Ronald G. Wanek
Ronald G. Wanek | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1941 (age 84–85) |
| Occupations | Founder and chairman, Ashley Furniture Industries |
| Spouse | Joyce A. Wanek |
| Children | 3 including Todd R. Wanek |
Ronald G. Wanek (born 1941) is an American billionaire businessman, and the founder and chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries.
Early life
Wanek grew up on a dairy farm in Minnesota, where his grandfather and great uncle built furniture as a hobby.[1]
Awards and honors
In 2015, Ronald G. Wanek received an honorary doctorate from High Point University during their commencement ceremony.[2] In April 2026, Wanek ranked on Forbes' "Self-Made 250" list.[3]
Career
Wanek started his first manufacturing business, Arcadia Furniture, in 1970 with a loan from his father and money he got from selling his home.[1]
In 1976, Wanek purchased Ashley Furniture, a company that had been operating since the 1940s.[1] After taking control of the company, Wanek established overseas manufacturing and distribution capabilities to make the business more competitive.[4]
Political activity
In 2012, Wanek, "a prominent Republican donor", gave $1 million towards hosting Tampa's Republican National Convention.[5]
Together with his spouse, Wanek contributed $839,400 to Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign.[6]
Personal life
He is married to Joyce; they have three children and live in St. Petersburg, Florida.[7][5] His son Todd R. Wanek is the CEO of Ashley Furniture.[7]
In 1998, Wanek and his wife Joyce started the Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation. The foundation donates to causes including children and families charities, medical research, education, arts and U.S. armed forces.[4]
References
- 1 2 3 "Ronald Wanek". Forbes. Retrieved 2021-09-03.
- ↑ "Ashley Furniture Founder to Receive Honorary Doctorate at HPU Commencement". High Point University. May 2015. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
- ↑ Knapp, Alex. "Forbes Self-Made 250: The Greatest Living Self-Made Americans". Forbes. Retrieved 2026-04-23.
- 1 2 "Ron Wanek: Pursuing excellence". Furniture Today. 2020-12-23. Retrieved 2021-09-03.
- 1 2 "Snell Isle mansion sells for $8.4 million, highest price since 2011". tampabay.com. 15 July 2013. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
- ↑ "Here Are The Billionaires Who Donated To Donald Trump's 2020 Presidential Campaign". Forbes. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- 1 2 "Ronald Wanek". Forbes. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
External links
- Furniture Hall Of Fame Inducts Ashley Founder Ron Wanek at RTO Online.