New members are community leaders with strong ties to the Columbus community.
COLUMBUS — The Columbus Historical Preservation Trust, Inc.(CHPT) recently elected four new members to its board of directors: Ronny Daley, Mike Hall, Charles Potter and Andrea Schobel.
Daley, owner of Daley Salvage, is a seasoned professional known for his expertise in historic restoration and community development initiatives. With a career spanning several decades, he has left an indelible mark on the landscape of downtown Columbus. His journey in historic restoration began with notable projects such as the restoration of the Harbert Garage and Orphic Theater. His eye for detail and dedication to preserving architectural heritage have earned him widespread recognition. Daley’s contributions awarded him the Laura Ann Rau Historic Preservation Award in 2019. He is involved in various community organizations and professional associations. He serves as a board member of the Live Oak Art Center, a member of A Better Columbus, and a member and past master of the Caledonia Masonic Lodge. In addition to his involvement in the civic and cultural spheres, Daley also serves as a council member for the City of Columbus.
Hall was born in Corpus Christi and moved to Houston as a teenager. He still resides in Houston as well as part-time at his ranch near Fayetteville. He is a graduate of Cy-Fair High School and earned a Business Marketing degree from Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State. After graduation, Hall went to work for his father in the franchised auto business. After striking out on his own, He has owned various new car dealerships in the Houston area for the past 40 years. He currently owns Ron Carter Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram in League City. Hall has one daughter, Ariel, who lives in Athens, Ga. He also has a son, Michael, who lives in Houston. In addition to business and volunteer activities, he has four grandchildren who keep him busy. As a licensed pilot for more than 40 years, Hall enjoys flying anything with wings and riding his Harley.
Potter is an accomplished and dedicated individual with a deep commitment to his community. Born and raised in Columbus, he graduated from Columbus High School in 1994 before pursuing a degree in Marketing from Texas A&M University. After college, he moved to San Antonio and embarked on a successful career in the retail industry, working for various companies, including The Bombay Company, JCPenney, Dillard's and Saks Fifth Avenue. With a focus on visual merchandising, display, graphic design, and management, Potter honed his skills and gained valuable experience in a range of retail environments. Potter is currently transitioning back to his hometown of Columbus to assume ownership of the family business, Potter's Western Store. He is actively serving on the Columbus Chamber of Commerce boards and A Better Columbus. With his extensive experience in theatrical production, special events, marketing, design, and social media, Potter aims to contribute to the revival of entertainment in the Stafford Opera House and of Columbus as a whole.
Schobel was born and raised in Grand Prairie. She graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, with a BBA in Accounting in 1999 and from The University of Texas at Arlington with her MBA one year later. Andrea met her husband, Ryan, at TCU. After graduation, they moved to Columbus and were married in 2000. Shortly thereafter she earned her CPA license and worked for Arthur Andersen in Houston and Seidel, Schroeder & Co. in Brenham. Today, they own and operate Schobels Restaurant and have for the past 20 years.
They have four children – Maison, their oldest daughter, resides in Chicago as a strategy and analytics analyst for E15; Drew is a junior at Notre Dame, pursuing a degree in Political Science; Hudson is a carpenter for ARK Construction in Columbus while planning to attend college this fall; and Thea is a sophomore at Columbus High School. Andrea enjoys traveling and concentrating on health and wellness when businesses and children allow time.
