John Anderson

$2.40 B

Ranked #488 in World

About John Anderson

John Edward Anderson (1917-2011), an American billionaire and the visionary behind Topa Equities, Ltd., significantly impacted various industries with over 40 subsidiaries under his leadership. With a net worth of $1.9 billion in 2006, placing him #189 on Forbes 400 list, Anderson's journey from a barber's son in Minneapolis to a philanthropic magnate is noteworthy. A UCLA and Harvard Business School alumnus, he served in the military before founding the Kindel & Anderson law firm and Ace Beverage Co., among other ventures. Anderson's legacy extends beyond business; his philanthropic contributions exceeded $92 million to Southern California's educational and healthcare institutions. His life, marked by personal tragedies and professional triumphs, left a lasting imprint on Los Angeles's landscape and its community, continued by his family and the Marion & John E. Anderson Foundation.

Born

September 12, 1917 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.

Died

July 29, 2011 (aged 93)

Source Of Wealth

Investments

Industries

Investments

Citizenship

United States

Education

Master of Business Administration, Harvard University; Doctor of Jurisprudence, Loyola Law School Los Angeles; Bachelor of Arts / Science, University of California at Los Angeles

Spouse

Marion (Married: 1967-2011)

Children

John Edward Anderson was born on September 12, 1917, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His father was a barber, and Anderson was the valedictorian of his high school class. He became an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America in 1931. Anderson attended UCLA from 1936 to 1940, where he played ice hockey and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. After World War II, he earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.

John Anderson: Family

Anderson married his UCLA sweetheart, Margaret Stewart, in 1942. They had five children together. Margaret passed away from cancer in 1965, and Anderson remarried Marion in 1967. He experienced the loss of his daughter Debbie in a car accident at age seventeen. His children are involved in the family businesses, including Topa Equities, an agricultural ranch, beverage distribution, and automotive.

John Anderson: Career Highlights

Anderson was a founding partner of the Kindel & Anderson law firm in 1953. In 1956, he founded Ace Beverage Co., which had exclusive rights to distribute Budweiser in Los Angeles. In 1980, he established Topa Properties, Ltd., which owned high-rise office buildings and properties. Anderson also created the Silver Star new car dealership group in Thousand Oaks, California.

He held leadership positions in various organizations, including the YMCA, Saint John's Hospital, and Claremont McKenna College. Anderson served on the Board of Visitors at the Anderson School of Management, which was named after him. He also taught business courses at UCLA.

John Anderson: Companies

Anderson oversaw 40+ wholly owned subsidiaries in various industries, including:

Kindel & Anderson law firm
Ace Beverage Co.
Topa Properties, Ltd.
Silver Star new car dealership group

John Anderson: Major Achievements

Anderson was ranked #189 on the Forbes 400 list in 2006, with a net worth of $1.9 billion. He made significant charitable donations to educational institutions in Southern California.

John Anderson: Awards & Achievements

Anderson received numerous awards for entrepreneurship and business achievements, including:

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Los Angeles Business Journal's Lifetime Achievement Award
UCLA Anderson School of Management's Distinguished Alumnus Award

John Anderson: Personal Life & Legacy

Anderson resided in East Gate Bel Air, Los Angeles, California.

He passed away on July 29, 2011, survived by 15 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. His widow, Marion, continued philanthropic efforts through the Marion & John E. Anderson Foundation charity. Marion donated $100 million to UCLA Anderson School in 2015. Marion passed away on May 14, 2017.

John Anderson: Trivia

Anderson served in the military during World War II and passed the CPA exam while in the Navy.
He obtained a JD from Loyola Law School in 1950 and was offered a full-time teaching position.
Anderson taught at Loyola Law School for 25 years while working at his law firm.

Wealth History

Timeline

September 12, 1917

John Edward Anderson is born in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

1931

Anderson becomes an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.

1936-1940

Anderson attends UCLA, plays ice hockey, and graduates Phi Beta Kappa.

After World War II

Anderson earns an MBA from Harvard Business School.

1950

Anderson obtains a JD from Loyola Law School and is offered a full-time teaching position.

1953

Anderson becomes a founding partner of the Kindel & Anderson law firm.

1956

Anderson founds Ace Beverage Co., securing exclusive rights to distribute Budweiser in Los Angeles.

1965

Anderson's first wife, Margaret Stewart, passes away from cancer.

1967

Anderson remarries Marion.

1980

Anderson establishes Topa Properties, Ltd., owning high-rise office buildings and properties.

1987

Anderson begins contributing $42 million to the University of California, Los Angeles.

July 29, 2011

John Edward Anderson passes away at the age of 93.

2015

Anderson's widow, Marion, donates $100 million to UCLA Anderson School.

May 14, 2017

Marion Anderson passes away.

John Anderson : FAQs

What is John Anderson's net worth?

As of 2011, John Anderson's net worth was $2.40 billion.

What are John Anderson's main sources of wealth?

John Anderson's main source of income comes from Investments.

In which industry does John Anderson primarily operate?

John Anderson is primarily involved in the Investments industry.

What is John Anderson educational background?

John Anderson holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University, a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Loyola Law School Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts / Science from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Is John Anderson dead?

Yes, John Anderson died on July 29, 2011 (aged 93).

How many children does John Anderson have?

John Anderson has 5 children.

Who was John Edward Anderson and what was his contribution to the business world?

John Edward Anderson was an American billionaire businessman, president, and owner of Topa Equities, Ltd., overseeing more than 40 wholly owned subsidiaries across various industries. He was ranked #189 on Forbes 400 list in 2006 with a net worth of $1.9 billion.

How did John Edward Anderson impact philanthropy in Southern California?

John Edward Anderson made significant charitable donations to educational institutions in Southern California, including donating over $50 million with his wife Marion for Children's Hospital Los Angeles and contributing $42 million to the University of California, Los Angeles.

Can you detail John Edward Anderson's family life and personal interests?

Anderson married his UCLA sweetheart Margaret Stewart in 1942, with whom he had five children. After Margaret's death in 1965, he remarried Marion in 1967. His family was involved in their businesses, and he experienced personal tragedy with the loss of his daughter Debbie in a car accident.

What is the legacy of John Edward Anderson following his death in 2011?

Following his death on July 29, 2011, John Edward Anderson's legacy continues through philanthropic efforts by his widow Marion and the Marion & John E. Anderson Foundation charity. Marion donated $100 million to UCLA Anderson School in 2015. Marion passed away on May 14, 2017.