Ashley Furniture Founder Ron Wanek Earns Florida's Top Business Honor

TAMPA, Fla. – January 13, 2026 – The Florida Council of 100, one of the state's most influential nonpartisan business advocacy groups, has bestowed its highest honor upon Ron Wanek, the founder and chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries. Wanek was named the recipient of the 2025 Governor's Business Leader Award, a prestigious recognition of his long-term excellence in business, profound civic contributions, and extensive philanthropic efforts.

The award celebrates a lifetime of achievement that transformed a small company into a global powerhouse while consistently investing back into the community. "The Governor's Business Leader Award is the most prestigious honor that the Council of 100 bestows," said George LeMieux, Chair of The Florida Council of 100. "Ron's work shows that we can expand opportunities, strengthen our industries, and improve the quality of life. It is a privilege to honor a leader whose vision continues to inspire us all."

From Humble Beginnings to a Global Empire

Ron Wanek's journey is a quintessential American success story, rooted in the hard soil of a sharecropper farm in rural Minnesota. His upbringing, defined by manual labor and limited resources, instilled a formidable work ethic and a practical approach to problem-solving that would later become the bedrock of his business philosophy. He entered the furniture business shortly after high school, learning the trade from the ground up.

In 1970, he co-founded a small furniture company that, under his visionary leadership, would evolve into Ashley Furniture Industries. Wanek didn't just build a company; he revolutionized an industry. He pioneered innovative manufacturing techniques, vertically integrated supply chains, and dynamic retail strategies that allowed the company to offer stylish, affordable furniture to a mass market. This approach propelled Ashley Furniture to become the world's largest furniture manufacturer, a behemoth with an estimated annual revenue of $10.3 billion, according to Forbes. Today, the company operates more than 1,100 retail locations across 70 countries, a testament to Wanek's relentless drive and strategic acumen.

"Ron Wanek embodies the spirit of innovation, determination, and community leadership that this award represents," noted Mike Simas, President and CEO of The Florida Council of 100. "While building one of the most influential companies in the country, Ron never lost sight of the values that drive real progress: hard work, integrity, and commitment to others."

Global Reach, Local Roots

While Ashley Furniture's presence is global, Wanek's philanthropic impact is deeply felt at the local level, particularly in Florida. The Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation, headquartered in Tampa, serves as the primary vehicle for his and his wife's charitable endeavors. The foundation has disbursed millions in grants, with a strong focus on education, medical research, and support for veterans.

A key priority for the foundation is fostering the next generation of innovators through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. Since 2017, it has sponsored over 170 students to attend the National Flight Academy. The foundation also supports advanced manufacturing education, partnering with colleges to create state-of-the-art facilities like the Wanek Center of Innovation.

Beyond education, the Wanek family has made substantial contributions to medical research, providing significant funding to institutions like the Mayo Research Clinic and City of Hope, where a family project focuses on Type 1 Diabetes research. This commitment extends to corporate initiatives, where Ashley Furniture's "Hope to Dream" program has provided more than 190,000 beds to children in need since 2010. The company also mobilizes significant disaster relief, as seen following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, when it donated 1,300 mattresses and other essential goods to affected families in Florida and neighboring states.

Upon receiving the award, Wanek expressed his gratitude and connection to the state. "It is truly an honor to receive this year's Governor's Business Leader Award," he said. "Florida has been an important part of my life and the growth of our company, and I'm grateful for the opportunities this state has given us."

A Council Shaping Florida's Future

The organization bestowing the honor, The Florida Council of 100, is as influential as its award is prestigious. Founded in 1961 at the request of then-Governor Farris Bryant, the Council is a private, nonpartisan group of over 200 CEOs and business leaders from companies that collectively employ more than 1.3 million Floridians. Its mission is to improve the state's quality of life and economic well-being by serving as a trusted advisor to policymakers.

The Council's influence is evident in its strategic priorities, which for 2025-2026 include Economic Competitiveness, Resilience, and Infrastructure. It has been a vocal supporter of key legislation, praising Governor Ron DeSantis for signing a major tort reform law in 2023, which it argued would enhance Florida's business climate. The Council is also the driving force behind the "Beyond Sunshine" strategy, an ambitious plan to add 200,000 high-wage jobs and nearly $100 billion in GDP by 2030 by nurturing key economic sectors like biopharmaceuticals, aerospace, and clean technology. By recognizing leaders like Wanek, the Council reinforces the values it seeks to promote across the state's economic landscape.

A Tradition of Honoring Excellence

The Governor's Business Leader Award has been presented annually since 2002 to a Council member who exemplifies long-term excellence. An examination of past recipients reveals a roster of Florida's most impactful figures. Wanek joins a distinguished list that includes Syd Kitson (2024), the visionary developer behind the sustainable community of Babcock Ranch; Chris Corr (2023) of Rayonier; Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik (2017); and even former Governor Jeb Bush (2006).

The selection of Ron Wanek places him firmly within this pantheon of leaders who have not only achieved remarkable business success but have also dedicated their resources and influence to the betterment of Florida. His career reflects the core principles the award was designed to celebrate: visionary leadership that builds industries, creates opportunities, and strengthens the fabric of the community for generations to come.