Introduction
Wayne Ward was a trailblazer who made a significant impact in the business and philanthropic world. Born in 1935 in the small town of Chelsea, Oklahoma, Ward was passionate about helping others. His commitment to community service and charitable work brought about a legacy that is still felt today. In this post, we will explore the life and work of Wayne Ward and how he became a pioneer in business and philanthropy.
The Early Years
Growing up in Chelsea, Ward learned the importance of hard work and determination. At a young age, he began selling newspapers and delivering groceries to help support his family. He discovered his entrepreneurial spirit in high school when he started a lawn mowing business. This experience laid the foundation for his future business ventures.
The Business Pioneer
Ward’s business acumen led him to establish several successful companies. In 1962, he founded Ward Petroleum Corporation, which quickly became one of the largest independent oil and gas producers in the United States. This success allowed him to expand his business interests into other industries, including real estate development and cattle ranching.
The Philanthropic Trailblazer
Ward’s commitment to helping others was evident throughout his life. He believed that those who had achieved success had a responsibility to give back to their communities. In 1994, he founded the Wayne and Kay Ward Family Foundation, which continues to provide crucial support to organizations that serve children and families in need.
The Legacy Continues
Even after his passing in 2016, Ward’s legacy lives on through the Wayne and Kay Ward Family Foundation. The foundation supports a wide range of causes, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief. In addition, his family members, who are successful entrepreneurs themselves, continue to carry on his entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic tradition.
Top 3 Accomplishments
1. Establishing Ward Petroleum Corporation: Ward’s leadership led the company to become one of the most successful independent oil and gas producers in the United States.
2. Founding the Wayne and Kay Ward Family Foundation: Through the foundation, Ward’s philanthropic efforts have impacted countless lives.
3. Pioneering real estate development and cattle ranching: Ward’s business ventures extended beyond just oil and gas production and showed his versatility as an entrepreneur.
Succession Planning and Giving Back
Ward strongly believed in succession planning and giving back to the community. He instilled these values in his family and encouraged them to carry on his legacy. Ward’s family members have become successful entrepreneurs themselves, while also continuing his philanthropic legacy through the Wayne and Kay Ward Family Foundation.
FAQs
1. What is the Wayne and Kay Ward Family Foundation, and what does it do?
Answer: The Wayne and Kay Ward Family Foundation is a non-profit organization that serves to provide support to organizations serving children and families in need. It funds a wide range of causes, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief.
2. What made Wayne Ward so successful in his business ventures?
Answer: Wayne Ward’s strong work ethic, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit were the driving forces behind his business success.
3. What industries did Wayne Ward venture into aside from oil and gas production?
Answer: Wayne Ward’s business ventures extended into real estate development and cattle ranching, showing his versatility as an entrepreneur.
4. How did Wayne Ward inspire his family to carry on his legacy?
Answer: Wayne Ward instilled the values of succession planning and giving back to the community in his family members, who have since become successful entrepreneurs and continued his philanthropic legacy through the Wayne and Kay Ward Family Foundation.
5. How does the Wayne and Kay Ward Family Foundation impact the community?
Answer: The foundation funds a wide range of causes that support children and families in need, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief.
6. What was Wayne Ward’s attitude towards community service and philanthropy?
Answer: Wayne Ward was passionate about community service and believed that those who had achieved success had a responsibility to give back to their communities.
7. What was Ward’s most significant accomplishment?
Answer: Establishing Ward Petroleum Corporation was Ward’s most significant business accomplishments, while founding the Wayne and Kay Ward Family Foundation was his most significant philanthropic accomplishment.
Conclusion
Wayne Ward’s life and work serves as an inspiration to many. A trailblazing pioneer in both business and philanthropy, he believed in the importance of hard work, determination, and giving back to the community. His legacy lives on through the Wayne and Kay Ward Family Foundation, which continues to make a significant impact on communities in need. Wayne Ward’s story reminds us that by working hard and giving back, we can make a positive impact in the world.