Drayton McLane Jr

$4.67 B

Ranked #887 in World

About Drayton McLane Jr

Drayton McLane Jr., born on July 22, 1936, in Cameron, Texas, transitioned from a family grocery business to a visionary in grocery distribution, leveraging computer technology to skyrocket McLane Company's revenues from $3 million to $19 billion. As a Baylor and Michigan State alumnus, McLane forged a commendable path in the finance and sports sectors, with his prowess peaking as the Houston Astros owner, leading them to multiple playoffs and a ballpark creation. A philanthropist at heart, McLane's extensive work includes civic engagements and significant contributions to education and healthcare entities, backed by numerous accolades like the Golden Plate Award.

Born

July 22, 1936 in Cameron, Texas, U.S.

Age

89 years

Source Of Wealth

Walmart, Logistics

Industries

Fashion & Retail

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Temple, Texas

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Baylor University; Master of Business Administration, Broad College of Business

Spouse

Elizabeth

Children

Drayton McLane Jr. was born on July 22, 1936, in Cameron, Texas. His father, Drayton McLane Sr., owned a wholesale grocery distribution center, and young Drayton worked for the family business from a young age. He graduated from C. H. Yoe High School in 1954 and went on to earn an undergraduate degree from Baylor University in 1958 and an MBA in marketing from Michigan State University in 1959.

Drayton McLane Jr: Family

Drayton McLane Jr. comes from a family of entrepreneurs. His father, Drayton McLane Sr., built a successful wholesale grocery distribution business, and Drayton Jr. followed in his footsteps. Drayton Jr. is married to Elizabeth "Libba" McLane, and they have three children: Drayton III, Liz, and Kate.

Drayton McLane Jr: Career Highlights

Drayton McLane Jr. began his career working for his father's grocery distribution business. He became president and CEO of McLane Company in 1978 and chairman in 1992. Under his leadership, the company grew from a $3 million-a-year operation to a $19 billion enterprise. He also served as president of the Texas Wholesale Grocers Association (1970–1971) and chairman of the National American Wholesale Grocers Association (1986–1988).

In 1992, McLane sold the family business to Sam Walton for cash and Wal-Mart shares. He continued as chairman of McLane Co. and was named vice chairman of Wal-Mart Corporation. However, he resigned from both positions in 1993 to devote his full time to McLane Group, a holding company founded in 1992.

Drayton McLane Jr: Companies

Drayton McLane Jr. has been involved with several companies throughout his career. He is best known for his leadership of McLane Company, a wholesale grocery distribution business founded by his father. He also served as vice chairman of Wal-Mart Corporation after the sale of McLane Company. Additionally, he is the founder and chairman of McLane Group, a holding company for various corporations.

Drayton McLane Jr: Major Achievements

Drayton McLane Jr.

has achieved significant success in the business world. He transformed McLane Company from a small family business into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. He also played a key role in the growth of Wal-Mart Corporation. Additionally, he has been involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations, making significant contributions to his community.

Drayton McLane Jr: Awards & Achievements

Drayton McLane Jr. has received numerous awards and recognitions for his achievements. In 1997, he was awarded the Golden Plate Award by the American Academy of Achievement. He has also been inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame and the Baylor University Hall of Fame.

Drayton McLane Jr: Personal Life & Legacy

Drayton McLane Jr. is married to Elizabeth "Libba" McLane, and they have three children: Drayton III, Liz, and Kate. He is known for his philanthropy and has made significant contributions to Baylor University and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He is also active in civic and charitable organizations, serving as chairman of Texas Central Partners High Speed Rail and vice president at large of the Boy Scouts of America National Board.

Drayton McLane Jr: Trivia

Drayton McLane Jr. is a big fan of baseball and has been the owner of the Houston Astros since 1992. He oversaw the construction of Minute Maid Park, which opened in 2000, and led the team to six postseason appearances in nineteen seasons as owner. He sold the Astros in 2011 for $680 million.

Wealth History

Timeline

July 22, 1936

Drayton McLane Jr. is born in Cameron, Texas.

1954

Graduates from C. H. Yoe High School.

1958

Earns an undergraduate degree from Baylor University.

1959

Earns an MBA in marketing from Michigan State University.

1965

Becomes president and CEO of McLane Company.

1970–1971

Serves as president of the Texas Wholesale Grocers Association.

1978

Becomes chairman of McLane Company.

1986–1988

Serves as chairman of the National American Wholesale Grocers Association.

1990

Sells the family business to Sam Walton for cash and Wal-Mart shares.

1992

Purchases the Houston Astros for $117 million.

1993

Resigns from both positions at McLane Co. and Wal-Mart Corporation to devote his full-time as chairman of McLane Group.

2000

Minute Maid Park opens.

2011

Sells the Astros for $680 million.

Drayton McLane Jr : FAQs

What is Drayton McLane Jr's current net worth?

Drayton McLane Jr's current net worth is $4.67 billion.

What is Drayton McLane Jr's current global rank among billionaires?

Drayton McLane Jr holds the 887th position globally among billionaires.

What is Drayton McLane Jr's current ranking within the United States?

Drayton McLane Jr holds the 334th position in United States.

What was the change in Drayton McLane Jr's net worth compared to the previous year?

Drayton McLane Jr's net worth increased by 259.16 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 4.41 billion dollars.

What are Drayton McLane Jr's main sources of wealth?

Drayton McLane Jr's main source of income comes from Walmart, Logistics.

In which industry does Drayton McLane Jr primarily operate?

Drayton McLane Jr is primarily involved in the Fashion & Retail industry.

What is Drayton McLane Jr educational background?

Drayton McLane Jr holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Baylor University and a Master of Business Administration from Broad College of Business.

How old is Drayton McLane Jr?

Drayton McLane Jr is 89 years old.

How many children does Drayton McLane Jr have?

Drayton McLane Jr has 2 children.

What is Drayton McLane Jr.'s background and early education?

Drayton McLane Jr. was born on July 22, 1936, in Cameron, Texas. He worked for his father's wholesale grocery distribution center from a young age. After graduating from C. H. Yoe High School in 1954, he earned an undergraduate degree from Baylor University in 1958 and an MBA from Michigan State University in 1959.

How did Drayton McLane Jr. grow his family's business?

McLane became president and CEO of McLane Company in 1978, using computer-based technology to revolutionize their distribution system. He expanded the $3 million-a-year operation to a $19 billion enterprise, adding 16 distribution facilities across the US.

When did Drayton McLane Jr. become owner of the Houston Astros and what were his contributions?

Drayton McLane Jr. purchased the Houston Astros in 1992 for $117 million, led significant changes within the team, oversaw the construction of Minute Maid Park, and led the Astros to six postseason appearances before selling the team in 2011 for $680 million.

What companies are part of Drayton McLane Jr.'s McLane Group?

Drayton McLane Jr. devotes his time to McLane Group, a holding company for various corporations. Past entities under the McLane Group include McLane Polska, McLane Portugal, McLane Cattle, LLC, Leading Edge Flavors, McLane International, and McLane Advanced Technologies.

What are some of Drayton McLane Jr.'s significant contributions to civic and charitable causes?

Drayton McLane Jr. is actively involved in civic and charitable organizations. He serves as chairman of Texas Central Partners High Speed Rail, vice president at large of the Boy Scouts of America National Board, and has held significant positions like chairman of Baylor Scott & White Healthcare's board of trustees.