Pleasant Rowland Net Worth (Updated 2025).
Pleasant Rowland, born in 1940, is a prominent American entrepreneur and philanthropist. She began her career as a teacher, which ignited her passion for education and sparked her innovative spirit. Rowland started her professional journey in the 1960s, teaching history in various schools, including the prestigious Westtown School in Pennsylvania. Her teaching experience laid the foundation for her future endeavors, as it fueled her desire to create engaging and educational resources for children.
In the late 1980s, Rowland’s interest in dolls and their historical significance led her to found the American Girl company. She envisioned a line of dolls that would represent different time periods and historical figures, aiming to inspire young girls to learn about history in an interactive and engaging way. The first American Girl doll, Kirsten Larson, was introduced in 1986, and it was an instant success. The company grew rapidly, and its popularity spread across the United States. This marked the beginning of Rowland’s rise to fame, as she became known for her innovative approach to education and her commitment to preserving history through her dolls.
**Pleasant Rowland’s Current Net Worth (2025)**
As of 2025, Pleasant Rowland’s current net worth is estimated to be around $500 million, according to the latest available information.
**Career**
Pleasant Rowland is a renowned American businesswoman and philanthropist, best known for founding the American Girl doll company in 1985. She served as the company’s CEO until 1997, growing it into a multi-million dollar enterprise. After selling American Girl to Mattel in 1998, Rowland continued her entrepreneurial journey by establishing the Our Generation doll line in 2004.
**Other Ventures**
In addition to her doll companies, Rowland has ventured into other business endeavors. She co-founded the Rowland Reading Foundation in 1996, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving children’s literacy. Rowland also has investments in various real estate properties, including historic homes and farms.
**Assets**
Rowland’s assets include her primary residence, a historic estate in Ohio, valued at around $5 million. She also owns several other properties across the United States, with a combined estimated value of over $20 million. Additionally, her doll companies and other business ventures contribute significantly to her overall wealth.
**Annual Income**
While the exact figure varies year by year, Pleasant Rowland’s annual income is estimated to be around $20 million, primarily derived from her business ventures and investments. This includes royalties from her doll companies, as well as income from her real estate holdings and other investments.
Table Of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions about Pleasant Rowland
**Frequently Asked Questions: Pleasant Rowland Net Worth**
1. Who is Pleasant Rowland?
Pleasant Rowland is an American businesswoman and philanthropist, best known for founding the American Girl doll company in 1986.
2. What is Pleasant Rowland’s net worth?
Pleasant Rowland’s net worth is estimated to be around $500 million.
3. How did Pleasant Rowland make her money?
Rowland made her fortune primarily through the creation and sale of the American Girl doll company, which she sold to Mattel in 1998 for $700 million.
4. What other businesses has Pleasant Rowland been involved in?
After selling American Girl, Rowland founded the Pleasant Company, which published children’s books and other educational materials. She also started a line of historical dolls called “WellieWishers”.
5. How did Pleasant Rowland get the idea for American Girl?
Rowland was inspired to create American Girl after visiting a museum and noticing that there were no dolls that represented the diverse history of American girls. She wanted to create dolls that would help girls learn about history in a fun and engaging way.
6. When did Pleasant Rowland sell American Girl?
Rowland sold American Girl to Mattel in 1998 for $700 million.
7. What has Pleasant Rowland done with her wealth?
Rowland has used a significant portion of her wealth for philanthropic purposes. She has established the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation, which focuses on supporting education, historical preservation, and other charitable causes.
8. Has Pleasant Rowland written any books?
Yes, Rowland has written several children’s books, including the “American Girl” series and the “Historical Characters” series.
9. Where does Pleasant Rowland live?
Rowland lives in Wisconsin, where she has a home in Madison and a farm in Spring Green.
10. What is Pleasant Rowland’s age?
Pleasant Rowland was born on April 25, 1941, making her 81 years old as of 2022.
