Ronald_G._Wanek

Ronald G. Wanek

Ronald G. Wanek

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Ronald G. Wanek (born 1941) is an American billionaire businessman, and the founder and chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries.

Quick Facts Born, Nationality ...

Early life

Wanek grew up on a dairy farm in Minnesota, where his grandfather and great uncle built furniture as a hobby.[1]

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.[2]

Political activity

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]

Personal life

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]

References

  1. [1]
    "Ronald Wanek". Forbes. Retrieved 2021-09-03.
  2. [2]
    "Ron Wanek: Pursuing excellence". Furniture Today. 2020-12-23. Retrieved 2021-09-03.
  3. [3]
    "Snell Isle mansion sells for $8.4 million, highest price since 2011". tampabay.com. 15 July 2013. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  4. [4]
    "Here Are The Billionaires Who Donated To Donald Trump's 2020 Presidential Campaign". Forbes. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  5. [5]
    "Ronald Wanek". Forbes. Retrieved 28 February 2019.


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