Shahid Khan

Moving to the United States from Lahore at age 16, Shahid Khan began his American career washing dishes for $1.20 an hour. He subsequently built a massive industrial empire, starting with a $50,000 Small Business Administration loan to launch Bumper Works, eventually becoming a significant figure in global automotive manufacturing and professional sports ownership.

Engineering and Automotive Growth

After graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1971 with a BSc in industrial engineering, Khan developed his career at Flex-N-Gate. In 1980, he acquired the firm from his former employer, Charles Gleason Butzow. The company expanded significantly, reaching a revenue of $8.89 billion by 2020 with 69 global manufacturing plants.

THE FREE TEST

How high is yours?

Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.

Take the IQ test →

Sports and Entertainment Holdings

Khan became the first person of an ethnic minority to own an NFL team upon purchasing the Jacksonville Jaguars from Wayne Weaver for $770 million in 2012. His portfolio also includes the soccer club Fulham F.C., acquired in 2013 for an estimated £150–200 million. Additionally, Khan and his son, Tony Khan, serve as lead investors for the professional wrestling promotion All Elite Wrestling, which they launched in 2019.

Personal Life and Recognition

A naturalized American citizen since 1991, Khan married Ann Carlson in 1977. His public life includes significant philanthropic and professional recognition, notably receiving the Order of Lincoln in 2011 and multiple alumni awards from the University of Illinois. He maintains residences in Chicago and Naples, Florida, and remains active in global business, maintaining a net worth estimated at $13.3 billion as of January 2025.