Early Life
Ron Burkle was born on November 12, 1952, in Pomona, California. His father managed a Stater Bros. grocery store, instilling in Burkle an early understanding of the retail business. At age 13, he joined the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 770, and at 16, he graduated high school and briefly attended California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, to study dentistry, but dropped out.
Rise to Success
Burkle began his career in the grocery business and then started Yucaipa Companies in 1986. Yucaipa has been involved in significant mergers and acquisitions in the supermarket industry, including Fred Meyer, Ralphs, and Dominick's. He has also been involved in the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins and has invested in technology firms like Airbnb and Uber.
Key Business Strategies
Yucaipa Companies focuses on leveraging buyouts and value creation through operational improvements. Burkle is known for his relationships with labor unions and works with unions to solve business problems. He strategically repositions businesses and implements operational improvements, aiming for value creation for investors.
Philanthropy
Burkle is actively involved in philanthropy, contributing to organizations like The Carter Center, the National Urban League, and AIDS Project Los Angeles. He is also the founder of The Ronald W. Burkle Foundation.
