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Billionaire Profile
Edward Stack & family
Global Rank
#759

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Edward Stack & family

CEO, Dick's Sporting Goods
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.3B
As of December 2025
Age
70
Source
Dick's Sporting Goods
Industry
fashion-retail
Citizenship
US

Biography

Edward Stack is the Executive Chairman and largest individual shareholder of Dick's Sporting Goods, the largest sporting goods retailer in the United States. He transformed the business from a two-store operation to a retail giant with over 800 stores and a market capitalization of over $18 billion. Stack's source of wealth is Dick's Sporting Goods, which his father founded in 1948. Stack, along with his siblings, purchased the company in 1984 and oversaw its growth and its initial public offering in 2002. He is known for making bold decisions, including removing assault-style rifles from stores, and is the author of a book on business principles. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $5.3 billion.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Edward W. Stack was born in 1954 or 1955. His father, Richard “Dick” Stack, founded Dick's Sporting Goods in 1948 as a fishing tackle shop in Binghamton, New York. Edward Stack grew up working in his father's store.

Rise to Success

In 1984, Edward and his siblings bought Dick's Sporting Goods from their father. Edward took over as chairman and CEO, overseeing the expansion of the business. He led the company through its initial public offering in 2002. Under his leadership, Dick's Sporting Goods grew to become the largest sporting goods retailer in the United States.

Key Business Strategies

Stack focused on expanding the business through a chain of superstores. He made innovative decisions regarding the company's product offerings. A significant move was removing assault-style rifles from stores following the Parkland school shooting in 2018. Stack also focused on online sales. In 2025, Dick's Sporting Goods plans to have a significant revenue increase due to the acquisition of Foot Locker.

Philanthropy

The Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation has pledged over $170 million for youth sports initiatives. In 2014, the foundation committed up to $2 million annually to fund youth sports via its Sports Matter program.

Career Milestones

1948

Dick's Sporting Goods Founded

Richard Stack, Edward's father, founded the company as a fishing tackle shop in Binghamton, New York.

1984

Purchased the Company

Edward and his siblings purchased the company from their father, Richard Stack, and Edward became chairman and CEO.

2002

Initial Public Offering

Edward led the company through its initial public offering.

2021

Stepped Down as CEO

Lauren Hobart succeeded Edward Stack as CEO. He retained his role as Executive Chairman.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Youth Sports

Sports Matter Program

$100M+

Provides grants, equipment, and sponsorships to underserved youth sports programs.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"We felt that we, as a major firearms dealer, recognized that the country's gun laws had too many inconsistencies, and we should stand up and say so."

Leadership Principles

Keep Score

Understand the importance of tracking sales and margins in retail.

Study Great Leaders

Learn from the strategies of successful business leaders like Sam Walton.

Controversies & Challenges

2018

Gun Control

Dick's stopped selling assault-style rifles and raised the minimum age for firearm purchases to 21 following the Parkland school shooting, leading to customer boycotts.