From the Editor

  • Willis Johnson is the founder of Dallas-based Copart, a leader in online auctions for used and totaled cars; he owns about 6% of the stock.
  • Johnson founded the company out of a single lot in Vallejo, California in 1982 after several years operating a dismantling yard near Sacramento.
  • He took the company public in 1994 and expanded across the country; Copart now has more than 200 locations in 11 countries.
  • Johnson stepped down as CEO in 2010 and handed over the reins to his son-in-law, Jay Adair, who first joined Copart in 1989 at age 19.
  • Before starting Copart, Johnson worked at a Safeway grocery store and at his father's scrapyard in California.
Wealth History
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Forbes Lists

Personal Stats
Age
78
Source of Wealth
Damaged cars, Self Made
Residence
Franklin, Tennessee
Citizenship
United States
Marital Status
Married
Children
2
Did you know
Johnson was drafted into the Vietnam War and was awarded a Purple Heart for his service.
Johnson owns a large collection of classic cars at his home outside Nashville, Tennessee; his prized possession is a black 1955 Chevrolet.
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