Earnhardt recognized as second-largest family owned business in Phoenix area

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Family still at center of Earnhardt business

The Phoenix Business Journal again recognized Earnhardt Auto Centers as second in its list of largest Phoenix-area family owned businesses. This is the second consecutive year that Earnhardt claimed this spot.

The list considers each company’s total number of full-time, local employees, and Earnhardt had 2,013 total employees when the list was published in mid-August.

Founder Tex Earnhardt started in 1951 with a Chandler-based Ford franchise, making him the youngest-ever Ford franchise dealer. Over the years, Earnhardt Auto Centers expanded and opened more dealerships, with Tex as the frontman. Tex’s straight-shooting style and famous catchphrase, “That ain’t no bull,” endeared him to generations of Arizona residents. Today, Earnhardt Auto Centers represents 16 brands at 17 locations around the Phoenix metro area.

Tex’s sons, Hal and Jim Babe, joined him in the business, and so did several of his grandchildren, making it a true family business.

As a local, family owned business, Earnhardt Auto Centers also gives generously to the community. For example, in August Earnhardt’s Hyundai dealerships co-sponsored the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation Give-A-Thon. Funds raised during the Give-A-Thon support 70-plus programs and services at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The 2022 Give-A-Thon raised a record-breaking $2,038,532 to support Phoenix Children’s patients and their families, according to the Give-A-Thon website. Local Hyundai dealerships, including Earnhardt locations, were among several companies that supported this fundraising drive.

In addition, several Earnhardt employees participate in No Bull Charities, where they donate via payroll deduction to different local charities each quarter. These charities have included Armed Forces Relief Trust, Paz de Cristo, Arizona Humane Society, Hospice of the Valley, United Food Bank and PACC 911, an animal rescue group. Each year, Earnhardt Auto Centers also collects and refurbishes gently used bicycles to donate to children through its 2nd Chance Bike Drive in September.

Congratulations to the team at Earnhardt Auto Centers, and thank you for your support to the local community!

Carolyn Sostrom

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 at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. 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.