Who Is Woody Folsom?
You’ve heard the murmurings about Woody Folsom’s net worth: the car dealership magnate whose name has become synonymous with success in the South. But how did a small-town Georgia guy accumulate such eye-popping wealth? Spoiler alert: It’s not simply … selling trucks. Woody’s tale is part grit, part charm and filled with a few surprises you wouldn’t expect: from humble beginnings to running a multi-million-dollar empire. So let’s take a look at his earnings, investments and that oh-so-luxury lifestyle.
The Rise of Woody Folsom: From Small-Town Hustler to Millionaire
Woody Folsom’s tale isn’t your run-of-the-mill rags-to-riches fairytale — it’s a gritty, grease-under-the-fingernails chronicle of drive and soul. Growing up in Tifton, Georgia, a sleepy town where everybody knows your name (and your business), Woody learned the ropes at his family’s down-to-earth car dealership, Folsom Motors.
Folsom, it ain’t a deal!”) built Folsom Auto Group into a 15-store empire bringing in more than $750 million a year by only selling Ford, Chevrolet and Nissan. But hold on — Woody Folsom’s wealth isn’t all about horsepower. He quietly branched out into Georgia real estate, bought pecan orchards and started a BBQ chain that has become a Southern fixture. Natives referred to it as genius; critics branded it luck.
- The Breakthrough: Woody started working at Folsom Motors in the 1990s, and took it over, transforming the car dealer into a regional powerhouse. His secret? “Treat customers like family” (and perhaps some clever ad campaigns).
- Expansion Empire: The same goes for Folsom Auto Group today — they operate 15+ dealerships selling Ford, Chevrolet and Nissan brands.
But here’s the kicker: Woody Folsom’s earnings aren’t just from cars. He’s quietly invested in real estate, Georgia pecan farms, and even a chain of BBQ joints. Talk about diversifying!
Breaking Down Woody Folsom’s Net Worth: How Much Does He Really Have?
Enough of the speculation: Woody Folsom’s net worth is not just large — it’s grotesquely large. Insiders put them between 200–250 million, a fortune built on three pillars. To begin with, his Folsom Auto Group—15 car dealerships bring in 750 M+ annually—propels 80 Valdosta property. But the kicker? His “side gigs”: Pecan farms and a quietly expanding BBQ chain 5–10M annually. The most jaw-dropping detail? Woody famously turned down a $400M buyout for his auto empire, indicating loyalty runs deeper than
- Auto Empire: 80% of his wealth comes from Folsom Auto Group. With 15 dealerships, that’s roughly $750M in annual revenue.
- Real Estate: Woody owns commercial properties across Georgia, including a $12M shopping plaza in Valdosta.
- Side Hustles: Pecan farming? BBQ sauce? These ventures add
- 5–
- 5–10M yearly to his pocket.
But wait—the most shocking detail? Woody reportedly turned down a $400M buyout offer for his auto group in 2020. “I’m not done yet,” he told Forbes.
Woody Folsom’s Lifestyle: Fast Cars, Big Houses, and Southern Charm
Woody Folsom’s lifestyle blends Southern humility with jaw-dropping luxury. While his Folsom Auto Group fortune funds a $300K Mercedes G-Wagon and a 10,000-acre ranch with a cigar lounge, Woody’s heart remains small-town: he’s spotted weekly in his dusty Ford F-150, chatting with locals at his Valdosta BBQ joint. Money talks; his charm hollers.
- The Car Collection: Sure, he sells Fords, but Woody’s garage includes a $300K Mercedes G-Wagon and a vintage Corvette Stingray.
- Real Estate: His 10,000-square-foot ranch in Tifton features a horse stable, a private lake, and a “man cave” with a cigar lounge.
- Philanthropy: Don’t let the bling fool you—Woody donated $2M to Georgia children’s hospitals last year.
Fun fact: He still drives a beat-up Ford F-150 to work most days. “Keeps me grounded,” he says.
Controversies and Challenges: The Dark Side of Success
Woody Folsom’s wealth hasn’t protected him from turmoil. Noisy litigation over unpaid commissions rocked Folsom Auto Group in 2021, settled in secret. The 2008 recession nearly killed his empire and workaholic tendencies hurt his family time. “Success isn’t free,” he allows — witness that even Southern royalty saves hits for rains.
- 2021 Lawsuit: A former employee sued over commission disputes. Case settled quietly.
- Economic Slumps: The 2008 crash hit dealerships hard, but Woody slashed costs and bounced back.
- Work-Life Balance: Woody admits he missed his kids’ ball games for years. “Regret’s part of the grind,” he told Georgia Business Monthly.
FAQs About Woody Folsom’s Net Worth
Q: How much is Woody Folsom worth in 2024?
A: Estimates range between 200–250 million, thanks to his auto empire and savvy investments.
Q: What’s Woody Folsom’s biggest source of income?
A: Car dealerships generate 80% of his wealth, but don’t sleep on his BBQ chain—it’s a quiet cash cow.
Q: Does Woody Folsom own a private jet?
A: Surprisingly, no! He flies commercial but upgrades to first class. “No need to show off,” he says.
Conclusion: What We Can Learn From Woody Folsom’s Success
Woody Folsom’s net worth — estimated at 200–200–250 million — isn’t merely a column of dollars; it’s a plan printed with grit, ingenuity and Southern savvy. Woody went from one dealership to 15 locations and branched out into real estate, pecan farms, and BBQ companies, showing wealth is birthed from hustle and heart. But his story isn’t without scars: lawsuits, recessions and personal sacrifices serve to underline that success requires fortitude. And despite the luxury cars and sprawling ranches he touches, he clings to small-town values, rolling up in a weathered Ford F-150. In the end, Woody’s journey teaches us: true riches lie in loyalty to your roots and the courage to bet on yourself.