Gary Erickson Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Explore Gary Erickson net worth, relationships, age/birthdate and birthday in this detailed profile of Clif Bar’s founder and his entrepreneurial legacy.
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Gary Erickson Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
Gary Erickson is the entrepreneur behind the Clif Bar empire and a pioneer in purpose-driven organic snacking.
Introduction
Gary Erickson (Birthdate: May 17, 1956) is an American entrepreneur and co-founder of Clif Bar & Company, best known for creating a wildly successful line of organic energy bars and building a business grounded in values. His estimated net worth is in the billion-dollar range, and he is married to business-partner and co-owner Kit Crawford — marking a rare blend of personal and professional partnership.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gary Erickson |
| Age/Birthdate | May 17, 1956 |
| Birthday | May 17 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Food & Beverage Executive |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approx. $1 billion+ (based on company sale data) |
| Relationship Status | Married to Kit Crawford |
| Known For | Co-founding Clif Bar & Company; purpose-driven business |
From Outdoor Enthusiast to Snack-Revolutionary
Growing up with a love of biking, climbing and baking, Erickson merged these passions into a business when a grueling 175-mile bike ride triggered his “epiphany moment” — he realized the available energy bars tasted awful and believed he could build a better one.
He started with a bakery, developed his first recipes in his mom’s kitchen, and by the early 1990s launched what became Clif Bar.
Defining moments in Gary Erickson’s journey include:
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That one-day 175-mile ride that sparked the idea for a better energy bar.
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Launching the original product in 1992 and naming it in honor of his father, Clifford.
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Turning down a reported $120 million offer in 2000 in order to keep the business aligned with his values.
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Co-founding the Clif Bar Family Foundation to channel business success into social impact.
The Core Pillars of Gary Erickson’s Wealth
Erickson built his net worth through several intertwined threads:
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Business Ventures: Co-founding Clif Bar & Company and maintaining majority ownership until its sale to Mondelez International for about $2.9 billion.
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Brand Deals & Partnerships: While less public, the brand’s strategic growth and licensing have added value.
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Investments & Assets: Ownership of a winery/farm in Napa Valley and reinvestment into organic-food systems.
Relationships & Family Life
Erickson not only partnered with Kit Crawford in business but also in life — the couple built Clif Bar together, shared ownership and married, creating a unique power-pair in the food industry.
Key insights into Gary Erickson’s relationships and personal life:
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Married to Kit Crawford, who has served as co-owner and key strategic partner.
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The couple values privacy: They have kept detailed family-matters out of the public realm.
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Their personal values (sustainability, community, adventure) deeply inform their shared business philosophy.
Lifestyle, Assets & Interests
Beyond career success, Gary Erickson leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:
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An avid cyclist, climber and outdoorsman — often drawing on his adventures for business inspiration.
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Ownership of a Napa Valley estate/farm and winery under the Clif family umbrella.
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A business culture that included radical employee benefits: gym, climbing wall, paid time to work out, dog-friendly offices.
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Philanthropic initiatives through the Clif Bar Family Foundation, supporting organic farming, community health and sustainability.
Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis
Erickson’s wealth stems mostly from his ownership in Clif Bar and its sale, plus related investments and brand equity. While exact public valuations vary, the following approximate breakdown provides insight:
| Category | Estimated Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Business Ventures | ~$1 billion+ | CelebrityNetWorth — Gary Erickson’s net worth listed at $1 B. |
| Brand Deals & Partnerships | Tens of millions | Based on growth of Clif brand globally |
| Investments & Assets | Tens to hundreds of millions | Derived from complementary assets (vineyard, farm, real estate) |
Analysis: Erickson’s major wealth growth derived from the 2022 sale of Clif Bar to Mondelez, in which he and Crawford declined earlier offers to preserve the company’s mission and eventually divested at scale. This decision underscores how control, values and timing combined to elevate his net worth.
Public Image, Legacy & Influence
Gary Erickson is widely viewed as more than a snack-bar mogul — he is seen as a business leader who proved that purpose, sustainability and profitability can coexist. The culture he fostered at Clif Bar (employee ownership, outdoor lifestyle, community focus) has become a case study in values-based business. He helped trigger the convergence of organic food, performance nutrition and brand authenticity. His legacy extends into philanthropy and the natural-foods movement, with many entrepreneurs citing his work as inspiration for elevated business models.
Conclusion
From May 17, 1956 (his age/birthdate) onward, Gary Erickson has carved a path that moves seamlessly from mountain-bike trails to bakery kitchens to billion-dollar boardrooms. His story—about turning a moment of hunger into a global brand—illustrates how authenticity, perseverance and values can build enduring success. His net worth reflects not just financial gain but the privilege of aligning personal passions with business purpose. His birthday (May 17) stands as a symbolic nod to how one person’s vision can fuel change.
