On May 6, 2026, industry leaders from across the country gathered in Charlotte for the seventh annual Presidio U.S. Auto Retail Conference. During the event, The Presidio Group honored Rick Hendrick with the 2026 Presidio Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing a career defined by leadership, excellence, and an enduring impact on the automotive industry.
Every so often in this business, a person comes along whose impact is larger than the company they built. Rick Hendrick is one of those people.
While his accomplishments are widely known, the significance of Hendrick’s legacy extends far beyond the organizations he built. His story begins with a passion for automobiles and an entrepreneurial spirit, but it has always been fundamentally about people. Throughout his career, Hendrick has demonstrated an unwavering belief in preparation, accountability, and the power of culture to drive long-term success.
From humble beginnings, Hendrick built what would become one of the most respected automotive retail organizations in the United States. What started with a single dealership grew into Hendrick Automotive Group, an enterprise known not only for its scale, but for its commitment to operational excellence, customer service, and developing talent at every level.
Along the way, Hendrick established a philosophy that remains remarkably simple: hire great people, trust them, hold them to high standards, and never lose sight of the relationships that drive success.
“Rick Hendrick’s success is remarkable not simply because of what he built, but because of how he built it,” said George Karolis, President of The Presidio Group. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated that enduring success comes from trust, relationships, and a relentless commitment to excellence. He has built organizations that perform at the highest level while developing generations of leaders along the way. Few individuals have had a greater impact on automotive retail, and we were proud to recognize his legacy with the 2026 Presidio Lifetime Achievement Award.”
That same philosophy fueled the rise of Hendrick Motorsports, which became one of the most successful organizations in NASCAR history. Through decades of competition, championship victories, and historic achievements, the organization has exemplified the same principles that define Hendrick’s retail operations: preparation, precision, discipline, and teamwork.
Yet Hendrick’s most lasting legacy may not be measured by the dealerships he acquired or the championships he won. It is reflected in the people he has mentored, the leaders he has developed, and the culture of excellence that continues to thrive throughout the organizations he built.
During his introduction of Hendrick at the conference, Jason Stein, Managing Director at The Presidio Group, reflected on the qualities that have defined Hendrick’s career.
“Rick has managed to be both a builder and a steward. He has built businesses, teams, and careers. But he has also stewarded something bigger—a standard for how to lead, how to compete, and how to treat people along the way.”
The award carried special significance in Charlotte, where attendees spent the day discussing the future of automotive retail just miles from the organizations Hendrick spent decades building. As the industry navigates technological change, evolving consumer expectations, and new competitive dynamics, Hendrick’s leadership journey remains a powerful example of the values that endure regardless of market conditions: integrity, preparation, humility, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
The Presidio Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, vision, and impact have left a lasting mark on the automotive industry. Rick Hendrick embodies those qualities in every respect. His legacy can be seen not only in the businesses he built, but in the people, values, and standards that continue to shape the industry today.