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Hendrick: Loyalty Over Profits Saved Workforce
7 Jun
Summary
- Hendrick kept all employees paid during 2020 uncertainty.
- This decision was rooted in lessons learned on a family farm.
- Loyal employees express gratitude for saving their families.

Rick Hendrick's philosophy of mutual trust, honed on his family's farm, guided his unprecedented decision in 2020. When businesses nationwide faced uncertainty, Hendrick Automotive Group, a multi-billion dollar enterprise, chose not to lay off any of its over 10,000 employees.
Despite significant financial risk, Hendrick maintained payroll for his staff, a choice that led to one of the company's best years. Employees have since shared emotional testimonies, crediting Hendrick's loyalty with saving their homes and families.
This culture of trust extends to long-term sponsor relationships, such as Axalta's continuous partnership since 1992 and NAPA's decade-long association with Chase Elliott. These enduring alliances highlight the profound impact of prioritizing people over immediate financial concerns.