Early Life
Dorothy Chao Jenkins, along with her siblings James and Albert, grew up in a family that would become synonymous with the petrochemical industry. Their parents, Ting Tsung (T.T.) Chao and Wei Fong, established a PVC business in Taiwan in the 1940s, laying the groundwork for the family's future success.
Rise to Success
The Chao family's move to Houston in the 1980s marked a pivotal moment. In 1986, T.T. Chao, along with his children, founded Westlake Chemical Corporation. Dorothy, along with her siblings, took leadership roles. Under their guidance, Westlake expanded through acquisitions and facility growth, becoming one of the largest companies in the U.S. by revenue.
Key Business Strategies
Westlake's success is rooted in strategic acquisitions and consistent expansion. The Chao family maintained a significant ownership stake, ensuring long-term commitment and control. This ownership structure allowed for strategic decisions and investments that drove growth. Westlake's focus on expansion, along with its family leadership, was key to its continued success.
Philanthropy
Dorothy Chao Jenkins has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, but specific amounts were not found in the search results. However, the Chao family is known for their contributions, including a gift to Rice University, which named a residential college in their honor. Further details regarding specific donations are not available.