Earnhardt Auto Centers, founder Tex Earnhardt and the slogan, “That ain’t no bull,” are iconic in Arizona. This year, Earnhardt Auto Centers celebrates its 66th anniversary, and it’s still a family business after all this time. Tex Earnhardt grew up in southern Texas and started his career as a rodeo cowboy. In 1951, at age 20, Tex moved with his family to Arizona. Tex opened a gas station in Chandler and sold auto parts before he opened a Ford dealership at age 21. Over the years, Earnhardt Auto Centers grew into what is now the Southwest’s largest automobile company. The organization now sells more than 48,000 vehicles annually. Earnhardt Auto Centers now has 24 dealerships located throughout the Valley and in Prescott Valley, and two locations in Las Vegas. As Earnhardt Auto Centers grew, Tex Earnhardt needed a larger team. Tex’s sons Hal and Jim Babe joined him to help manage the business. As the years went by, Tex’s grandsons Dodge, Derby and Bull and granddaughter Nature also joined the family business. Today, Earnhardt Auto Centers employs close to 1,500 people and is one of the most recognizable names in the Southwest. Despite their business size and success, the Earnhardts still run their company like a family business. Inspired by the Earnhardt family, many employees participate in a company giving program called H.E.A.R.T. Employees opt for payroll deductions that are given to different charities each month. When you visit any Earnhardt Auto Centers dealership, you will be treated as a family member — with the same courtesy and respect that has helped the organization grow and thrive. Tex started the business with these goals in mind, which carried on to his children and now his grandchildren. Come experience the difference in their “No Bull” approach!
Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather and zumba. As a writer, she’s covered technology, medical and travel topics.
