Jake Burton Carpenter's Net Worth and Contributions
Jake Burton Carpenter was a trailblazing American snowboarder and business entrepreneur. At the time of his death in November 2019, he had amassed a net worth of $300 million. This considerable wealth was largely earned through his groundbreaking work as the founder of Burton Snowboards, a dominant force in the snowboarding industry.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 29, 1954, in New York City, Jake grew up in Cedarhurst, New York. His educational journey saw him attending the Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts, before graduating from The Marvelwood School in Cornwall, Connecticut. He later enrolled at the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he aspired to join the ski team. Unfortunately, a car accident halted these dreams, leading him to transfer and eventually graduate from New York University with a degree in economics.
Starting Burton Snowboards
After college, Jake sought to hone his snowboarding skills, working out of a barn in Londonderry, Vermont. Here, he experimented with the Snurfer, an early form of snowboard featuring a rope for basic control. His dedication paid off, and in 1977, Jake founded Burton Snowboards. The company didn't just manufacture boards; it became a lifestyle brand, offering activewear and accessories that resonated with snowboarding enthusiasts globally.
Burton Snowboards' Growth and Impact
Over the ensuing decades, Burton Snowboards grew exponentially. Today, it remains privately owned, employing 600 individuals and generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue. The brand's influence extends far beyond snowboards, encapsulating a comprehensive lifestyle that appeals to athletes and casual fans alike.
Legacy and Passing
Tragically, Jake Burton Carpenter passed away on November 20, 2019, after a re-occurrence of cancer. His legacy, however, continues to thrive through Burton Snowboards and the snowboarding culture he helped popularize and evolve.
