Arch Beaver Aplin III’s net worth is currently estimated at over $300 million. The 66-year-old businessman made his fortune from his many businesses, including Buc-ee’s, his signature chain of convenience stores, which is said to be worth close to a billion.
A Texas Business Hall of Famer, Arch’s path to wealth began more than four decades ago with his Buc-ee’s stores. While it is now certain that he is a very wealthy man, his net worth has been disputed as many seem to believe that the $500 million that his business is worth actually belongs to him. Here is a detailed look at his fortune.
How Much is Arch Beaver Aplin III’s Net Worth Worth Today?
Arch Beaver Aplin III net worth is now $300 million, even though his company has been valued to be more than half a billion. He has accumulated his fortune over a span of more than four decades.
Born in 1958, Arch’s path toward building his enviable fortune began after he earned a degree in Construction Sciences from Texas A&M University. Two years later, he started his company, Buc-ee’s which became the major driving force towards his current net worth.
He came from a family of entrepreneurs. His father, Arch Jr. worked in the construction business while his grandfather was brought up in the family business. The family had been known to have stores for many years, dating back to before World War II.
What Company Did Arch Beaver Aplin III Found?
The company that was founded by the Texan-born millionaire is Buc-ee’s. It was founded by Aplin in 1982 when he was only 24 years old. Aplin III decided that he was also interested in going into the store business that his family had been into. However, he was looking at starting it a little differently.
He bought an unused property and turned it into a store that was more special than what was available, even though he offered the same thing that everyone else was offering, namely soda and chips. The first store began in Lake Jackson, and then in 1989, the Beach Store opened in Freeport.
In the years that followed, Buc-ee’s did not just continue to grow but expanded to cover many other things, including a travel center that was started in 2003 and the largest convenience store in the world opened in 2012. This facility has 120 fueling posts, cash registers, parking spots for a thousand cars, ice freezers, and many more.
Other Sources of Arch Beaver Aplin III’s Net Worth
Although Arch Beaver Aplin III’s net worth is built around his company, Buc-ee’s, there are many ways that he makes money using the brand, including the following:
Convenience store: Probably the most known way that Arch makes his money is from his company which is known as a chain of convenience stores for snacks and drinks. After he started, this became the main way he made his wealth for many years. One of his stores, the Luling Store, helped Arch and his company to make as much as $959 million in 2015.
Gas station: Another interesting way that he makes his fortune is through his gas business which is also a part of Buc-Cees. His gas station is the most popular in Texas, and his stores have canopies equipped with gas pumps. As a business that is all on its own, the Buc-ee’s-branded fuel is also a major way through which he adds to his fortune.
One of his outlets, the Katy Buc-cees, has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records to have the longest car wash, which takes as much as 5 minutes to pass through its 25 separate rolling brushes.
Electric Vehicle Charging: With electric cars coming on board, the American businessman has also started making massive gains in the sector. His stores in different states in the United States have opened Superchargers.
Merch Sales: Arch Beaver Aplin III’s net worth has also been boosted thanks to Buc-ee’s merchandise which are sold in the stores and other online platforms. The souvenirs and merch come in different forms including teddy bears, apparel, and artwork.
A Look at How Arch Beaver Aplin III’s Spends His Money
Arch Beaver Aplin III’s net worth has seen him enjoy a great life as he spends on things dear to him. The 5 feet 7 inches tall millionaire spends on giving a luxurious life to his wife, Joanie, and five children.
In 2022, he made a great contribution to Texas A&M University towards creating an academic center. He gave an impressive $50 million to the college towards the project. According to A&M, the donation is one of the largest gifts it had ever received from an individual.
Beyond spending, his company has lost some fortune in the past from lawsuits and other things. They have had to fight various litigations which have swallowed millions in legal fees. While Arch’s company won many of its lawsuits, it lost a $100,000 suit in 2017 for breaching a retention agreement.
