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Billionaire Profile
Willis Johnson
Global Rank
#1817

Image: mattk1979 | CC BY-SA 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Willis Johnson

CEO, Damaged cars
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.274B
Estimated based on Damaged cars stock value as of March 6, 2026
+0.19% (24h)
Age
78
Source
Damaged cars
Industry
Automotive
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Willis Johnson (born May 26, 1947) is an American billionaire businessman and the founder of Copart, a leader in online auctions for used and totaled cars. His journey began with a single junkyard in 1972, eventually transforming into a global automotive auction empire. Johnson served a year-long tour in Vietnam, where he earned a Purple Heart. Johnson's success in the automotive industry has led to a substantial net worth, earning him a spot on the Forbes 2025 Billionaires list. His wealth source is primarily derived from the success of Copart. Johnson's career is marked by strategic innovation, including the development of an online bidding platform. He is known for his political contributions and support for conservative causes. Johnson is married to Joyce and has two children.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Willis J. Johnson was born in 1947 in Clinton, Oklahoma, and raised on a dairy farm near Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Not much is known about his early life and childhood. He received his early education from a high school in California. Johnson served a year-long tour in Vietnam where he earned a Purple Heart.

Rise to Success

In 1972, after returning from the war, he bought his own junkyard in Sacramento, California. In 1982, he founded Copart, a vehicle salvage and auction company. Johnson took Copart public in 1994 and launched an online bidding platform for wrecked cars in 1998. He served as the CEO until 2010.

Key Business Strategies

Johnson's key to success involved being a “cloner”. He closely observed successful business practices and adapted them. He expanded Copart by applying lessons from other industries and competitors. Copart's relationship with insurers also helped it gain business.

Philanthropy

Willis Johnson is known for his philanthropic efforts, including donations to various charities and educational institutions. He is also known for his political contributions and support for conservative causes.

Career Milestones

1972

Bought junkyard in California

Bought his own junkyard in Sacramento, California.

1982

Founded Copart

Founded the vehicle salvage and auction company, Copart.

1994

Copart went public

Took Copart public.

1998

Launched online bidding platform

Launched an online bidding platform for wrecked cars.

2010

Retired as CEO of Copart

Stepped down as CEO of Copart.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Political

Political Donations

$1.5M+

Donated to different conservative causes since 2001.

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