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Friese
Donald Friese
Rank #2331
UNITED STATES•Manufacturing•Manufacturing

Donald Friese

Net Worth
$1.75B
0% (24h)
Donald Friese is an American entrepreneur and billionaire businessman, born in 1940. His career began in the U.S. Army as a missile mechanic, followed by a move to Los Angeles with limited resources. He is best known for transforming C.R. Laurence Co., Inc. into a leading manufacturer in the glass industry, expanding its product line to over 65,000 items. Friese's manufacturing success culminated in the 2015 sale of the company for $1.3 billion. His current estimated net worth is $1.8 billion, with his wealth stemming from manufacturing. Friese is also known for his philanthropic efforts through the Friese Foundation.

How to read Donald Friese'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 Donald Friese, we anchor the narrative to Manufacturing and Manufacturing, 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 $1.75B alongside global rank #2331, 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

Donald Friese was born on October 3, 1940, in York, Pennsylvania, as the third of 13 siblings. His upbringing was marked by modest beginnings. After graduating from high school in 1958, Friese joined the U.S. Army and served for three years, training as a missile mechanic.

Rise to Success

Following his military service, Friese moved to Los Angeles with just $125 in his pocket. He started his career at C.R. Laurence as the sixth employee. Through hard work and dedication, he gradually acquired ownership of the company from Bernie Harris, culminating in buying out Harris in 1997. Under Friese's leadership, C.R. Laurence became a leading manufacturer and distributor in the glass industry, offering over 65,000 products by 2015. In 2015, Friese sold the company to CRH plc for $1.3 billion, netting approximately $885 million.

Key Business Strategies

Friese's key strategies included acquiring competitors and expanding C.R. Laurence's product line. He focused on building strong customer relationships and providing excellent service. These efforts led to significant growth and ultimately, the successful sale of the company.

Philanthropy

After selling C.R. Laurence, Friese and his son DJ established the Friese Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to philanthropy. The foundation supports a variety of causes, including health care, veterans, animal welfare, and youth education. In 2021, the Friese Family Foundation gave $50 million for a new hospital tower at Providence Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Tarzana.

Career Timeline

2024

Returned to the Industry

Returned to the glass and glazing industry to provide support and strategic advice.

2018

Retired as CEO of C.R. Laurence

Retired from his position as CEO, focusing on philanthropy.

2015

Sold C.R. Laurence

Sold the company to CRH plc for $1.3 billion.

1997

Acquired C.R. Laurence

Became the sole owner of C.R. Laurence Co., Inc.

1961

Joined C.R. Laurence

Began working at C.R. Laurence as its sixth employee.

1958

Joined the U.S. Army

Served as a missile mechanic.

Philanthropic Impact

Healthcare$50M

Providence Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Donation for the Friese Family Patient Tower.

VariousVarious

American Red Cross, USO, National Veterans Foundation, the Salvation Army, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Rancho San Antonio Boys Home, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, St. Jude Children's Hospital and the National Glass Association

Supporting various charitable organizations.

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Donald Friese was born on October 3, 1940, in York, Pennsylvania, as the third of 13 siblings. His upbringing was marked by modest beginnings. After graduating from high school in 1958, Friese joined the U.S. Army and served for three years, training as a missile mechanic.

Rise to Success

Following his military service, Friese moved to Los Angeles with just $125 in his pocket. He started his career at C.R. Laurence as the sixth employee. Through hard work and dedication, he gradually acquired ownership of the company from Bernie Harris, culminating in buying out Harris in 1997. Under Friese's leadership, C.R. Laurence became a leading manufacturer and distributor in the glass industry, offering over 65,000 products by 2015. In 2015, Friese sold the company to CRH plc for $1.3 billion, netting approximately $885 million.

Key Business Strategies

Friese's key strategies included acquiring competitors and expanding C.R. Laurence's product line. He focused on building strong customer relationships and providing excellent service. These efforts led to significant growth and ultimately, the successful sale of the company.

Philanthropy

After selling C.R. Laurence, Friese and his son DJ established the Friese Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to philanthropy. The foundation supports a variety of causes, including health care, veterans, animal welfare, and youth education. In 2021, the Friese Family Foundation gave $50 million for a new hospital tower at Providence Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Tarzana.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Donald Friese 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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