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Jeffery Hildebrand: Texas Billionaire Gives $100,000 Christmas Bonus To All Employees At Hilcorp Energy

By Tara West
Published on: 02:23 PST, Dec 17, 2015

Hilcorp Energy owner billionaire Jeffery Hildebrand has given all 1,400 of his employees quite the Christmas surprise. Hildebrand dished out a bonus of $100,000 to each of his employees, regardless of their title or position. In fact, the $100,000 bonus was more than what many of the employees made for the entire year. However, Hildebrand isn’t new to giving astonishing end-of-year gifts to his employees. Just five years ago, the billionaire gave all of his employees a choice of $35,000 cash or $50,000 towards the purchase of a new car.

Forbes reports that one Texas billionaire went to great lengths to show his employees how much he appreciates their hard work. Hilcorp Energy owner 56-year-old Jeffery Hildebrand gave each of his 1,400 employees an end-of-year bonus of $100,000. Hilcorp is special in that it is the largest privately held oil and gas production company in America, and is privately held by Hildebrand. Therefore, stock options are not a bonus choice for the heavy-hitting energy company. Knowing the value of his company is growing due to the efforts of his employees, Hildebrand is sure to pay back those that are keeping his fortune in the billions.

It was noted that Hildebrand does not give the large bonuses and gifts for attention, but rather to encourage his employees to work hard and know that they will get rewarded for their efforts when working for his company. Receptionist Amanda Thompson works for Hilcorp and spoke with Fox 4 News and notes that the actions of Hildebrand encourage her to work hard each and every day.

“It’s just a true gift. And I think myself, as long as everyone else is not going to give any less than one-hundred percent each day. Mr. Jeff Hildebrand, and our president Greg Lalicker, they are such amazing motivators. Somedays I just kind of look down the hall and say I cant believe these are my bosses and they’re the best.”

The $100,000 Hilcorp Energy bonus wasn’t just given to the employees without great effort on their part. In fact, this year’s bonus came after the company was able to double their output despite the industry downturn. The company’s output was 150,000 barrels per day for the privately held company. The last bonus that Hildebrand offered to employees came after they doubled their output five years ago. In 2010, Jeffery Hildebrand gave his employees the choice of a $35,000 cash payment or $50,000 towards the purchase of a new car of their choosing. Over the past five years, Hilcorp employees have doubled their output again. Therefore, Hildebrand doubled his bonus.

Hildebrand and Hilcorp employees note that the business has a giving mentality as it is part of the company’s culture. In fact, that giving is evident each time a new employee is hired on at the company. Hilcorp opens an account in the new employee’s name at the Greater Houston Community Foundation. The company then deposits $2,500 into the account. Employees are then encouraged to give whatever they can to the fund. The company will then match dollar-for-dollar the contributions made by employees up to $2,000. The employee can then donate the money to any 501(c)3 charity of their choosing.

What do you think about Jeffery Hildebrand’s $100,000 bonuses to his employees? Do you think Hildebrand’s grand rewards help encourage a company culture of success? What would you do if your employer offered you a $100,000 bonus at the end of the year?

[Image via AP]

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