Early Life
Donald Friese's life began in 1940 in York, Pennsylvania, where he was born as the third of 13 siblings. Growing up in poverty, he faced significant challenges early in life. At the age of 5, he and one of his brothers were taken to an orphanage. At age 12, he began working on a dairy farm to provide for himself. These early experiences instilled a strong work ethic and a drive to overcome adversity.
Rise to Success
After graduating from high school, Friese joined the U.S. Army in 1958. After his service, he moved to Los Angeles with only $125 in his pocket to find a job. He joined C.R. Laurence in 1961 as the sixth employee, starting in a warehouse position. Recognizing the opportunities for growth, Friese worked hard and gained experience. He eventually acquired equity in the company, and by 1997, he became the sole owner.
Key Business Strategies
Under Friese's leadership, C.R. Laurence experienced remarkable growth. He expanded the business by acquiring competitors and establishing a manufacturing operation. By 2015, the company had become a prominent manufacturer of over 65,000 products for the glass industry. In 2015, he sold C.R. Laurence to CRH plc for $1.3 billion in cash.
Philanthropy
During his retirement, Friese and his son established the Friese Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to philanthropy. The foundation supports a range of organizations, including the American Red Cross, USO, National Veterans Foundation, the Salvation Army, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Rancho San Antonio Boys Home, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, St. Jude Children's Hospital, and the National Glass Association.