Ken Block was an American professional thrill-seeker, rally driver, and entrepreneur with a net worth of a whopping $100 million at his death. Block was popularly known for being one of the co-founders of DC Shoes, from which he earned his wealth.
By 1995 the entire brand of DC shoes was generating almost $7 million in annual revenue. In 2004 Ken and Damon sold the company to Quicksilver for $87 million. Before selling this company, Block also served as the Chief Brand Officer for DC Shoes.
What is Ken Block’s Net Worth?
[table id=97 /]Early Life
Ken Block was born on November 21st, 1967 in Long Beach, California. On January 2nd, 2023, he shockingly lost his life in a tragic snowmobile accident at age 55.
After being born in Long Beach, Ken and his family moved to Escondido, California where he spent his childhood. He first developed an interest to become a professional snowboarder, but later returned to Southern California. Block dedicated himself to something else entirely, his passion for design.
Upon his high school graduation, Ken went to San Diego Community College. During his time in college, he met his friend and future business partner, Damon Way. The two went on to form several apparel brands, including Droors Clothing in 1994, which they scraped together by investing $10,000 each.
Career
In 1994 Ken designed the first DC kicks himself and it became an immediate sensation. The retail demand for these shoes reached such heights that they were instantly placed on backorder. In the following year, this brand was making $7 million per year.
Seven years later DC was still selling in over 52 countries and was generating $250 million in annual sales. Then in March 2004 Ken and his business partner Damon decided to sell the company to Quicksilver. They sold the brand for a price of $87 million in cash as well as $1.6 million restricted shares of stock.
Breakthrough
At the age of 30 Ken Block turned his attention to Motorsports and drove his passion for Rally cars. Ken’s first rally took place at Canada’s 2004 Rally of the Tall Pines. By the following year, he was running a full schedule in his “Subaru WRX STis.”
Block won his first race at the 2006 Rally in the 100 Acre Wood. Later in 2010, he won that particular event five straight times. Over the next 17 seasons, Ken won 23 rallying events at the National level.
In 2022 Block and his co-driver Alex Gelsomino won four events in their WRC Spec Hyundai i20. During their final event at the Lake Superior Performance Rally, Ken and Alex won the championship. Around that time Ken Block was 55 years old.
Other Ventures
Following that successful performance, Ken returned to Los Angeles to have some fun, something his fan known better as Hooning. It is the art of pursuing thrills with the use of rally driving techniques outside the usual competitive events.
In November 2006 Ken appeared in a television series, “Stunt Junkies” on the Discovery Channel. He launched his WRX STi into the air from a dirt ramp and he scented soaring a whopping 171 feet. That was the public’s first taste of Hooning.
Ken earned himself the title of the king of the Hoons from 0 to 60 magazine. It was when he released his first Gymkhana video on YouTube. It was the new series that involved fast cars, tire smoke, iconic locations, and daring stunts.
Soon enough Ken had another successful venture, the launch of his official brand, “Hoonigan.” That brand went on to sell everything from clothing to car parts.
He also began maintaining his social media presence with the Hoonigan YouTube channel. Block’s YouTube videos started going viral and almost every video amassed over one million views.
Personal Life
Ken’s last social media post was gushing about his 16-year-old daughter, Lia Block, and the 1985 Audi that she had constructed for her adventures in speed. Unfortunately, Ken wouldn’t be there to see her pursue those desires to completion.
Just a couple of hours after posting about his daughter, Ken Block was part of a horrific accident. He died in a snowmobiling accident on January 2nd, 2023. According to reports, that accident happened at 2 PM when Ken was riding a snowmobile down a steep slope in Wasatch County Utah.
Ken Block passed away at only 55 years old and he left behind his wife Lucy and three children. Following this tragic occurrence, Ken’s daughter Lia posted a moving tribute to his father on social media. She stated that she didn’t just lose her father, she lost her best friend.
Career Highlights
- Collected 19 podiums and 8 overall wins in rally events
- Finished second in the Rally America National Championship _ (2006)
- Finished second in the Rally America National Championship _ (2008)
- He broke breaking the record of John Buffum after winning the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood _ (2010)
Ken Block Net Worth
Ken Block was a popular professional rally driver and was co-founder of DC Shoes from Long Beach, California. He earned himself a lot of popularity and wealth throughout his successful career.
Ken proved to be an inspirational Force for many all around the world. He left behind a legacy that will not be forgotten any time soon. Ken has millions of fans all around the globe. As of January 2023, Ken Block’s net worth is estimated to be $100 Million.
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