What is John Morris’ Net Worth?
John Morris, the founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, has an estimated net worth of $8.3 billion. He has amassed a substantial fortune through his successful outdoor retail empire.
In 1972, Morris started selling fishing equipment from the back of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri. Over the decades, he grew Bass Pro Shops into a retail giant, with more than 170 stores and marine dealerships across North America. The company now generates annual revenues exceeding $6.5 billion.
Morris’s wealth is not solely derived from Bass Pro Shops. He is also the founder of the White River Marine Group, which includes popular boat brands like Tracker and Nitro. In addition, he opened the Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium in Springfield in 2017, further diversifying his business interests. In 2017, Morris made a significant move by acquiring Cabela’s, another major outdoor merchandise retailer, for $4 billion.
Here’s the breakdown of John Morris’ net worth:
Name: | John Morris |
Net Worth: | $8.3 Billion |
Date of Birth: | 1948 |
Profession: | Businessperson |
If you’re curious about how we estimate a celebrity’s net worth, you can check out our methodology here.
Early Life
John Morris was born in 1948 in Springfield, Missouri. He grew up in a family that loved the outdoors, particularly fishing. Some of his fondest childhood memories involve fishing trips with his father and uncle on the White River.
Morris developed a passion for fishing and hunting from a young age, which would later shape his business ventures.
He attended Drury University in Springfield for his higher education, though his love for fishing often competed with his studies.
Career
John Morris’s career in the outdoor retail industry began in 1972 when he started selling fishing tackle in the back of his father’s Brown Derby liquor store in Springfield. This small venture quickly gained popularity among local anglers and visitors to the Ozarks. Recognizing the demand, Morris created the first Bass Pro Shops catalog in 1974 to reach customers beyond the local area.
In 1978, Morris introduced Bass Tracker, the first fully accessorized, ready-to-fish boat package. This innovative concept revolutionized the boating industry and contributed significantly to Morris’s growing success. Over the years, he expanded Bass Pro Shops into a retail giant, opening destination stores across North America.
Morris’s business acumen extended beyond retail. He founded the White River Marine Group, which became the world’s largest manufacturer of fishing and recreational boats. In 2017, he acquired Cabela’s, a major competitor, for $4 billion, further consolidating his position in the outdoor retail market.
Throughout his career, Morris has also invested in conservation efforts and tourism development. He opened the Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium in Springfield in 2017 and developed Big Cedar Lodge, a wilderness resort near Branson, Missouri.
Political Activity
John Morris, the founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, has been an active political donor, primarily supporting Republican candidates and committees.
Over the years, Morris has made numerous contributions to various Republican political entities. For instance, he donated $200,000 to Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign and has consistently supported the Republican National Committee and several state Republican parties with significant contributions.
Morris was also asked to co-chair a post-inaugural event for President Donald Trump in 2017, which aimed to raise funds for conservation charities.
Personal Life
John Morris is married to Jeanie Morris, and together they have four children.
The family resides in Springfield, Missouri, where Morris’s business empire began.
Morris maintains a low profile and is often described as friendly and approachable. For example, his wife, Jeanie, has shared his preference for an old Velcro wallet over a new leather one she gifted him.
Morris has a lifelong passion for fishing and the outdoors, which he enjoys sharing with his family. He has developed outdoor recreational facilities like the Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium and Big Cedar Lodge.
Ashley Roberts is the founder of Real-Time Billionaires List. She founded this platform because she likes to know how much celebrities are actually making. She is always curious why these people can make much more money than the ordinary person.
With a Bachelor’s degree in finance, she is skilled at financial analysis and understands numbers related to wealth. Most of the articles on this site are edited by herself before publishing.
