Generosity is what binds us.
"All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the Lord your God." - Deuteronomy 16:17
Old Dominion Freight Line’s philosophy of “helping the world keep promises” has guided it to become one of the world’s leading freight companies, now with over 23,000 employees.
While the foundation is fully independent of the company, the success of the company has ensured the ability of the foundation to carry out its mission. It is with deep gratitude that we find ourselves reciting what a beloved family member, John Yowell, prayed before every meal shared around the family dinner table: “And help us to help others.”
This is our prayer.
It is our promise.
It is our work.
Our History
1934
Lillian Congdon manages to save $1,700 from working at the phone company. She and her husband, Earl Sr., use it to buy a single truck and launch Old Dominion Freight Line.
1950
Upon Earl Sr.'s untimely death, Lillian steps in to become president and appoints Earl as general manager. His brother Jack also joins the company after graduation.
1962
Old Dominion moves its corporate headquarters to High Point, and Earl Congdon becomes president of the company.
1991
Old Dominion goes public, selling 2 million shares of stock at $12.50 per share.
1993
Lillian Congdon Crowder passes away, leaving her legacy in a company that provided a living to 3,000 employees and their families.
1997
David Congdon is named president and COO of Old Dominion, and Earl serves as chair of the board.
2010
The heart of Old Dominion, John Yowell, executive vice president and COO, unexpectedly passes away. He was Audrey Congdon’s husband and father to Seth and Megan.
2015
Earl and Kitty Congdon, with their three children, personally found and fund the Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation.
2018
David Congdon steps down as CEO and is appointed executive chairman of the board.
2023
Old Dominion has over 23,000 employees and 11,000 trucks.
Honoring the Legacy of Lillian Congdon
Lillian “Lil” Congdon was a woman ahead of her time. Born Lillian Herbert in 1909 on a small farm near Richmond, Virginia, she was one of five children. When her father died in 1919, Lillian began working to support her family. At the age of 16, she left home to take a job as a telephone operator, quickly rising to the position of supervisor. It was during this time that she met her husband, Earl Congdon Sr., at a church dinner, and the pair married a year later.
But Lillian’s story is not one that ends in a marriage. No, that was only the start of this five-foot-tall woman’s story of becoming a business giant. In 1934, following several years of setbacks that many American families faced in this time, Lillian shared with her husband that she had quietly and wisely saved $1,700 from her job as a telephone operator. Her proposed investment in a straight-body truck would lead to the founding of Old Dominion Freight Line. Lillian was raising a family, taking orders for the trucking business, and even serving as the company’s alternative driver.
As the Richmond News Leader would describe her, this “slip of a thing, only 100 pounds and little more than 5 feet tall,” used her keen business sense and perseverance to lay the foundation for what would become a billion-dollar business and leader in the world of transportation and logistics.
While Lillian is remembered by her family as often being on the quieter side, she had no issue speaking up when it came to business decisions. When Earl Sr. considered selling the company in 1946, it was Lillian's decisive refusal that kept Old Dominion in the family's hands.
Four years later after Earl Sr.’s unfortunate passing, it was Lillian who made the decision to keep the company family-owned and operated, leading it with the help of her sons. She managed the company as its president until 1975, demonstrating leadership and vision that have guided the family's business and laid the foundation for our philanthropic legacy.
The story of Lillian’s life is a testament to resilience and the power of smart, strategic thinking. As her grandson and President of the Congdon Family Foundation board, David Congdon, reflects, “Absent her many business decisions in all the early years, the course of history for Old Dominion Freight Line would be very different.”
Today, Lil’s legacy is honored daily through the decisions made both at Old Dominion Freight Line and Congdon Family Foundation. Not to mention, every cup of energizing coffee served at Lil’s Coffee Bar in Congdon Yards reminds our community of her tremendous energy for impact.
Lil’s influence extends far beyond her lifetime. Her grandchildren remember her as a warm, nurturing presence, deeply rooted in family and tradition, and her legacy continues to inspire and guide the Congdon family and our foundation's philanthropic commitment today. From a woman who refused to let any obstacle impede her success, we aim to extend the same hope to our community – by promoting improved quality of life by reducing barriers to opportunity. We have no doubt it’s what Lil would have done too.
"My Mamaw, as we called Lil, lived next door to us growing up. My fondest memories surround family gatherings. Our family, and many cousins would gather and share love and fun. Mamaw would give her grateful love and thanks for these occasions."
Karen Pigman, Treasurer
"Growing up in High Point, we were free to wander to Mamaw's house. The doors were never locked. Mamaw always welcomed me like she was so very glad to see me! I have great memories of…listening to her stories about older relatives."
Audrey Harris, Secretary
"Mamaw was an awesome little (5'0") lady, a little quiet and reserved, but quite the astute and decisive business person. Absent her many business decisions in the early years,…we wouldn't have the financial success that has blessed our family."
David Congdon, President