Walt Ehmer, American businessman and CEO of Waffle House who passed away in September of 2024, had an estimated net worth of $10 million.
Key Takeaways
- Walt Ehmer, CEO and President of Waffle House passed away on September 8 due to pancreatic cancer.
- Ehmer amassed a huge net worth, possibly about $10 million, from his managerial career and stock portfolio.
- He is survived by his wife and three kids.
CEO and President of Waffle House, Walt Ehmer, died at age 58 on September 8, 2024.
According to a Sunday afternoon statement from Waffle House’s board of directors, Ehmer passed away after a long-term illness from pancreatic cancer.
Furthermore, they stated,
He will be greatly missed by his entire Waffle House family. We will share more details in the coming days, including highlights of Walt’s 30+ year career at Waffle House. For now, we know all of you join us in extending our deepest condolences to Walt’s family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
VIA FOX
Walt Ehmer’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive
Ehmer’s financial success comes primarily from his dedicated and inspiring run as CEO and president of Waffle House from 2012 until his death in 2024.
Besides Waffle House, many of his earnings came from his intelligent investments in Aaron’s Inc. and Aaron’s Company Inc.
A Georgia Institute of Technology graduate, Walt began his career at Allen-Bradley, an automation equipment manufacturing company, from 1989 to 1992.
In 1992, he joined Waffle House as a senior buyer.
He eventually became vice president of purchasing from 1996-1998, and vice president of finance from 1998-2001.
Later on, he became the Chief Financial Officer from 2001–2006.
In 2006, he became President and COO of Waffle House.
With only minor changes moving forward, he continued his career as President and CEO from 2012 to 2022.
In his final years, he was Chairman and CEO of the company from 2022 up until his time of passing.
Ehmer’s strong repertoire in the Waffle House corporate family helped him build a substantial net worth.
Waffle House executives, on average, earn a salary of $231,266 annually.
Including the base salary and bonuses, the median total compensation is about $238,993, or $114 per hour.
Sources claim that executives’ salaries could range from $50,000 to $700,000.
So, it is safe to assume that Walt Ehmer boasted a healthy wage for his position.
In addition to Ehmer’s contributions to Waffle House, he held various leadership positions outside the company.
He served as an Independent Director at Aaaron’s LLC and The Aaron’s Co., Inc. whose salaries lie in the $180k range.
Likewise, he also was the Director of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and a member of the board of trustees for the Atlanta Police Foundation.
The salaries of his position are reportedly an average of $223,470 and $80,000.
Walt’s Impressive Stock Portfolio Further Aided To His Net Worth
Further adding to his huge net worth were his shares in his company Aaron’s Company, Inc.
Sites claim that his 46,974 shares in the company are worth about $469,740.
This high-profile stock profile is a testament to Ehmer’s business intellect.
Walt Ehmer’s Legacy
Ehmer’s passing has left a considerable impact on the restaurant and dining industry.
His admirable leadership and dedication to Waffle House will inspire many aspiring businessmen and restauranteurs in the years to come.
Survived by his three kids, Walt’s legacy in Waffle House as its CEO and President will forever be remembered.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Walt Ehmer met his wife, Kara, through Georgia Tech, his alma mater.
- His three children: Gregory, Anna, and Lesley Ehmer also attended Georgia Tech.
- Ehmer earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering from Georgia Tech in 1989.
