Early Life
Don Levin was born to a used car salesman. Initially, he planned to follow a similar career path until a friend convinced him to purchase a head shop named Adams Apple in Chicago in 1969. Most customers came in looking for rolling papers, prompting Levin to start a distribution company.
Rise to Success
Levin founded DRL Enterprises, Inc. in 1969. In 2000, Levin acquired the iconic brands OCB and JOB from French paper magnate Vincent Bolloré. He expanded his business by purchasing paper mills, Papeteries du Léman and Papeteries des Vosges, and built a vertically integrated supply chain, controlling manufacturing, production, and distribution. Republic Brands now makes over 1.2 billion booklets of rolling papers annually, which is estimated to be 3.7 million miles of paper.
Key Business Strategies
Levin's key strategy has been to control the entire supply chain and acquire popular brands. The company's success is also attributed to its investment in sustainable materials and innovative partnerships. Levin's company, Republic Brands, owns around one-third of the rolling paper market in North America. He also owns and operates the Chicago Wolves hockey team.
Philanthropy
Don Levin is involved in philanthropy through the Donald Levin Family Foundation which focuses on areas of education, environment, and animal welfare.
