Smidt, Eric — Harbor Freight Tools USA Inc. | Los Angeles Business Journal

Smidt, Eric — Harbor Freight Tools USA Inc. Eric Smidt

Chief Executive and Chairman

Harbor Freight Tools USA Inc.

THE LATEST: Smidt's company, Harbor Freight, has more than 1,000 stores in 48 states. In April, Smidt said his company would donate its supply of protective masks, face shields and gloves to front-line medical workers battling Covid-19. Smidt ranked No. 16 on the Business Journal&s list of Wealthiest Angelenos last year with a net worth of $4.4 billion.

BACKGROUND: Smidt co-founded Calabasas-based discount tool retailer Harbor Freight as a 17-year-old in 1977, when he began transforming his father Allan's small phone-sales business into a mail-order tool business. In 1985, he became the company's president. He took on the role of chief executive in 1999, when he bought out his father.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 3

Return to the 2020 edition of the LA500.

Reader Poll

READER POLL: How much time do you plan to take off for the holidays?