
What is Cal Worthington’s Net Worth?
Cal Worthington was an American car dealer and television personality with a net worth of $50 million at the time of his death in 2013. Through hard work, determination and a unique approach to selling cars, he built a car dealership empire that spanned several states and made him one of the richest car dealers in America.
Early Life and Education
Calvin Coolidge Worthington was born on November 27, 1920 in Bly, Oklahoma. He was raised on a farm and dropped out of school when he was just 13 years old to work on the family’s farm. In his early years, he worked as a farmhand and a rodeo rider before joining the Air Force during World War II.
After the war, Worthington settled in Long Beach, California, where he worked as a car salesman. He saved up enough money to start his own used car lot in downtown Long Beach, which eventually grew into a multi-million dollar franchise.
Career
Cal Worthington was a pioneer in the car dealership industry and rose to fame in the 1960s with his popular TV commercials, which featured him riding on the backs of various animals including elephants, tigers, and hippopotamuses. He also famously used the slogan, “Go See Cal!”
In his later years, Worthington expanded his dealership empire to include dealerships in Alaska, Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas. He was known for his hands-on approach to business and his willingness to work long hours and weekends to ensure the success of his dealerships.
Personal Life
Cal Worthington was married four times and had eight children. He was a devoted family man and often included his children and grandchildren in his famous TV commercials. He was also known for his philanthropic efforts, including his support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and various local charities.
Real Estate
In addition to his car dealership empire, Cal Worthington was also a successful real estate investor. He owned several properties throughout his lifetime, including a 15,000-acre cattle ranch in Oregon, a ranch in Idaho, and a luxurious mansion in California’s exclusive Bel Air neighborhood.
Legacy
Cal Worthington was a trailblazer in the car dealership industry and his influence can still be felt today. He inspired a generation of car dealers to think outside the box and to embrace creative and innovative marketing strategies. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, who continue to run the Worthington dealerships to this day.
FAQs
1. What made Cal Worthington so successful?
Cal Worthington’s success can be attributed to several factors, including his innovative marketing strategies, his hands-on approach to business, and his dedication to customer service. He was not afraid to take risks and was always looking for ways to improve and expand his business.
2. What was Cal Worthington’s most memorable TV commercial?
One of Cal Worthington’s most memorable TV commercials featured him riding on the back of a killer whale. The commercial was filmed at SeaWorld in San Diego and was one of his most popular commercials of all time.
3. How did Cal Worthington get the idea to ride animals in his commercials?
Cal Worthington got the idea to ride animals in his commercials after seeing a circus poster that featured a clown riding on the back of a horse. He thought it would be a unique and attention-grabbing way to advertise his car dealership and it quickly became his signature style.
4. What was Cal Worthington’s net worth at the time of his death?
Cal Worthington’s net worth at the time of his death in 2013 was estimated to be around $50 million.
5. Did Cal Worthington have any other business ventures besides car dealerships?
Yes, Cal Worthington was also a successful real estate investor. He owned several properties throughout his lifetime, including a 15,000-acre cattle ranch in Oregon, a ranch in Idaho, and a mansion in California’s exclusive Bel Air neighborhood.
6. Did Cal Worthington ever retire from the car dealership industry?
No, Cal Worthington continued to work in the car dealership industry until his death in 2013. He was known for his hands-on approach to business and his willingness to work long hours and weekends to ensure the success of his dealerships.
7. What was Cal Worthington’s most successful dealership?
Cal Worthington’s most successful dealership was his flagship dealership in Long Beach, California. The dealership became one of the largest and most successful car dealerships in the country, thanks in part to his innovative marketing strategies and dedication to customer service.
8. What was Cal Worthington’s biggest challenge as a car dealer?
Cal Worthington’s biggest challenge as a car dealer was the economic downturn of the 1980s. Many car dealerships went out of business during this time, but Worthington was able to weather the storm by cutting costs, streamlining operations, and focusing on customer service.
9. Did Cal Worthington ever face any legal issues or scandals?
No, Cal Worthington was never involved in any major legal issues or scandals during his lifetime. He was known for his honesty and integrity in business and was highly respected by his peers.
10. What was Cal Worthington’s secret to success?
Cal Worthington’s secret to success was his innovative marketing strategies, his hands-on approach to business, and his dedication to customer service. He was not afraid to take risks and was always looking for ways to improve and expand his business.
11. How did Cal Worthington become a TV personality?
Cal Worthington became a TV personality after he started making TV commercials to advertise his car dealership in the 1960s. His commercials featuring him riding on the backs of various animals quickly became a hit with audiences and helped to make him a household name.
12. Did Cal Worthington ever write a book about his life?
Yes, Cal Worthington wrote an autobiography called “Go See Cal!” in which he chronicled his life and career in the car dealership industry. The book was a bestseller and remains a popular read among car enthusiasts to this day.
13. Did Cal Worthington ever receive any awards or honors?
Yes, Cal Worthington received numerous awards and honors throughout his lifetime, including the Horatio Alger Award and induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame.
14. What was Cal Worthington’s philosophy on customer service?
Cal Worthington believed that the key to success in the car dealership industry was to provide excellent customer service. He was known for his hands-on approach to business and his dedication to ensuring that his customers were satisfied with their purchases.
15. How did Cal Worthington become an icon in the car dealership industry?
Cal Worthington became an icon in the car dealership industry thanks to his innovative marketing strategies, his dedication to customer service, and his willingness to take risks and try new things. He inspired a generation of car dealers to think outside the box and to embrace creative and innovative marketing strategies.
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