Jim Sinegal Net Worth (Updated 2025).
Jim Sinegal, born in 1936, began his career in the retail industry at a young age. After graduating from high school, he started working at a local supermarket in Seattle, Washington. It was here that he honed his skills in customer service and management, eventually becoming a store manager.
In 1962, Sinegal took a leap of faith and, along with his business partner, Joe Norwood, founded a small retail store called Costco Wholesale. The concept was simple yet innovative: a membership-only warehouse club that offered discounted prices on a wide variety of products. This unique business model quickly gained traction, and under Sinegal’s leadership, Costco grew from a single store to a global retail giant.
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Jim Sinegal’s Current Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Jim Sinegal’s net worth is estimated to be around $500 million. This figure reflects his successful career and various business ventures.
Career
Jim Sinegal co-founded Costco Wholesale Corporation in 1983. He served as the CEO from 1984 to 1994, and then as the chairman until 2012. Under his leadership, Costco grew from a single warehouse to a global retailer with over 700 locations. Sinegal was known for his employee-friendly policies and low prices.
Other Ventures
After retiring from Costco, Sinegal focused on various philanthropic efforts. He serves on the board of the Costco Wholesale Corporation and is involved in several charitable organizations. In 2014, he co-founded the Jim Sinegal Center for Business Ethics at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business.
Assets
Jim Sinegal’s assets include a significant stake in Costco, valued at over $400 million. He also owns several properties, including a $2.5 million home in Kirkland, Washington. His investment portfolio is estimated to be worth around $50 million.
Annual Income
As of 2025, Jim Sinegal’s annual income is estimated to be around $10 million. This includes his salary from Costco and his investment income. Despite his wealth, Sinegal is known for his modest lifestyle and his commitment to social causes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jim Sinegal
**Frequently Asked Questions: Jim Sinegal Net Worth**
1. What is Jim Sinegal’s net worth?
Jim Sinegal’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion.
2. How did Jim Sinegal make his fortune?
Jim Sinegal co-founded Costco Wholesale Corporation in 1983. He served as the company’s CEO from 1993 to 2012 and as executive chairman until 2016. He also served on the company’s board of directors until 2018.
3. What is Jim Sinegal’s role at Costco now?
As of 2021, Jim Sinegal is not involved in the day-to-day operations of Costco. He retired from the company’s board of directors in 2018.
4. How did Jim Sinegal start Costco?
Jim Sinegal co-founded Costco with Jeffrey Brotman in 1983. They started the company as a spin-off from Price Club, which Sinegal had co-founded in 1976.
5. What is Jim Sinegal’s background?
Jim Sinegal began his career in the retail industry in the 1950s. He worked for FedMart and then Safeway before co-founding Price Club in 1976.
6. Is Jim Sinegal a billionaire?
Yes, Jim Sinegal is a billionaire. His net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion.
7. What is Jim Sinegal’s leadership style?
Jim Sinegal is known for his hands-on leadership style and his focus on employee satisfaction. He believes in treating employees well to create a positive work environment and improve customer service.
8. What is Jim Sinegal’s philanthropic work?
Jim Sinegal and his wife, Linda, have been involved in various philanthropic efforts. They have donated to causes such as education, healthcare, and social services through the Sinegal Family Foundation.
9. What are Jim Sinegal’s books?
Jim Sinegal has co-authored two books: “I Was Wrong: Great Leaders Change Their Minds All the Time” (2018) and “The Costco Way: Inspiring a Life of Service, Leadership, and Lasting Legacy” (2020).
10. What is Jim Sinegal’s age?
Jim Sinegal was born on November 1, 1936. As of 2021, he is 84 years old.
