Brad Kelley Founder of Commonwealth Brands, Inc. Country: USA

Biography of Brad Kelley

Brad Kelley, the founder of Commonwealth Brands, Inc., was born in 1957 in the United States. Despite his humble beginnings as the son of a simple farmer, Kelley had an entrepreneurial spirit and intuition that played a significant role in shaping his destiny.

In 1991, Kelley founded Commonwealth Brands, Inc. in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The company specializes in the production of tobacco products. In 1996, Commonwealth Brands, Inc. began manufacturing cigarette brands such as "Reidsville" and "North Carolina."

Kelley's company gained popularity and success in the late 1990s. In November 1998, Commonwealth Brands, Inc. initiated an aggressive marketing campaign targeting teenagers and young adults, promoting smoking among this demographic. In 1999, the company released one of the most popular cigarette brands in the United States, "USA Gold," which significantly boosted sales. Additionally, the company introduced "Sonoma" cigarettes, which gained popularity, especially among the U.S. military.

Over the years, Commonwealth Brands, Inc. expanded and acquired other tobacco-related businesses. In September 2005, the company became the exclusive distributor of "Bali Roll-Your-Own" and "McClintock Make-Your-Own" companies in the United States. In July 2007, Commonwealth Brands, Inc. obtained the rights to produce cigarettes under the brands "BaliShag" and "McClintock." Currently, the company operates under the control of Imperial Tobacco PLC, with its headquarters located in Bristol, United Kingdom. It is now one of the largest producers of various tobacco products, ranging from regular cigarettes to high-end cigars, and its products are sold in over 130 countries worldwide.

Outside of his business ventures, Brad Kelley dedicates significant efforts and resources to the restoration and preservation of national American parks. He also owns a small plot of land in the Churchill Hills and a house in Derby. As of now, Brad Kelley's net worth is estimated at $1.6 billion. He was ranked 743rd on Forbes' list of the wealthiest individuals in the world.