Early Life
Ted Alfond was born in 1945 to Dorothy (née Levine) and Harold Alfond. His father, Harold, founded the Dexter Shoe Company in 1958, which would later become a significant source of the family's wealth. Ted grew up in a supportive environment that fostered his interest in business.
Rise to Success
After graduating from Rollins College in 1968, Ted joined the Dexter Shoe Company as an executive vice president. He played a crucial role in the company's growth. The company was sold to Berkshire Hathaway in 1995 for $433 million in Berkshire Hathaway stock.
Key Business Strategies
Ted inherited shares of Berkshire Hathaway after his father's death in 2007, which significantly increased his wealth due to Warren Buffett's investment in the Dexter Shoe Company.
Philanthropy
Ted Alfond is involved in philanthropy, continuing a family tradition. His father, Harold, established the Harold Alfond Foundation, which has donated over $100 million to charitable causes.