Early Life
Daniel Howard Wilks, born in 1956, hails from Cisco, Texas. He and his brother Farris, were sons of a bricklayer, growing up in modest circumstances. Their early life experiences instilled a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed.
Rise to Success
Dan and Farris followed in their father's footsteps, working as masons. They later founded Wilks Masonry in 1995. Their entrepreneurial spirit led them to the hydraulic fracturing industry in 2002 with the formation of Frac Tech. They expanded the company into a significant player in the oil and gas sector. A pivotal moment occurred in 2011 when they sold their 70% stake in Frac Tech for $3.5 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Their success can be attributed to their early entry into the burgeoning fracking industry, strategic investments, and willingness to adapt to market changes. They have also shown an aptitude for identifying and capitalizing on opportunities within the energy sector, including investments in U.S. Well Services and NexTier Oilfield Solutions. The brothers are also active investors in land.
Philanthropy
Dan Wilks and his wife, Staci Wilks, run the Heavenly Father's Foundation. Their foundation has funded a number of organizations known for their strong anti-abortion and anti-gay stances.
