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Wilks
Dan Wilks
Rank #1655
UNITED STATES•Energy•Natural gas

Dan Wilks

Net Worth
$2.472B
+2.01% (24h)
Dan Wilks, a 69-year-old American businessman, made his fortune in the natural gas industry. He, along with his brother Farris, co-founded Frac Tech in 2002, a hydraulic fracturing company which they sold for $3.5 billion in 2011. Today, he is estimated to have a net worth of $2.1 billion. Wilks' career began in masonry, following in his father's footsteps, before transitioning to the energy sector. Known for his philanthropic and political activities, Wilks and his brother have supported conservative causes and Republican candidates.

How to read Dan Wilks's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Dan Wilks, we anchor the narrative to Natural gas and Natural gas, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $2.472B alongside global rank #1655, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Dan Wilks was born in 1955 or 1956. He and his brother, Farris, grew up in Cisco, Texas, where their father worked as a bricklayer. The family had humble beginnings; at one point, they lived in a former goat shed. Dan and Farris followed in their father's footsteps, becoming masons.

Rise to Success

In 1995, the Wilks brothers founded Wilks Masonry. They later entered the energy industry, founding Frac Tech in 2002. The company specialized in hydraulic fracturing, a method used to extract natural gas and oil. In 2011, they sold their 70% interest in Frac Tech to a consortium led by Temasek Holdings for $3.5 billion.

Key Business Strategies

The Wilks brothers were early entrants into the fracking industry, capitalizing on the growing demand for hydraulic fracturing services. Their strategic move into the energy sector proved highly lucrative. After selling Frac Tech, the brothers continued to invest in the oil-field services sector, including investments in U.S. Well Services. They also acquired over 672,000 acres of land in multiple Western states.

Philanthropy

Dan Wilks and his wife Staci run the Heavenly Father's Foundation, which funds organizations known for their strong anti-abortion and anti-gay stances. They are also major donors to conservative advocacy groups and Republican Party committees.

Career Timeline

2011

Sold Frac Tech

Sold their 70% interest in Frac Tech for $3.5 billion.

2002

Founded Frac Tech

Established Frac Tech, a hydraulic fracturing company, marking their entry into the energy industry.

1995

Founded Wilks Masonry

Co-founded a masonry company with his brother, Farris, following in their father's footsteps.

Philanthropic Impact

Religious and Conservative causes$XB

Heavenly Father's Foundation

Runs a foundation with his wife Staci that supports various conservative and religious organizations.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
U.S. Well Services10.00%$0.048M

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Dan Wilks was born in 1955 or 1956. He and his brother, Farris, grew up in Cisco, Texas, where their father worked as a bricklayer. The family had humble beginnings; at one point, they lived in a former goat shed. Dan and Farris followed in their father's footsteps, becoming masons.

Rise to Success

In 1995, the Wilks brothers founded Wilks Masonry. They later entered the energy industry, founding Frac Tech in 2002. The company specialized in hydraulic fracturing, a method used to extract natural gas and oil. In 2011, they sold their 70% interest in Frac Tech to a consortium led by Temasek Holdings for $3.5 billion.

Key Business Strategies

The Wilks brothers were early entrants into the fracking industry, capitalizing on the growing demand for hydraulic fracturing services. Their strategic move into the energy sector proved highly lucrative. After selling Frac Tech, the brothers continued to invest in the oil-field services sector, including investments in U.S. Well Services. They also acquired over 672,000 acres of land in multiple Western states.

Philanthropy

Dan Wilks and his wife Staci run the Heavenly Father's Foundation, which funds organizations known for their strong anti-abortion and anti-gay stances. They are also major donors to conservative advocacy groups and Republican Party committees.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Dan Wilks are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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