Ronald G. Wanek
Ronald G. Wanek | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1941 (age 82–83) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | 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
[edit]Wanek grew up on a dairy farm in Minnesota, where his grandfather and great uncle built furniture as a hobby.[1]
Awards and honors
[edit]In 2015, Ronald G. Wanek received an honorary doctorate from High Point University during their commencement ceremony.[2]
Career
[edit]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.[3]
Political activity
[edit]In 2012, Wanek, "a prominent Republican donor", gave $1 million towards hosting Tampa's Republican National Convention.[4]
Together with his spouse, Wanek contributed $839,400 to Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign.[5]
Personal life
[edit]He is married to Joyce; they have three children and live in St. Petersburg, Florida.[6][4] His son Todd R. Wanek is the CEO of Ashley Furniture.[6]
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.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "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.
- ^ a b "Ron Wanek: Pursuing excellence". Furniture Today. 2020-12-23. Retrieved 2021-09-03.
- ^ a b "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.
- ^ a b "Ronald Wanek". Forbes. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
External links
[edit]- Furniture Hall Of Fame Inducts Ashley Founder Ron Wanek at RTO Online.
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