements and Appearance
Arch Aplin III stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall with a slight build. He typically sports gray hair and beard, often styled in a slightly shaggy manner reminiscent of Jeff Bridges or Kris Kristofferson. He frequently wears wide-brimmed hats, dark blazers, and cowboy boots featuring Buc-ee’s beaver logos.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
As of 2025, Arch Aplin III’s net worth is estimated at approximately $1.3 billion, though estimates vary from $300 million to over $2 billion across different sources.
His wealth stems primarily from his 50% ownership stake in Buc-ee’s Holdings, Inc., which he shares with business partner Don Wasek. The company operates 34 locations as of 2025, generating annual revenues approaching $1 billion.
Buc-ee’s stores are known for their massive scale, with some locations featuring over 100 gas pumps, 70+ restroom facilities, and 50,000+ square feet of retail space.
Aplin co-owns a Cessna Citation Jet with Wasek and maintains hunting properties, including the shared Corazón Ranch in South Texas. He is also a multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot certified for light jet operations.
Read more: Brianna Lyman: Wiki, Bio, Age, Height, Measurements, Net Worth, Husband
References
- Texas Business Hall of Fame. “Arch ‘Beaver’ Aplin III Founder, Buc-ee’s“.
- Texas Monthly. “Buc-ee’s: The Path to World Domination“.
- Shreveport Times. “Buc-ee’s phenomenon all started with a boy’s dream in Louisiana“.
- KHOU 11. “Get to know Buc-ee’s founder, Arch ‘Beaver’ Aplin III“.
- Texas A&M University. “Arch ‘Beaver’ Aplin III ’80 – Tribute Exhibit“.
NOTICE!! NOTICE!! NOTICE!!
At Press Insides, we are dedicated to delivering accurate, current, and
engaging biographical and entertainment content, especially about public figures and celebrities. Our editorial team gathers information from credible sources, including official records, public interviews, and trusted media outlets.
If you find any inaccuracies or have additional verified information to share, feel free to reach out to us at info@pressinsides.com. Your input helps us ensure the reliability of our content.
Welcome to Press Insides!
I’m Isabella, and I’ve been writing about celebrities for over 15 years. I love sharing fun and true stories about famous people — like their age, net worth, relationships, and more. My goal is to give you interesting and honest news you can trust. Let’s explore the world of fame together!
