Donald Friese

Donald Friese (#2347)

Global Rank #2347

Country Rank #767

Country United States

You know the saying, 'Some people are born with a silver spoon?' I didn't even have a spoon.

$ 2 B
Manufacturing
United States
M
85 Years

Snapshot

Quick Facts

Global Rank #2,347

Country Rank #767

Net Worth $1.8B

Previous Worth $1.8B

Worth Change +$0.0B

Country United States

Industry Manufacturing

Age 85 Years

Gender M

Worth As Of May 4, 2026

Residence Los Angeles, California

Citizenship United States

World Billionaires List United States Billionaires Manufacturing

Profile Data

Personal Stats

Age 85

Source Of Wealth Manufacturing, Self Made

Self Made Score 10

Residence Los Angeles, California

Citizenship United States

Marital Status Married

Net Worth Change +$0.0B +0.0% from previous worth

Previous Net Worth $1.8B

Current Net Worth $1.8B

Worth as of May 4, 2026

About Me

Donald Friese's fortune stems from C.R. Laurence, which manufactures or distributes more than 65,000 products for the glass industry. In 2015 he sold C.R. Laurence to a big customer, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, a subsidiary of Irish conglomerate CRH, for $1.3 billion in cash. Friese grew up a poor orphan in rural Pennsylvania, going to work on a dairy farm at age 12 before enlisting in the Army after high school. After a three-year tour, he moved to California with just $125 and landed in the warehouse of C.R. Laurence, then a small distributor of supplies. He climbed the ladder, amassing equity in the company until he owned 100%, and expanded by purchasing competitors and moving into manufacturing.

Achievements

Forbes List Highlights

A snapshot of the list placements and rankings connected to Donald Friese.

#2274

Billionaires (2026)

Insights

Did You Know?

When Friese sold C.R. Laurence, he gave his employees $85 million. All 1,600 longtime workers got a bonus check -- some for more than $1 million.

Since he retired in 2018, Friese has been focusing on philanthropy through his family foundation. He has so far donated at least $60 million to the organization.

Wealth Growth

Net Worth Growth Over Time

Tracking Donald Friese's net worth journey over the years, highlighting key growth phases and financial milestones.

Worth Trend Net Worth Growth

Period Change Worth Movement

Current Net Worth: $1.8B (May 4, 2026)