Steven Rales

$7.74 B

Ranked #462 in World

About Steven Rales

Steven M. Rales is an illustrious American businessman, Chairman of Danaher Corporation since 1984, and a notable film producer with Indian Paintbrush. Assembling an empire with a net worth exceeding $7.3 billion as of July 2023 according to Forbes, Rales has shaped diverse industries from high-stakes business acquisitions with companies like Easco Corporation, to cinematic ventures alongside Wes Anderson. With origins in a Bethesda-based Jewish family and a solid educational background including a JD from American University, his career milestones extend from co-founding Equity Group Holdings to supporting arts with philanthropic endeavors.

Born

March 31, 1951 in Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.

Age

75 years

Source Of Wealth

Manufacturing, Investments

Industries

Manufacturing

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Santa Barbara, California

Education

Law Degree, American University; Bachelor of Arts/Science, DePauw University

Spouse

Christine Plank (Married: 1983; Divorced: 2003), Lalage Damerell (Married: 2012)

Children

Steven M. Rales was born on March 31, 1951, into a Jewish family in Bethesda, Maryland. He grew up in a supportive and nurturing environment, which laid the foundation for his future success.

Steven Rales: Family

Steven M. Rales comes from a close-knit family. His brother, Mitchell Rales, is also a successful businessman and has collaborated with Steven on several ventures. Steven's parents provided him with a strong sense of values and ethics, which have guided him throughout his life.

Steven Rales: Career Highlights

Steven M. Rales' career is marked by a series of remarkable achievements. He co-founded Danaher Corporation in 1984 and has served as its Chairman of the Board since then. Under his leadership, Danaher has grown into a global leader in manufacturing and technology. Additionally, Steven co-founded Colfax Corporation in 1995 and engineered its successful initial public offering in 2008.

Steven Rales: Companies

Steven M. Rales has been associated with several notable companies throughout his career. He co-founded Equity Group Holdings with his brother Mitchell in 1979. This company acquired various businesses, including Mastershield, Mohawk Rubber Company, and Diversified Mortgage Group. In 1984, the company's name was changed to Danaher, and Steven became its Chairman of the Board. He also co-founded Colfax Corporation, an industrial pumps manufacturer, in 1995.

Steven Rales: Major Achievements

Steven M. Rales has achieved significant milestones in his career. He successfully acquired Easco Corporation in 1985, a major aluminum extrusion and hand tool manufacturer. Additionally, he attempted a hostile takeover of Interco in 1988, resulting in a lawsuit and an eventual profit of $60 million. These achievements demonstrate his strategic acumen and business prowess.

Steven Rales: Awards & Achievements

Steven M. Rales has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the business world. He was named "Entrepreneur of the Year" by Inc. magazine in 1987. In 2002, he was inducted into the DePauw University Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.

These recognitions highlight his exceptional accomplishments and the impact he has made in the business community.

Steven Rales: Personal Life & Legacy

Steven M. Rales has a rich personal life. He was married to Christine Plank from 1983 to 2003, and they have three children together: Alexander, Gregory, and Stephanie. In 2012, he married Lalage Damerell. Steven is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly his major donation to the Peeler Art Center at DePauw University in 2002.

Steven Rales: Trivia

Steven M. Rales has an estimated net worth of over $7.3 billion as of July 2023, according to Forbes. He is passionate about film production and founded Indian Paintbrush in 2006, collaborating with filmmaker Wes Anderson on several successful movies, including Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and Isle of Dogs.

Wealth History

Timeline

March 31, 1951

Steven M. Rales is born in Bethesda, Maryland.

1969

Graduates from Walt Whitman High School.

1973

Graduates from DePauw University, member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

1978

Receives Juris Doctor (JD) degree from American University.

1979

Co-founds Equity Group Holdings with brother Mitchell Rales.

1984

Co-founds Danaher Corporation, serves as Chairman of the Board.

1985

Acquires Easco Corporation, a major aluminum extrusion and hand tool manufacturer.

1988

Attempts a hostile takeover of Interco, resulting in a lawsuit and eventual profit of $60 million.

1995

Co-founds Colfax Corporation, an industrial pumps manufacturer.

2002

Major donor in the dedication of the Peeler Art Center at DePauw.

2006

Founds Indian Paintbrush, a film production company.

2008

Engineers the initial public offering of Colfax Corporation.

2012

Marries Lalage Damerell.

Steven Rales : FAQs

What is Steven Rales's current net worth?

Steven Rales's current net worth is $7.74 billion.

What is Steven Rales's current global rank among billionaires?

Steven Rales holds the 462nd position globally among billionaires.

What is Steven Rales's current ranking within the United States?

Steven Rales holds the 183rd position in United States.

What was the change in Steven Rales's net worth compared to the previous year?

Steven Rales's net worth decreased by 891.82 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 8.63 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Steven Rales's net worth?

Steven Rales's net worth increased by 22.8 million dollars recently, a 0.29% increase, with his net worth standing at 7.74 billion dollars.

What are Steven Rales's main sources of wealth?

Steven Rales's main source of income comes from Manufacturing, Investments.

In which industry does Steven Rales primarily operate?

Steven Rales is primarily involved in the Manufacturing industry.

What is Steven Rales educational background?

Steven Rales holds a Law Degree from American University and a Bachelor of Arts/Science from DePauw University.

How old is Steven Rales?

Steven Rales is 75 years old.

How many children does Steven Rales have?

Steven Rales has 3 children.

What is Steven M. Rales known for in the business and entertainment industries?

Steven M. Rales is an American businessman known for co-founding the Danaher Corporation where he serves as Chairman of the Board. He is also recognized in the entertainment industry as a film producer who founded Indian Paintbrush, a film production company that collaborates with filmmaker Wes Anderson.

What notable achievements has Steven M. Rales accomplished within his career?

Steven M. Rales co-founded Equity Group Holdings with his brother in 1979, transitioned it to Danaher Corporation in 1984, and has been Danaher's Chairman ever since. He has been involved in significant business acquisitions and engineered the IPO of Colfax Corporation in 2008. Additionally, through Indian Paintbrush, he has produced critically acclaimed films like Moonrise Kingdom and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Which notable films have been produced by Steven M. Rales' company Indian Paintbrush?

Indian Paintbrush, founded by Steven M. Rales in 2006, has produced several well-known films in collaboration with Wes Anderson, including 'Moonrise Kingdom,' 'The Grand Budapest Hotel,' and 'Isle of Dogs.'

How has Steven M. Rales contributed to philanthropy and the arts?

Steven M. Rales has shown his dedication to philanthropy and the arts through significant contributions like being a major donor for the 2002 dedication of the Peeler Art Center at DePauw University. His involvement in film production with Indian Paintbrush also demonstrates his commitment to the arts.