Happy 65th Anniversary, Earnhardt Auto Centers!

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If you’ve lived in the Valley for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of the Earnhardt automobile dealerships. Founder Tex Earnhardt celebrated 65 years of Earnhardt Auto Centers in September.

Tex Earnhardt, now 85, grew up in southern Texas and started his career as a professional rodeo cowboy. In 1951, at age 20, Tex joined the rest of his family in a move to Arizona. Tex opened a gas station in Chandler and also sold auto parts before he opened a Ford dealership. According to the Earnhardt website, Tex literally started his business one car at a time. He could only afford to stock one car and didn’t acquire another car to display until the first one sold.

CLN’s Patrick O’Donnell and Aaron Kuhl with Tex Earnhardt

Over the years, Tex’s persona became widely known in the Valley along with his trademark advertising slogan, “that ain’t no bull” – ultimate truth in advertising because the “bull” he rode in the commercials was a steer.

From these modest beginnings, Earnhardt Auto Centers grew to what is now the Southwest’s largest automobile empire, according to the Earnhardt website. The organization now sells more than 48,000 vehicles annually, representing 18 different brands: Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Toyota, Scion, and Volkswagen. Earnhardt Auto Centers now has 22 dealerships located throughout the Valley and in Prescott Valley and two new locations in Las Vegas.

Tex’s sons and several grandchildren joined him in business. Tex and his family credit their success to the right managers and hard-working employees.

Looking forward, Earnhardt Auto Centers plans continued expansion, according to their website. “In the 65 years that we have been in such a business with its many ups and downs, we have weathered the storms by continuing to think big and by spending to get and keep customers and employees,” Tex says in an article on the Earnhardt website. “We pay the best, advertise the most, stay open the longest, and we promise and deliver the number one customer experience – and that ain’t no bull!”

Your No Bull Rodeo Rewards Representative is:

Wyn Earnhardt
480-298-3148

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.