Arch Aplin III is a well-known American entrepreneur and businessman, best known as the co-founder of Buc-ee’s, the famous chain of convenience stores and gas stations. His business acumen and leadership have made Buc-ee’s a household name in Texas and beyond. In this article, we will explore Arch Aplin III’s net worth, personal life, family, and career journey.
Quick Bio: Arch Aplin III Net Worth
Full Name | Arch Aplin III |
---|---|
Nickname | Beaver Aplin |
Date of Birth | May 27, 1958 |
Age | 66 years old (as of 2024) |
Birthplace | Texas, USA |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Businessman, Entrepreneur |
Famous For | Co-founding Buc-ee’s |
Education | Texas A&M University |
Father | Arch Aplin Jr. |
Mother | Not publicly disclosed |
Marital Status | Married |
Wife | Name Not Publicly Known |
Children | Yes, but details are private |
Net Worth | Estimated $500 million+ (as of 2024) |
Early Life and Background
Arch Aplin III was born on May 27, 1958, in Texas, USA. He grew up in a family that had a strong entrepreneurial spirit. His grandfather was in the grocery business, which played a crucial role in shaping his future. Aplin’s love for business and retail was evident from an early age.
His nickname “Beaver” came from his mother, who gave him the name after the 1950s TV show Leave It to Beaver. This nickname would later become the inspiration for the Buc-ee’s brand.
Aplin’s upbringing in Texas helped shape his love for business and customer service. His early exposure to retail from his family played a significant role in his decision to enter the business world.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2024, Arch Aplin III is 66 years old.
- Height: Approx. 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Weight: Around 80 kg (176 lbs)
- Hair Color: Gray
- Eye Color: Brown
Aplin carries himself with the energy and enthusiasm of a dedicated entrepreneur, despite being in his 60s. His keen business sense and commitment to quality have made him a respected figure in the retail industry.
Education
Arch Aplin III pursued his higher education at Texas A&M University, where he studied Construction Science. His educational background gave him the necessary skills to manage and scale businesses.
Texas A&M University has produced many successful entrepreneurs, and Aplin is one of its proud alumni. His education in construction science played a crucial role in the design and development of Buc-ee’s stores, which are known for their large size and customer-friendly infrastructure.
His Father
Arch Aplin III’s father, Arch Aplin Jr., was a significant influence in his life. He worked in construction and building, which likely played a role in Aplin’s decision to study construction science.
Although not much is publicly known about Arch Aplin Jr., it is evident that he played a crucial role in shaping his son’s work ethic and business mindset.
His Mother
While there is little public information about Arch Aplin III’s mother, she played an important role in his upbringing. She gave him the nickname “Beaver”, which eventually became the foundation of the Buc-ee’s brand.
His mother’s influence extended beyond just a nickname—she helped instill values of hard work, creativity, and dedication in him from a young age.
Children
Arch Aplin III has children, but he prefers to keep his personal life private. There is little publicly available information about his children, as he maintains a low profile when it comes to his family.
It is common for successful entrepreneurs to keep their families out of the public eye, and Aplin is no exception. However, it is believed that he is a dedicated father who values family time.
Who Is Arch Aplin III?
Arch Aplin III is a visionary entrepreneur who built one of the most beloved brands in Texas and beyond. He co-founded Buc-ee’s in 1982, starting with a small convenience store in Clute, Texas.
His idea was simple but powerful: create a clean, spacious, and customer-friendly travel center that offered high-quality snacks, clean restrooms, and a variety of services. This business model proved to be a massive success, making Buc-ee’s a favorite among travelers.
The Growth of Buc-ee’s
- Buc-ee’s started as a small convenience store but expanded into a large chain of gas stations and travel centers.
- The brand is known for having the cleanest restrooms in America, a title awarded by various travel organizations.
- Buc-ee’s has some of the largest convenience stores in the world, with some locations exceeding 68,000 square feet.
- The chain is famous for its Beaver Nuggets (caramel-coated corn puffs), brisket sandwiches, and an extensive selection of snacks.
- Aplin has expanded Buc-ee’s beyond Texas, with locations in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee.
Through hard work and innovation, Aplin turned Buc-ee’s into a multimillion-dollar business empire, earning him a reputation as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the retail industry.
Current Life
As of 2024, Arch Aplin III continues to lead Buc-ee’s as its CEO and is actively involved in the company’s expansion. He is focused on bringing the Buc-ee’s experience to more states across the U.S.
Recent Developments:
- Buc-ee’s has continued expanding outside Texas, with new stores opening in states like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
- Aplin has also been involved in charitable activities and community projects, supporting education and small businesses.
- In 2022, he donated $50 million to Texas A&M University to establish a hospitality and retail entrepreneurship school.
Despite his massive success, Aplin remains humble and dedicated to improving the customer experience at Buc-ee’s.

Net Worth
How Much is Arch Aplin III Worth?
As of 2024, Arch Aplin III’s net worth is estimated to be over $500 million.
Sources of Wealth:
- Buc-ee’s Business Empire – The company has grown into a multi-billion-dollar business, generating massive revenue from gas sales, food, and merchandise.
- Real Estate Investments – Aplin has made strategic real estate investments, as Buc-ee’s locations require large plots of land.
- Retail & Product Sales – Buc-ee’s branded products, including Beaver Nuggets, BBQ sandwiches, and souvenirs, contribute significantly to his wealth.
Aplin’s financial success is the result of decades of hard work, innovation, and customer service excellence.
Conclusion
Arch Aplin III is a visionary entrepreneur who transformed a simple convenience store into one of the most iconic travel centers in America. His dedication to quality, cleanliness, and customer satisfaction has made Buc-ee’s a beloved brand.
From humble beginnings to building a $500 million empire, Aplin’s journey is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. As Buc-ee’s continues to expand across the U.S., his legacy as a retail pioneer is firmly established.
FAQ‘s: Arch Aplin III Net Worth
1. What is Arch Aplin III’s net worth?
As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be over $500 million.
2. How did Arch Aplin III start Buc-ee’s?
He founded Buc-ee’s in 1982, starting with a small store in Clute, Texas.
3. How old is Arch Aplin III?
He is 66 years old as of 2024.
4. Is Arch Aplin III married?
Yes, but he keeps details about his wife private.
5. Does Arch Aplin III have children?
Yes, but their names and details are not publicly disclosed.
6. Where is Buc-ee’s expanding?
Buc-ee’s is expanding to Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and more states