Oil Billionaire Gives $100,000 Christmas Bonus to Each of His Nearly 1,400 Employees

A Houston energy company is playing Santa this holiday season to its employees in a life-changing way.

Hilcorp Energy Co., founded by Jeffrey Hildebrand, plans to give each of its nearly 1,400 employees a $100,000 bonus this Christmas for reaching the company’s five-year goals, according to the Houston Business Journal.

All of the 1,381 employees at Hilcorp, from the receptionist to the CEO, will be receiving a little extra on their check this Christmas after they surpassed their targets.

Some Hilcorp employees tell Fox 26 that they will use the money to retire early, remodel their homes, go on vacation, or put their children through college.

Company secretary Amanda Thompson (pictured below) said the 100K bonus was a “true gift.”

       

Thompson, who worked for the company for 10 years, said the bonuses are a good reason “not to give any less than one hundred percent each day.”

She recalled the last time her bosses handed out huge Christmas bonuses in 2010. Each employee was offered the choice of a $50,000 car or a check for $35,000.

“Mr. Jeff Hildebrand (CEO), and our president Greg Lalicker, they are such amazing motivators,” said Thompson.
“Some days I just kind of look down the hall and say I can’t believe these are my bosses and they’re the best.” she added.

Hilcorp is one of the largest privately held oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in the United States and made the 2015 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the third year in a row.