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Pleasant Rowland Net Worth
| Net Worth | Salary | Birthdate | Birthplace | Gender | Height | Profession | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $310 million | – | 1941 | Chicago, Illinois | Female | – | Educator, Writer, Reporter, Entrepreneur | American |
Highlights
Pleasant Rowland is an American entrepreneur, writer, and educator known for creating the brand American Girl. With a remarkable net worth of $310 million, she is regarded as one of America’s wealthiest self-made women. Rowland was born in 1941 in Chicago, Illinois and has made significant contributions to various fields throughout her life.
Early Life
Pleasant Rowland was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1941. Not much is known about her early life and childhood, but her entrepreneurial drive and passion for education became prominent as she grew up. Rowland pursued her studies at Wells College, which later became an essential partner in her business ventures.
Career
Rowland began her career as a school teacher in the 1960s before transitioning into the field of journalism. She worked as a reporter and anchor for an ABC affiliate, gaining valuable experience that would shape her future endeavors.
In addition to her work in journalism, Rowland also ventured into textbook writing and was the publisher of Children’s Magazine Guide. This experience further ignited her passion for education and creating meaningful content for children.
In 1986, Rowland founded the Pleasant Company, which would become best known for its American Girl brand. This innovative company produced dolls, accessories, and books that centered around storytelling, history, and empowerment for young girls. The American Girl brand quickly gained popularity and became a cultural phenomenon.
In 1998, Rowland sold the Pleasant Company to Mattel for a staggering $700 million. This strategic move not only solidified her financial success but also allowed the American Girl brand to reach an even wider audience under the umbrella of a global toy giant.
Rowland’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop with American Girl. In 2001, she purchased the bankrupt MacKenzie-Childs and later sold it in 2008. Throughout her career, Rowland has demonstrated an astute business acumen and an ability to adapt to changing markets.
Pleasant Rowland’s contributions to education extended beyond her entrepreneurial ventures. In 2004, she founded the Rowland Reading Foundation, focusing on supporting literacy initiatives and fostering a love for reading in children.
Personal Life
Pleasant Rowland’s personal life is largely private, with limited information available about her relationships and family. However, it is known that she was married to Jerome Frautschi, with whom she shared a deep passion for philanthropy.
One notable philanthropic endeavor was their $205 million gift to build the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, Wisconsin. This donation showcased their dedication to supporting and enriching the arts in their community.
Net Worth Over Time
Pleasant Rowland’s net worth has seen significant growth throughout her career. Starting with her sale of the Pleasant Company to Mattel for $700 million in 1998, her wealth skyrocketed. As of current estimates in 2021, Rowland’s net worth stands at an impressive $310 million.
Components of Net Worth
Pleasant Rowland’s net worth is primarily derived from her successful entrepreneurial ventures. The key component of her net worth is the proceeds from the sale of the Pleasant Company to Mattel, which amounted to a staggering $700 million.
Furthermore, Rowland’s various other business ventures, including the acquisition and sale of MacKenzie-Childs, have also contributed to her overall net worth. These ventures demonstrate her ability to identify profitable investment opportunities and make strategic business decisions.
Rowland’s philanthropic activities, such as the founding of the Rowland Reading Foundation and generous donations to build the Overture Center for the Arts, also reflect her commitment to giving back to society.
In conclusion, Pleasant Rowland’s entrepreneurial success with the creation of American Girl has propelled her to great financial heights. With a net worth of $310 million, she has carved a place for herself as one of America’s richest self-made women. Throughout her career, Rowland’s passion for education and her innovative business ventures have left an indelible mark on the world. Additionally, her dedication to philanthropy further showcases her desire to make a positive impact on society.