What Is Ron Pratte’s Net Worth?
Ron Pratte, an American businessman celebrated for his entrepreneurial ventures and impressive car collection, boasts a net worth of $350 million. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his role as the founder and former CEO of Pratte Development Company, Inc., a prominent entity in the United States specializing in wood framing and concrete foundations. The company, based in Phoenix, Arizona, operates as a privately held manufacturer of structural wood products.
The Rise of Pratte Development and Smart Financial Moves
Pratte Development Company’s success story is rooted in its expertise in wood framing and concrete foundations. Specific financial figures detailing the company’s annual revenue before its sale to Pulte Homes are not publicly available. However, the sale occurred at the apex of Arizona’s housing boom, a strategic move that allowed Pratte to capitalize on the market’s favorable conditions before the subsequent downturn. While the exact sale price remains undisclosed, the timing proved exceptionally advantageous for Pratte. It’s worth noting that Pratte Development Company employed approximately 4,000 workers and, at its peak, constructed up to 60 houses per day.
Ron Pratte’s Passion for Automobiles and Auction Block Success
Ron Pratte’s passion for automobiles is well-documented, and he has amassed an extensive collection of fine automobiles. In 2008, he acquired a Shelby GT500 for close to $650,000. Among the standout pieces in his collection was a 1950 GM Futurliner Tour Bus, valued at $4.1 million. In 2003, he kickstarted his car collection at the B-J auction with a purchase of 52 cars.
Pratte’s association with Barrett-Jackson, a renowned auction house, is notable. His car collection was sold at the 2015 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. Over 100 vehicles were sold on Tuesday of auction week, and the remaining 30+ were sold on Super Saturday. The entire collection generated more than $40.44 million in sales. Highlights from the auction include the Super Snake, which fetched $5.1 million, and the Bonneville Special, which sold for $3.3 million.
Other notable vehicles from Ron Pratte’s collection include:
- A 2007 Blastolene B-702 custom-built Roadster, valued at $550,000.
- A 1941 custom Packard D’Agostino, known as “Gable,” worth $495,000.
- A 1955 Pontiac featured in an episode of “I Love Lucy,” valued at $220,000.
- The 1955 Plymouth Fury from Stephen King’s “Christine,” which sold for $198,000.
Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Ron Pratte hails from Chandler, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. As a teenager, he worked at a gas station and dreamt of owning the exceptional cars he encountered there. After graduating from high school, Pratte launched the Phoenix-based Pratte Development Company, Inc., specializing in wood framing and concrete foundations. Specific details about the high school he attended or his exact address in Chandler are not publicly available.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Ron Pratte has a history of charitable contributions. After winning the Tony Stewart race car at an auction, he donated it to the Gwynn Foundation. The foundation then sold the car for $165,000, raising a total of $500,000 to support those afflicted with Muscular Dystrophy. He also purchased the 2006 Jeff Gordon Monte Carlo for $500,000, with the proceeds benefiting the National Marrow Donor Program. The specific amounts he has donated to various other charities over the years are not available.
Real Estate Ventures: The Sky Pine Estate
In August 2020, Ron Pratte listed his lakefront mansion in Worley, Idaho, known as Skypine, for $30 million. The estate, constructed in 2011, features a 16,620-square-foot, four-bedroom home situated on 27 acres. The property also includes a manmade waterfall and a 2,400-square-foot boathouse. The mansion was ultimately sold for $27.5 million in December 2020. While the purchase price is documented, details regarding any mortgages or specific property taxes paid on the estate are not publicly available.
Further details about other real estate holdings owned by Ron Pratte are not readily accessible.
Additional Insights into Ron Pratte’s Life and Investments
Beyond his business ventures and car collection, details about Ron Pratte’s other investments are limited. Information regarding his specific stock portfolio, private equity investments, or other business holdings is not publicly available. Also, specific details about his daily routines, work habits, or personal preferences are not publicly accessible.
In summary, Ron Pratte’s $350 million net worth reflects his successful career as a businessman, entrepreneur, and car collector. His strategic decisions, particularly the sale of Pratte Development Company at the height of the housing boom, have played a significant role in his financial success. Ron Pratte’s notable car collection, including the Super Snake and Bonneville Special, garnered attention at auction. Additionally, he has demonstrated philanthropic efforts, donating to charities such as the Gwynn Foundation and the National Marrow Donor Program. Pratte’s real estate ventures, including the Sky Pine Estate in Worley, Idaho, further contribute to his overall financial standing.