Founder Of Costco Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Jim Sinegal, the founder of Costco, began his career in the retail industry at a young age. Born in 1936, he started working at a local Safeway store in Seattle at the age of 16, quickly rising through the ranks to become an assistant manager by the time he was 18. It was during his time at Safeway that Sinegal developed his passion for retail and his commitment to providing customers with high-quality products at competitive prices.

Founder of Costco’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, the founder of Costco, James Sinegal, has an estimated net worth of $400 million. This is a significant decrease from his peak net worth in 2013, which was $1.3 billion. Despite the decline, Sinegal remains one of the wealthiest individuals in the retail industry.

Career

James Sinegal co-founded Costco Wholesale Corporation in 1983 with Jeffrey Brotman. He served as the company’s CEO from 1984 to 1999 and again from 2004 to 2012. Under his leadership, Costco grew from a single warehouse in Seattle to a global retailer with over 700 locations worldwide. Sinegal was known for his employee-friendly policies and his focus on customer satisfaction.

Other Ventures

In addition to his work at Costco, Sinegal has been involved in various other ventures. He served on the board of directors for Starbucks from 1992 to 2007 and was a significant shareholder in the company. He has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, including the creation of the Costco Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships to employees and their families.

Assets

As of 2025, James Sinegal’s assets include a significant stake in Costco, valued at around $300 million. He also owns several properties, including a home in Kirkland, Washington, valued at over $5 million. Additionally, Sinegal owns a private jet and has investments in various other companies.

Annual Income

As of 2025, James Sinegal’s annual income is estimated to be around $10 million. This is primarily derived from his stake in Costco, which pays him a dividend of over $6 million per year. He also receives income from his other investments and ventures.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Founder Of Costco

1. Who is the founder of Costco?

James Sinegal is the founder of Costco.

2. When was Costco founded?

Costco was founded on September 15, 1983.

3. What is the net worth of the founder of Costco?

The latest estimated net worth of James Sinegal is $2.2 billion.

4. What was James Sinegal’s role at Costco before becoming the founder?

Before founding Costco, James Sinegal served as the operations vice president of the Price Club.

5. How did the idea for Costco come about?

The idea for Costco came about when Sinegal and his business partner, Jeff Brotman, saw an opportunity to create a warehouse club that would offer low prices to its members.

6. When did James Sinegal step down as the CEO of Costco?

James Sinegal stepped down as the CEO of Costco in 2012, but he remained as the executive chairman until 2016.

7. Who succeeded James Sinegal as the CEO of Costco?

Craig Jelinek succeeded James Sinegal as the CEO of Costco in 2012.

8. What is the current membership fee for Costco?

The current annual membership fee for Costco is $60 for a Gold Star membership and $120 for an Executive membership.

9. How many countries does Costco operate in?

As of 2021, Costco operates in 12 countries.

10. What is the total revenue of Costco?

The total revenue of Costco in 2020 was $163.22 billion.