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Donald Friese

Donald Friese

Donald Friese (#2378)

Global Rank #2378
Country Rank #791
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
  • 86 Years

Snapshot

Quick Facts

Global Rank #2,378
Country Rank #791
Net Worth $1.8B
Previous Worth $1.8B
Worth Change +$0.0B
Country United States
Industry Manufacturing
Age 86 Years
Gender M
Worth As Of May 4, 2026
Last Refreshed 17 Sep 2026, 12:00 AM
Residence Los Angeles, California
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.

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)

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