As an Earnhardt employee, we’ve probably heard the story a million times: Tex Earnhardt, the youngest person to be awarded a Ford franchise back in 1951. The man who grew his 1 car gas station into an 20 location, family-run, automotive empire. He would say he’s just a regular guy, who happened to be in the right place at the right time. Others would call him a living legend. While the truth probably lies somewhere in between, to those who work for him, he has meant so much more.
Over the years, Earnhardt has been a home away from home for thousands of employees. We make our living here, but we also make our friends here, and some of us have even started our families here. Tex Earnhardt, whether by design or luck, has given us all a place to grow, succeed, learn, laugh and love. For that we owe him our gratitude. For that, we salute the man in the hat. Happy 85th Birthday, Tex! We all wish you the best, and that ain’t no bull!