[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tex Earnhardt and his namesake company have been well-known for decades. Now, a singer has commemorated Earnhardt in a country song, “The Right Place at the Right Time.” Released by recording artist Blaine Long, the song describes the life and character of Earnhardt Auto Centers founder Tex Earnhardt. The song is now available on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Music or CD Baby for 99 cents. Profits from the song will benefit Phoenix charities. Tex Earnhardt 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 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. 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, with 22 dealerships throughout Arizona and Las Vegas representing 17 brands. Over the years, Tex’s sons and several of his grandchildren joined him in business. Tex and his family credit their success to good managers and hard-working employees. Even with his success, Tex is still perceived as a down-to-earth cowboy. Earnhardt Auto Centers also focuses on giving back, with numerous fundraisers and an employee donation campaign. Blaine Long, who wrote and recorded the song, is a native Arizonan who has recorded 10 records. Get your piece of Arizona history today when you download this song![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
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.
