Don Hankey

Early Life

Don Robert Hankey was born on June 13, 1943, in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of a Los Angeles car dealer. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in finance.

Rise to Success

Hankey's career began in 1972 when he took over his father's Ford dealership. He recognized the opportunity in subprime auto lending. In 1987, Hankey founded Westlake Financial Services, which focuses on subprime car loans. This company became a significant part of the Hankey Group, an empire of seven operating companies. Hankey's business model involved providing high-interest loans to individuals with poor credit scores, a strategy that fueled the growth of his wealth.

Key Business Strategies

Hankey's success is attributed to his strategic approach in the automotive and real estate sectors. His primary company, Westlake Financial Services, partners with over 50,000 car dealerships across the United States. The Hankey Group's strategy also includes real estate investments through Hankey Investment Company.

Philanthropy

Hankey established the Hankey Foundation with his wife, Debbie.