Since 1967, the pink Cadillac has been intrinsically linked with Mary Kay Cosmetics, becoming an instantly recognizable symbol of achievement and success within their salesforce. But how does the Mary Kay car program actually work? It’s a question many ask when they see these iconic vehicles on the road. The story began with Mary Kay Ash herself, the founder of the cosmetics empire, seeking a symbol to represent her burgeoning company’s success.
In a tale of overcoming adversity, Mary Kay’s initial attempt to purchase a Lincoln in Dallas faced dismissive sexism. Undeterred, she turned to Frank Kent Cadillac in Fort Worth. There, she acquired a 1968 Sedan de Ville, custom painted “Mountain Laurel.” This unique color, mirroring her makeup palette, sparked a tradition that has seen over 100,000 pink Cadillacs become associated with Mary Kay. Today, Mary Kay Pink Pearl, a variation of that original shade, is an official GM color, painted directly at the factory, dispelling the myth of vinyl wraps.
Alt text: A gleaming Mary Kay Pink Cadillac sedan is showcased in a dealership showroom, highlighting its iconic and vibrant pink color.
The pink Cadillac is more than just a car; it’s a prestigious perk for Mary Kay consultants, especially those who achieve the rank of Sales Director. This isn’t simply a gift, but a leased vehicle earned through consistent and exceptional sales performance. To qualify for the Career Car Program, consultants must reach Sales Director status and maintain rigorous sales targets. This includes purchasing at least $100,000 in inventory annually and consistently achieving a monthly sales quota of $17,000. Meeting these benchmarks unlocks the two-year lease of a Cadillac, making it a highly coveted symbol of accomplishment within the Mary Kay community.
While the Coupe DeVille was the original Cadillac model associated with the program, the selection has expanded to include various models throughout Cadillac’s lineup. Today, the Cadillac Escalade represents the pinnacle of achievement within the Mary Kay Career Car Program, offering top-performing sales directors an even more luxurious reward.
It’s important to understand that Mary Kay doesn’t “award” or “give away” these pink Cadillacs. Instead, Mary Kay Inc. covers the lease payments for consultants who consistently meet their sales goals each month. Participants in the Career Car Program enter into a two-year lease agreement. During this period, Mary Kay covers the lease payments and a significant portion of the insurance costs, provided the sales targets are continuously met. This arrangement allows successful independent sales force members to enjoy the prestige of driving a pink Cadillac for two years with unlimited mileage. At the end of the lease term, participants have the option to purchase the vehicle at a predetermined price or return it. Returned vehicles are then repainted to their original factory color, as pre-owned Mary Kay Cadillacs are not available for purchase by the general public. This exclusivity reinforces the pink Cadillac as a unique privilege reserved solely for Mary Kay’s top sales achievers.
Whether you’re a Mary Kay enthusiast or simply intrigued by this unique corporate car program, the pink Cadillac remains an enduring symbol of entrepreneurial success and a testament to Mary Kay Ash’s vision. And while these pink Cadillacs are exclusive to Mary Kay, you might just catch a glimpse of one at your local Cadillac dealership!
