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.
Wanek grew up on a dairy farm in Minnesota, where his grandfather and great uncle built furniture as a hobby. [1]
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. [2]
In 2012, Wanek, "a prominent Republican donor", gave $1 million towards hosting Tampa's Republican National Convention. [3]
Together with his spouse, Wanek contributed $839,400 to Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign. [4]
He is married to Joyce; they have three children and live in St. Petersburg, Florida. [5] [3] His son Todd R. Wanek is the CEO of Ashley Furniture. [5]
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. [2]
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