Houston company gives every employee $100k bonus

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - This holiday season a Houston-based company is rewarding its workers with a major bonus.

Hilcorp has 1,381 employees total, and all of them were given a one-hundred thousand dollar bonus to top off an excellent year.

Amanda Thompson has been the receptionist at Hilcorp for 10 years and she said she along with all of her coworkers have a good reason to give it their all everyday.

"It's just a true gift," said Thompson. "And I think myself, as long as everyone else is not going to give any less than one-hundred percent each day."

Hilcorp is one of the largest privately-held oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in the United States and was also named to the 2015 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For list. That makes it their third year in a row on that list.

"Mr. Jeff Hilldebrand, and our president Greg Lalicker, they are such amazing motivators," said Thompson. "Somedays I just kind of look down the hall and say I cant believe these are my bosses and they're the best."

Thompson said Hildebrand stands by every promise he makes to his employees if they reach the company's goal.

"That was based on doubling the size of Hilcorp over a five year period and we met that goal," she said. "And we all were able to celebrate and enjoy that life changing day together. We cried with happiness for each other, we hugged."

In 2010, Thompson said they received a huge bonus for reaching that same goal. She said they doubled the company in size and were all able to choose a $50,000 car or a $35,000 cash check.

Thompson said there is no way to describe the feeling of receiving such a reward, other than pure joy.

"Surreal. It was a surreal day it was a dream come true. It was likely a day that many people won't experience in their lifetime and we all did it together."

And while Thompson said some of her employees are using the bonus to retire early, remodel homes, take vacations, and pay for their children's college, she just takes comfort knowing it's in her bank account for a rainy day.

"It's an incredible thing to be able to take care of things when life happens. And I can do that comfortably."

Thompson said Hilcorp also gives smaller bonuses throughout the year, but compared this year's big one to somewhat of an "Oprah Day".