NetWorth
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Alfond
Susan Alfond
Rank #1229
UNITED STATES•Fashion & Retail•Shoes

Susan Alfond

Net Worth
$3.45B
-0.26% (24h)
Susan Alfond (born 1946) is an American investor, philanthropist, and billionaire. She is best known for being the daughter of Harold Alfond, the founder of Dexter Shoe Company. Her wealth primarily comes from Berkshire Hathaway stock, acquired when her father sold Dexter Shoe to Warren Buffett in 1993. A resident of Scarborough, Maine, Alfond is the wealthiest person in Maine, with a net worth of $3.4 billion as of October 2024, as reported by Forbes. Her career began with a significant role in the sale of Dexter Shoe Company, and she has since focused on philanthropy.

How to read Susan Alfond'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 Susan Alfond, we anchor the narrative to Shoes and Shoes, 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 $3.45B alongside global rank #1229, 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

Susan Gail Alfond was born in 1946 to Dorothy (née Levine) and Harold Alfond in Maine. Her father, Harold Alfond, founded the Dexter Shoe Company in 1958. Growing up in a Jewish family, Alfond was raised with values of hard work and community involvement, which have significantly influenced her later philanthropic endeavors.

Rise to Success

Alfond's significant wealth stems from the sale of Dexter Shoe Company. In 1993, Harold Alfond sold the company to Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway for $420 million in stock. This decision proved highly lucrative, as the Berkshire Hathaway shares appreciated significantly over the years, making Susan Alfond one of the wealthiest individuals in the United States.

Key Business Strategies

Susan Alfond's wealth management strategy has primarily involved holding and allowing the Berkshire Hathaway stock to grow. This passive investment approach has been highly successful due to Berkshire Hathaway's strong performance under Warren Buffett's leadership. The family’s financial decisions have been focused on long-term value, as well.

Philanthropy

Susan Alfond is known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Harold Alfond Foundation, which her father established in 1950. The foundation supports education, healthcare, and community development, with a focus on initiatives in Maine. The Harold Alfond Foundation has also contributed towards youth programs, healthcare facilities and community projects in Maine, including a $80 million gift to the University of Maine Athletics in 2024 and a $320 million commitment to the University of Maine System.

Career Timeline

2024

Forbes 400

Listed as #388 on the Forbes 400 list of richest Americans with a net worth of $3.4 billion.

1993

Dexter Shoe Sold to Berkshire Hathaway

Harold Alfond sold the Dexter Shoe Company to Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway for $420 million in stock.

1958

Dexter Shoe Company Founded

Harold Alfond founded Dexter Shoe Company.

Philanthropic Impact

Philanthropy$XB

Harold Alfond Foundation

Supports education, healthcare, and community development in Maine.

Education$80M

University of Maine Athletics

The Harold Alfond Foundation's $80 million gift to the University of Maine Athletics in 2024.

Education$320M

University of Maine System

A broader $320 million commitment to the University of Maine System for educational advancements.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Berkshire Hathaway——

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Susan Gail Alfond was born in 1946 to Dorothy (née Levine) and Harold Alfond in Maine. Her father, Harold Alfond, founded the Dexter Shoe Company in 1958. Growing up in a Jewish family, Alfond was raised with values of hard work and community involvement, which have significantly influenced her later philanthropic endeavors.

Rise to Success

Alfond's significant wealth stems from the sale of Dexter Shoe Company. In 1993, Harold Alfond sold the company to Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway for $420 million in stock. This decision proved highly lucrative, as the Berkshire Hathaway shares appreciated significantly over the years, making Susan Alfond one of the wealthiest individuals in the United States.

Key Business Strategies

Susan Alfond's wealth management strategy has primarily involved holding and allowing the Berkshire Hathaway stock to grow. This passive investment approach has been highly successful due to Berkshire Hathaway's strong performance under Warren Buffett's leadership. The family’s financial decisions have been focused on long-term value, as well.

Philanthropy

Susan Alfond is known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Harold Alfond Foundation, which her father established in 1950. The foundation supports education, healthcare, and community development, with a focus on initiatives in Maine. The Harold Alfond Foundation has also contributed towards youth programs, healthcare facilities and community projects in Maine, including a $80 million gift to the University of Maine Athletics in 2024 and a $320 million commitment to the University of Maine System.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Susan Alfond 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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