Early Life
Farris Wilks was born in Cisco, Texas. He and his brother Dan grew up in poverty, the sons of a bricklayer. Their early life involved sleeping in a goat shed.
Rise to Success
The Wilks brothers started their careers in masonry, founding Wilks Masonry in 1995. They then identified an opportunity in the hydraulic fracturing industry, establishing Frac Tech in 2002. The company quickly grew into a major player in North America. In 2011, they sold their 70% interest in Frac Tech to a partnership led by Temasek Holdings for $3.5 billion.
Key Business Strategies
The brothers' success was driven by their ability to capitalize on the shale boom through Frac Tech. They invested in the oil and gas sector, including U.S. Well Services and Dawson Geophysical Company. Furthermore, they've acquired significant land holdings, becoming major landowners in the United States.
Philanthropy
Farris Wilks, through The Thirteen Foundation, has contributed millions to various conservative and religious groups, including the Heritage Foundation, Family Research Council, and Focus on the Family. The Heavenly Father's Foundation, run by his brother Dan, supports similar causes.