Jimmy Rane

$1.46 B

Ranked #2607 in World

About Jimmy Rane

James W. Rane, born in 1947 in Abbeville, Alabama, and a notable Auburn University and Cumberland School of Law alumnus, revolutionized the lumber industry through his company, Great Southern Wood Preserving. As founder, chairman, and CEO, he transformed the enterprise into the globe's leading pressure-treated lumber producer. With a judicious blend of entrepreneurship, legal acumen, and innovative marketing strategies, including leveraging college football fame and creating the iconic YellaWood brand, Rane propelled his business into international markets. Recognized as Alabama's wealthiest individual by Forbes since 2016, boasting a net worth of $1.2 billion, he also champions education through the Jimmy Rane Foundation, evidencing a steadfast dedication to community upliftment. Rane's achievements encapsulate the quintessence of American entrepreneurial spirit, meriting him accolades such as the Bronze Wrangler Award and reflecting his indelible mark on both the industry and society.

Born

September 15, 1946 in Abbeville, Alabama, U.S.

Age

79 years

Source Of Wealth

Lumber

Industries

Manufacturing

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Abbeville, Alabama

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Auburn University; Doctor of Jurisprudence, Samford University

Children

James W. Rane was born in 1947 in Abbeville, Alabama. He grew up in a small town and attended local schools. Rane was raised in a close-knit family and developed a strong work ethic from a young age.

Jimmy Rane: Family

Rane is married and has three children. He resides in Abbeville, Alabama, where he has lived for most of his life.

Jimmy Rane: Career Highlights

Rane's career is marked by several significant achievements. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving, the world's largest pressure-treated lumber producer. Rane began his career working at a law firm in Birmingham, Alabama while attending law school. He returned to Abbeville in 1970 to manage his wife's parents' lumber treatment plant, which was on the brink of bankruptcy. Rane and his brother founded Great Southern Wood Preserving the same year.

In addition to his business success, Rane also served as a Henry County judge from 1973 to 1977. He later enrolled in Harvard Business School's owner/president management program in 1984. Rane obtained $1 million in capital to expand operations and quit his law practice in 1986.

One of Rane's notable marketing strategies was to partner with college football coaches to promote Great Southern Wood Preserving's products. Over 20 coaches served as spokesmen for the company, including Bobby Bowden, Tommy Tuberville, Gene Stallings, and Pat Dye. In 2004, the company rebranded its products as YellaWood and Rane himself appeared in serialized commercials as the cowboy "the Yella Fella" to promote the brand.

Jimmy Rane: Companies

Rane is the founder and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving, the world's largest pressure-treated lumber producer. The company has operations in over 25 countries and employs over 3,000 people.

Jimmy Rane: Major Achievements

Rane has achieved significant success in business and philanthropy. He was named the richest person in Alabama by Forbes in 2016 and has maintained the title since.

His estimated net worth is $1.2 billion.

Jimmy Rane: Awards & Achievements

Rane has received numerous awards and recognitions for his accomplishments. He was awarded the Bronze Wrangler Award by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for his role as "the Yella Fella." Rane is also a member of the board of trustees at Auburn University and has made significant donations to the university, including a $12.5 million gift to a new culinary science center in 2017.

Jimmy Rane: Personal Life & Legacy

Rane is known for his philanthropy and community involvement. He is the founder of the Jimmy Rane Foundation, which has awarded over 600 scholarships since its establishment in 2000. Rane is also a prominent athletic booster for Auburn University.

Jimmy Rane: Trivia

Rane is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with his family. He is also a fan of Auburn University football and attends games regularly.

Wealth History

Timeline

1947

James W. Rane was born in Abbeville, Alabama.

1970

Returned to Abbeville to manage his wife's parents' lumber treatment plant, which was on the brink of bankruptcy.

1970

Founded Great Southern Wood Preserving with his brother.

1971

Earned a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.

1973

Became a Henry County judge.

1977

Quit his job as a judge to focus on the company and his law practice.

1984

Enrolled in Harvard Business School's owner/president management program.

1986

Obtained $1 million in capital to expand operations and quit his law practice.

1999

Became a member of the board of trustees at Auburn University.

2000

Founded the Jimmy Rane Foundation.

2004

Branded products as YellaWood.

2016

Named the richest person in Alabama by Forbes.

2017

Donated $12.5 million to a new culinary science center at Auburn University.

Jimmy Rane : FAQs

What is Jimmy Rane's current net worth?

Jimmy Rane's current net worth is $1.46 billion.

What is Jimmy Rane's current global rank among billionaires?

Jimmy Rane holds the 2607th position globally among billionaires.

What is Jimmy Rane's current ranking within the United States?

Jimmy Rane holds the 810th position in United States.

What was the change in Jimmy Rane's net worth compared to the previous year?

Jimmy Rane's net worth decreased by 0 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 1.46 billion dollars.

What are Jimmy Rane's main sources of wealth?

Jimmy Rane's main source of income comes from Lumber.

In which industry does Jimmy Rane primarily operate?

Jimmy Rane is primarily involved in the Manufacturing industry.

What is Jimmy Rane educational background?

Jimmy Rane holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Auburn University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Samford University.

How old is Jimmy Rane?

Jimmy Rane is 79 years old.

How many children does Jimmy Rane have?

Jimmy Rane has 3 children.

Who is James W. Rane and what is he known for?

James W. Rane, born in 1947 in Abbeville, Alabama, is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving, the world's largest pressure-treated lumber producer. He is also recognized for his role as 'the Yella Fella' in serialized commercials promoting the brand YellaWood.

How did James W. Rane start his career and achieve his success in the lumber industry?

James W. Rane began his career working at a law firm in Birmingham while in law school. He then returned to Abbeville to manage his wife's parents' lumber treatment plant in 1970, eventually founding Great Southern Wood Preserving with his brother. His innovative decisions, including marketing through college football and rebranding products as YellaWood, were pivotal in growing the company into the world's largest pressure-treated lumber producer.

What are some of the key accomplishments and recognitions of James W. Rane?

James W. Rane was named the richest person in Alabama by Forbes in 2016, a title he has maintained since, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion. He has also been awarded the Bronze Wrangler Award by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for his role as 'the Yella Fella'.

How has James W. Rane contributed to the community and education?

James W. Rane has made significant contributions to his community and education, including serving as a member of the board of trustees at Auburn University since 1999, donating $12.5 million to a new culinary science center at Auburn in 2017, being a prominent athletic booster for Auburn, and founding the Jimmy Rane Foundation, which has awarded over 600 scholarships since its establishment in 2000.