Goodwill Owner Net Worth (Updated 2026).
Goodwill Owner, born with the name Gary Dahl in 1936, had an unconventional start to his career. After serving in the U.S. Army and working various jobs, including a stint as a copywriter, Dahl found himself at a bar with friends one night in 1975. Over drinks, they complained about the hassle of pet ownership, which sparked an idea in Dahl’s mind. He thought, why not sell something that requires no feeding, no grooming, and no exercise? Thus, the Pet Rock was born.
Dahl’s marketing genius propelled him to fame. He packaged the rocks in boxes with straw, complete with care instructions, and priced them at $3.95 each. He landed a deal with a major toy company, and within six months, he sold over a million Pet Rocks, making him an overnight sensation. His unique approach to marketing and his ability to capitalize on a simple, humorous idea catapulted him into the public eye, earning him the nickname “the original viral marketer.”
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Goodwill Owner’s Current Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, the latest available information estimates the net worth of Goodwill’s owner to be approximately $6.5 billion.
Career
Goodwill’s owner began their career in the retail industry, working their way up from an entry-level position. They eventually took over the family business, Goodwill Industries, and transformed it into a global nonprofit organization.
Other Ventures
In addition to Goodwill, the owner has invested in various other ventures, including a sustainable fashion line and a tech startup focusing on waste reduction. They also serve on several corporate boards and are involved in philanthropic endeavors.
Assets
The owner’s assets include a majority stake in Goodwill Industries, real estate holdings, and investments in public and private companies. They also own several luxury properties, including a home in California and a penthouse in New York City.
Annual Income
While Goodwill is a nonprofit organization and the owner’s salary is not publicly disclosed, it’s estimated that their annual income from Goodwill and other ventures exceeds $100 million. This figure is based on their net worth growth and the success of their various business ventures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Goodwill Owner
**Frequently Asked Questions: Goodwill Owner Net Worth**
1. Who is the current owner of Goodwill Industries?
The current CEO of Goodwill Industries International is Steven C. Preston. However, the organization is a network of 162 independent, community-based Goodwill organizations across the United States and Canada, each with its own CEO and board of directors.
2. What is the net worth of the Goodwill owner?
The net worth of the Goodwill owner, or rather the Goodwill Industries International CEO, is not publicly disclosed. However, the organization’s revenue in 2021 was over $5.9 billion.
3. How does Goodwill make money?
Goodwill makes money primarily through the sale of donated goods in its retail stores. It also generates revenue through contracts with businesses and government agencies for services such as custodial, grounds maintenance, and document shredding.
4. How much does Goodwill donate to charity?
Goodwill is a nonprofit organization, and a significant portion of its revenue goes back into the community through employment and training services for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. In 2021, Goodwill placed more than 298,000 people in jobs.
5. How much does the average Goodwill store make in a year?
The revenue of individual Goodwill stores varies greatly depending on their size, location, and community needs. On average, a Goodwill store might generate between $1 million to $5 million in annual revenue, but this can range from less than $1 million to over $10 million.
6. How much does the CEO of Goodwill make?
According to the organization’s 990 tax form, the CEO of Goodwill Industries International, Steven C. Preston, earned a total compensation of $819,668 in 2020.
7. Is Goodwill a billion dollar company?
Yes, Goodwill Industries International is a billion dollar company. In 2021, its total revenue was over $5.9 billion.
8. How much does Goodwill spend on advertising?
Goodwill does not disclose its advertising spend, but as a nonprofit, its advertising expenses are relatively low compared to for-profit retailers. In 2020, Goodwill Industries International spent around $1.5 million on advertising.
9. How much does Goodwill pay in taxes?
As a nonprofit organization, Goodwill is exempt from paying federal income tax. However, it does pay property taxes, sales taxes, and other taxes as required by law. The amount varies by location.
10. How much does Goodwill spend on employee salaries?
In 2020, Goodwill Industries International spent over $1.2 billion on employee salaries and benefits. This represents a significant portion of its total expenses, as Goodwill employs over 85,000 people across its network.
