What is Dan Peña's Net Worth?
Dan Peña is a businessman, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker who has a net worth of $100 million. Dan Peña founded and headed the Houston-based oil company Great Western Resources. He also owns Guthrie Castle in Angus, Scotland, from which he has operated several of his businesses, including the investment consortium the Guthrie Group. Among his other business ventures, Peña previously served as the CEO and president of Kennedy Industries.
Early Life and Education
Dan Peña was born on August 10, 1945 in Jacksonville, Florida to Amy and Manuel. He spent the formative years of his youth growing up in East Los Angeles, where he was surrounded by crime and violence. After graduating from Reseda High School in 1963, Peña attended San Fernando Valley State College, from which he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 1971. He went on to attend the New York Institute of Finance, graduating in 1972.
Military Career
Peña entered the United States army voluntarily as a private. He graduated from Infantry Officer's Candidate School a 2nd lieutenant at Fort Benning, Georgia. Peña also graduated from COBRAY, a counterterrorism training center.
Career Beginnings
Peña began his professional career as a financial analyst on Wall Street. Working with the investment banking firm of Bear Stearns and Co., he advised clients throughout the country as well as internationally. Peña went on to co-found and serve as the chairman of JPK Industries, a company involved in oil and gas drilling, crude oil refining, and marketing. He also served as the CEO and president of Kennedy Industries, which invests in the areas of real estate, finance, and entertainment. The company was involved in various television and movie productions, and had as clients such celebrities as Tony Curtis, Dick Martin, Karen Black, and Helen Mirren.
Great Western Resources
One of Peña's most successful business ventures was the Houston-based oil company Great Western Resources, which he founded and headed as president and CEO. The company was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1984. Over an eight-year period that saw a major energy decline and thousands of energy companies going out of business, Peña grew Great Western Resources to a public market capitalization of $450 million. He continued to expand the company exponentially over the years, launching operations in the UK and South America. When Great Western Resources was acquired in early 1997, Peña stood as the biggest individual shareholder.
Guthrie Castle
In 1984, Peña purchased the historic Guthrie Castle in Angus, Scotland. The grounds of the castle, which encompass 156 acres, boast a loch, walled garden, and nine-hole golf course. Peña restored the insides of the castle to their 19th-century conditions. In 2003, Guthrie Castle was opened to the public for corporate functions and group parties. However, in 2017, it became private again after the estate manager was discovered to have committed fraud by double- and triple-booking wedding facilities and paying the higher charges into their personal account.
From Guthrie Castle, Peña operates the Guthrie Group, an investment consortium founded in 1997. The organization also has offices in the UK and Asia. Specializing in transactions, the Guthrie Group has acted as principal, advisor, and agent to both global and regional organizations.
Other Ventures
Peña has leveraged his business success to become a coach and consultant. He uses his "Quantum Leap Advantage" method to help individuals and businesses find financial success. Peña has also taught courses to business students at his alma mater, which is now California State University, Northridge. Additionally, he does public speaking engagements, seminars, and interactive workshops across the US, Canada, and Europe.
In terms of philanthropy, Peña has supported such organizations as Rebuild LA, the Holy Family Home Makati Foundation, and Wounded Warriors. He has also worked with orphanages in the Philippines and schools in Rwanda.
Personal Life
With his wife Sally Hall, Peña has three children named Kelly, Derrick, and Danny Jr.
