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.
[2] 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] After taking control of the company, Wanek established overseas manufacturing and distribution capabilities to make the business more competitive.
The foundation donates to causes including children and families charities, medical research, education, arts and U.S. armed forces.