Celebrating 75 years of “No Bull” for Earnhardt Auto Centers

Earnhardt Auto Centers celebrates its 75th anniversary this year! From humble beginnings as a one-location franchise to multiple dealerships across the Phoenix metro area, Earnhardt Auto Centers celebrates this milestone with generosity.

Founder Tex Earnhardt started the company in 1951 with a Ford dealership. His first location truly grew one car at a time — he needed to sell one car before he could purchase the next one to sell. Over the years, the company expanded, and Tex’s famous catchphrase, “That ain’t no bull,” endeared himself to generations of Arizonans. Using this phrase in his ads, Tex truly demonstrated truth in advertising because the bull he rode in the commercials was a steer.

Today, the Earnhardt organization represents 15 brands at 17 locations around the Valley. Tex’s sons and grandchildren joined him, keeping it a true family business. Tex passed away in 2020, but his family and team members continue to carry on his “No Bull” legacy.

Supporting the local community has always been a focus for Earnhardt Auto Centers. As part of the 75-year celebration, Earnhardt has provided surprise donations to different local charities, totaling over $100,000 so far. Recipients include the Arizona Humane Society, Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, Make-A-Wish Arizona, and the 100 Club of Arizona, part of a nationwide organization that supports public safety professionals and their families.

Looking ahead, the 2nd Chance Bike Drive and Food Drive, benefiting St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP), will collect gently used bicycles and non-perishable food items at Earnhardt locations around the Valley this September. Volunteers from St. Vincent de Paul will refurbish and donate bicycles to kids and families in need.

Requested food donations include canned chicken and tuna, soup, fruit and vegetables. Other needed items include dry beans, rice, pasta and macaroni and cheese boxes, plastic jars of peanut butter, instant potatoes, breakfast cereals and cases of water. Cooking essentials such as flour, sugar and baking soda are also welcomed!

Gather up your unused bicycles and food donations, and drop them off at any Earnhardt location! Or donate funds online here by clicking the following link or button below: https://donate.stvincentdepaul.net/page/bike-drive. 

“The participation from the Phoenix-area community, combined with the enthusiasm of our employees across Earnhardt Auto Centers, has been amazing,” said Nature Earnhardt, Marketing Director of Sponsorships & Promotions for Earnhardt Auto Centers. “We look forward to doing this and seeing how much we can grow it. The partnership with St. Vincent de Paul has helped make this program successful every year since we started doing this with them.”

Congratulations to Earnhardt Auto Centers for 75 years of “No Bull” success and service to the community!

Last Updated on 08/31/2026 by Carolyn Sostrom

About the Author:

Carolyn Sostrom

Biography:

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle.

She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*.

With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower.

She works for a nonprofit in Phoenix that assists families of children with disabilities. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix.

Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.

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