Richard M. DeVos

Date of Birth: March 4, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: September 6, 2018

Biography

Richard Marvin DeVos Sr. was an American businessman, co-founder of the multi-level marketing company Amway along with Jay Van Andel. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, DeVos was a pioneer in the direct selling industry and played a significant role in shaping modern network marketing practices. He graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and attended Calvin College, a Christian liberal arts college in Grand Rapids. DeVos served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war, he and Van Andel started several businesses before founding Amway (short for “American Way”) in 1959. Under DeVos’s leadership, Amway grew into a global enterprise, offering a variety of products, from nutritional supplements to household cleaning supplies. Amway’s success made DeVos one of the wealthiest men in the United States. Apart from his business achievements, DeVos was a noted philanthropist and political donor. He and his wife, Helen, contributed to various causes, particularly in education, healthcare, and the arts. DeVos was also the owner of the NBA team, the Orlando Magic, which he purchased in 1991.

5 Interesting Facts about Richard M. DeVos

1. Richard DeVos served as the finance chairman of the Republican National Committee in the early 1980s.

2. He authored several books, including “Hope from My Heart: Ten Lessons for Life” and “Believe!”

3. DeVos and his wife, Helen, made significant donations to Grand Valley State University, leading to the establishment of the Richard M. DeVos Center.

4. He was a significant supporter of conservative and libertarian causes, contributing to various political campaigns and think tanks.

5. The DeVos family is heavily involved in philanthropy, having donated millions to educational and healthcare institutions.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard M. DeVos

1. “If I had some idea of a finish line, don’t you think I would have crossed it years ago?”

2. “Money cannot buy peace of mind. It cannot heal ruptured relationships, or build meaning into a life that has none.”

3. “Life… It tends to respond to our outlook, to shape itself to meet our expectations.”

4. “The only thing that stands between a person and what they want in life is the will to try it and the faith to believe it is possible.”

5. “We can’t always control what happens in our lives, but we can control how we respond.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his success, Richard DeVos achieved a net worth of approximately $5.4 billion.

Children

Richard DeVos and his wife, Helen June DeVos, had four children: 1. Richard “Dick” DeVos Jr. 2. Daniel DeVos 3. Cheri DeVos Vander Weide 4. Doug DeVos