Ronald Wanek

Grew up on dairy farm in Minnesota. Founded Arcadia Furniture with other investors including Chuck Vogel 1970. Bought Ashley Furniture 6 years later, built nation's best-selling furniture brand. Uses Ashley Homestore outlets to push assortment of beds, sofas, tables, chairs. Low costs, high profits: components made in Asia with cheaper labor, materials; furniture assembled in the U.S. after order is placed to minimize inventory, storage costs. Sales exceed $3 billion. Enjoys sculpting, politics.