| Ronald G. Wanek | |
| Nationality: | American |
| Occupation: | 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.
In 1976, Wanek purchased Ashley Furniture, a company that had been operating since the 1940s. 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.
Together with his spouse, Wanek contributed $839,400 to Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign.[3]
He is married to Joyce; they have three children and live in St. Petersburg, Florida.[4] [5] His son Todd R. Wanek is the CEO of Ashley Furniture.[4]
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.