ARCADIA, Wis. – The founder of Arcadia-based Ashley Furniture, Ron Wanek, was inducted into the Wisconsin Manufacturing Hall of Fame, which is sponsored by the state Chamber of Commerce.. The company is the world’s largest manufacturer of home furnishings. Wanek, now 68, was born on a dairy farm outside Lewiston, Minnesota. He began manufacturing occasional tables in Arcadia in 1970 with money from selling his home and also a loan from his father. He since has established overseas plants mostly in China and Vietnam. Wanek is quick to point out, however, that Ashley does all it can to keep its base in the United States and Arcadia-centric Current annual revenue: $10.3 billion. Wanek is a major contributor to diabetes and heart research. He’s Republican. In 2012 Wanek, who lives in Florida, gave $1 million to help fund the Republican national convention in Tampa. In 2020 he gave contributed $840,000 to the Trump presidential campaign
Wanek. Early career with Winona Jndustries, then struck out on own with Ashley.