Arthur Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, is a prime example of entrepreneurial vision meeting philanthropic purpose. As of 2025, Blank’s net worth is estimated at $7 billion, placing him among the wealthiest individuals in Georgia and the broader United States.
From launching one of America’s most iconic retail chains to shaping Atlanta’s sports culture and committing vast resources to charitable causes, Blank’s legacy stretches across industries and communities alike.
Early Life: Humble Roots in New York City
Arthur M. Blank was born on September 27, 1942, in Queens, New York, into a Jewish family. Raised by his parents Molly and Max, Arthur grew up with an older brother, Michael. He attended Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan before enrolling at Babson College, where he earned a degree in Business Administration in 1963.
These formative years laid the groundwork for what would become a business empire that redefined the home improvement industry.
Career Beginnings: The Road to Entrepreneurship
After college, Blank began his career in accounting, joining Arthur Young & Company as a senior accountant. He later joined Daylin Corporation, climbing the corporate ladder to become president of its Elliott’s Drug Stores and Stripe Discount Stores divisions. When Daylin divested these operations, Blank transitioned to Handy Dan Home Improvement Centers, where he served as Vice President alongside CEO Bernard Marcus.
In 1978, both were dismissed following a leadership dispute—an unexpected event that became the catalyst for one of the most successful retail stories in American history.
The Home Depot: Building a Retail Empire
Following their ousting, Blank and Marcus teamed up to found The Home Depot in 1979, alongside Ron Brill and Pat Farrah. With capital secured by Ken Langone, they introduced a new retail concept: massive home improvement superstores for professionals and do-it-yourselfers alike.
The first stores opened in the Atlanta metro area and rapidly attracted attention. By 1981, Home Depot had gone public, and in 1984, it joined the New York Stock Exchange. The company soon expanded into Florida and Texas, and by 1989, it had surpassed Lowe’s as the largest home improvement retailer in the country.
Blank served as President for nearly two decades before becoming CEO. In 2001, he retired as Co-Chairman, having helped grow Home Depot into a household name—and becoming a billionaire in the process.
Expanding into Sports Ownership
Arthur Blank’s next chapter involved professional sports. In 2002, he purchased the Atlanta Falcons NFL team from Taylor Smith, son of the franchise’s founder. Under his leadership, the team made multiple playoff appearances, including a trip to Super Bowl LI in 2017.
In 2014, Blank introduced Atlanta to a new era of soccer, founding Atlanta United FC, which joined Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2017. The team won the MLS Cup in 2018, marking a milestone in Blank’s growing influence in U.S. sports.
Both teams play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility developed under Blank’s leadership and now one of the most admired venues in professional sports.
Other Business Interests
Blank operates under the umbrella of AMB Group, LLC, serving as Chairman, President, and CEO. The group oversees his sports franchises, real estate interests, and PGA TOUR Superstores, a retail chain serving golf enthusiasts nationwide.
He also chairs The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which funds programs in education, mental health, environmental sustainability, and youth development.
Philanthropy: Giving Back in a Big Way
Blank is as renowned for his generosity as he is for his business acumen. In 2020, he pledged $200 million to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, one of the largest single donations in Georgia’s history. The funds are being used to construct a new hospital facility scheduled to open in 2025, which will bear Blank’s name in recognition of his contribution.
He is also a signatory of The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of his wealth to philanthropic causes during his lifetime.
Personal Life: Family and Relationships
Arthur Blank, now 82 years old, has been married three times. His first marriage was to Diana Latow, with whom he shares three children: Kenny, Dena, and Danielle. After their divorce in 1993, Blank married Stephanie Wray, a designer at a Home Depot store. They had three children—Joshua, Max, and Kylie—before divorcing in 2014.
In 2016, Blank wed Angela Macuga, a businesswoman 26 years his junior. The couple separated in 2019 and later divorced.
Despite multiple marriages, Blank remains a devoted father and has involved his children in both his foundation’s operations and business initiatives.
Real Estate and Lifestyle
Arthur Blank’s success has afforded him an impressive real estate portfolio. Among his most notable holdings are Mountain Sky Guest Ranch and West Creek Ranch, both situated near Yellowstone National Park in Montana. These properties not only serve as retreats but also host charitable and community events.
He also owns luxury homes in Georgia and California, including a $17.5 million mansion in Beverly Hills, which he purchased in 2020. His commitment to living well is matched only by his passion for giving back.
Final Thoughts
Arthur Blank’s $7 billion net worth is a reflection of a lifetime spent building, leading, and giving. From co-founding The Home Depot to revitalizing sports culture in Atlanta, and from creating jobs to investing in children’s healthcare, Blank’s legacy is a testament to vision, perseverance, and generosity.
At 82, he remains a powerful force in business and philanthropy, proving that success isn’t just about wealth—it’s about impact.