Martha Firestone Ford Biography: Martha Firestone Ford is an American heiress and entrepreneur who is closely related to the Ford Motor Company. She shared the Ford family’s wealth, including stock in the Ford business.
In addition to her business skills, Martha Firestone Ford’s family has been in the automotive industry for generations. Many are curious and impressed by her financial situation because of her charitable activities and her vital role in managing Ford Motor Company.
Martha Firestone Ford Net Worth
The American entrepreneur Martha Firestone Ford is worth an estimated $800 million. Martha Firestone Ford was married to William Clay Ford, the grandson of Henry Ford, from 1947 until his death in 2014.
In addition to her marriage, she inherited money from Harvey Firestone, the founder of Firestone & Rubber Company. She was also the chairwoman and owner of the Detroit Lions of the National Football League.
Central Cee Biography: Age, Height, Birthday, Career, Family, Personal Life, Net Worth
Martha Firestone Ford Early Life And Education
She was born on September 16, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Harvey S. Firestone Jr. and Elizabeth Parke Firestone. On her father’s side, her grandparents, Harvey Samuel Firestone and Idabelle Smith Firestone, are the founders of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. By 1946, she had completed her studies at Vassar College.
Martha Firestone Ford Biography
| Real Name | Martha Parke Firestone Ford |
| Date of birth | 16 September 1925 |
| Age | 98 years old |
| Birth Place | Akron, Ohio, United States |
| Gender | Female |
| Profession | American Businesswoman |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Vassar College 1946 |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Kids/Children Name | Sheila Ford Hamp, William Clay Ford Jr., Elizabeth Hudson Ford, Martha Parke Morse |
| Parents | Harvey S. Firestone Jr., Elizabeth Parke Firestone |
| Divorce | William Clay Ford Sr. (m. 1947–2014) |
| Social Media | N/A |
Martha Firestone Ford And Detroit Lions
In 1963, William Clay Ford paid 4.5 million to buy out every other shareholder of the Detroit Lions. Following his death, Martha Ford was declared the sole owner of the team.
It was Martha Firestone Ford who became the team’s principal owner and retained a small stake in the Lions. Accountability and willingness to invest in the team were hallmarks of Martha’s ownership.
Although public funds are generally used to support sports teams, Martha oversaw the construction of Ford Field in 2017 with $100 million in private funds.
The Lions ended 11-5 in Martha’s first season as owner, but began 1-7 the following season, prompting her to fire General Manager Martin Mayhew and President Tom Lewand.
With these two actions, she demonstrated her willingness to adapt as necessary to Lion’s changing business operations. A few weeks later, Rod Wood, the CEO of Ford Estates financial and concierge services, took over the responsibility of overseeing Lion’s business operations.
In June 2020, Martha Firestone Ford announced her retirement as Detroit Lions owner. Her daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp, took over as owner. Martha was one of only ten female owners of NFL teams at the time.
Martha Firestone Ford Personal Life
Ford’s husband, William Clay Ford, a Henry Ford grandson, organized and attended a luncheon that both of their mothers hosted in New York City.
At the time, he was enrolled in St. Mary’s U.S. Navy Pre-Flight School while she was attending Vassar. They married on June 21, 1947, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Akron, Ohio. Both families had amassed considerable wealth by then, and many media outlets had reported about the match between two successful businessmen’s grandchildren.
According to the Akron Beacon Journal, the Firestone-Ford wedding was the largest society wedding in Akron’s history and the biggest show Akron has experienced in years. Mina Miller Edison and media mogul John S. presented the newlyweds with presents. Knight, and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.
There were four children born to her and her husband. Martha Parke Morse (born 1948), Sheila Ford Hamp (born 1951), William Clay Ford, Jr. (born 1957), and Elizabeth Ford Kontulis (born 1961).
Her son William currently holds the position of chairman of Ford Motor Company’s board of directors. He is also vice chairman of the Detroit Lions and previously served as Ford’s chief operating and executive officer. Ford has eleven great-grandchildren and fourteen grandchildren.
Martha Firestone Ford Age
Despite her advanced age, Martha Firestone Ford has demonstrated resilience and dedication throughout her life.
She was born in Akron, Ohio, which was the hometown of many American industrialists, including the Firestone family. She grew up in an environment rich in American innovation and entrepreneurship traditions as a native of this city.
Martha Firestone Ford Nationality
Martha Firestone Ford Biography: The nationality of Martha Firestone Ford is American. She was born on September 16, 1925 in Akron, Ohio, and has always been an American citizen. She has a close connection to American business and industrial history as a member of the Ford family.
Ford is known for her philanthropic and business endeavors, as well as her deep connection to the entrepreneurial spirit of the country. Her commitment to her community has allowed her to make a significant contribution to the nation’s rich tapestry of accomplishments.
