Counting Coins with Robert Plaster: Forecasting His 2024 Net Worth:
Robert Plaster was a remarkable American entrepreneur and philanthropist whose life story embodies the essence of the American dream. Rising from humble beginnings during the Great Depression, Plaster built a business empire through sheer determination, hard work, and an unwavering belief in the power of free enterprise. His journey from a small-town boy in Southwest Missouri to a successful businessman and generous benefactor left an indelible mark on the landscape of education and entrepreneurship in the Midwest.
Who is Robert Plaster?
Robert Plaster was a self-made businessman who founded Empire Gas Corporation, one of the largest retail liquid propane (LP) gas distributors in the United States. Born and raised in Neosho, Missouri, during the challenging times of the Great Depression, Plaster’s early life was marked by financial hardship and the necessity of working from a young age. These experiences shaped his character and instilled a strong work ethic that would become the foundation of his future success.
Throughout his life, Plaster remained committed to the principles of free enterprise and the belief that education could transform lives. His business acumen and philanthropic spirit led him to establish the Robert W. Plaster Foundation in 1983. This foundation became a vehicle for his vision of supporting higher education and creating opportunities for young people, particularly in Southwest Missouri and the surrounding regions. Plaster’s legacy extends far beyond his business achievements, as he became known for his generous contributions to numerous colleges and universities, leaving a lasting impact on the educational landscape of the Midwest.
Robert Plaster Early Life and Education Qualification:
The economic hardships of the Great Depression shaped Robert W. Plaster’s early life. Born in Neosho, Southwest Missouri, he learned the value of hard work at a tender age. As a young boy, Plaster took on various jobs to help support his family, including working at a local grocery store and maintaining a paper route at Camp Crowder. These early experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic that would become a defining characteristic throughout his life.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Plaster’s mother played a crucial role in shaping his outlook on life. She taught him the importance of positive thinking and the philosophy that “Can’t Never.” This simple yet powerful mantra became a guiding principle for Plaster, encouraging him to overcome obstacles and pursue his goals with unwavering determination.
After graduating from high school, Plaster’s pursuit of higher education began at Joplin Junior College (now Missouri Southern State University), where he aimed to earn a degree in accounting. However, financial constraints forced him to leave college after three semesters. This setback did not deter Plaster; instead, it fueled his determination to succeed through alternative means. While his formal education was cut short, Plaster’s life experiences and self-directed learning would prove invaluable in his future business endeavors. Later in life, in recognition of his achievements and contributions, Plaster was awarded honorary doctorates from Southwest Baptist University and Missouri Southern State University, a testament to his lifelong commitment to education and personal growth.
Robert Plaster Personal Life and Relationships:
Robert Plaster’s personal life was characterized by strong family values and a deep commitment to his community. He married Mary Jean Plaster, who stood by his side throughout his journey from a struggling entrepreneur to a successful businessman and philanthropist. Their partnership was personal and extended to their shared vision of giving back to society.
The Plasters raised their family with the same principles of hard work and perseverance that Robert had learned in his youth. Their son, Stephen Plaster, followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming involved in the family’s business ventures and philanthropic efforts. The family’s unity was evident in their collective dedication to supporting education and fostering entrepreneurship in their community. Robert Plaster’s relationships extended beyond his immediate family, as he formed strong bonds with business associates, educational leaders, and the many students who benefited from his foundation’s support. His personal life reflected his professional ethos – built on trust, integrity, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
| Attributes | Details |
| Real Name | Robert Plaster |
| Nickname | Robert Plaster |
| Profession | Real Estate Empire, Owner of RMP Enterprises |
| Age | Died at the age of 69 |
| Height | In feet: 5’10” |
| Weight | In Kilograms: 80 kg |
| Relationship | Mary |
| Children | Not Found |
| Parents | Info Not available |
Robert Plaster Physical Appearance:
While there is limited public information about Robert Plaster’s physical appearance, accounts from those who knew him describe a man whose presence commanded respect. Standing approximately 5’10”, Plaster had a sturdy build reflecting his hardworking background. His face was often adorned with a warm, welcoming smile that put others at ease despite his status as a successful businessman.
Plaster’s eyes were said to sparkle with enthusiasm when discussing business or educational opportunities, revealing his passion for entrepreneurship and philanthropy. He maintained a professional appearance, typically dressed in business attire that reflected his corporate leader and respected community figure role. While not imposing in stature, Plaster’s physical presence was enhanced by his confident demeanor and charisma, which made him an effective leader and inspirational figure to many.
Robert Plaster Professional Career:
Robert Plaster’s professional Career was marked by determination, innovation, and keen business acumen. His journey from a young worker to a Successful entrepreneur is a testament to his resilience and vision.
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Early Career and Government Service:
After leaving college due to financial constraints, Plaster entered the workforce full-time. He gained valuable experience working for the U.S. Treasury Department, which provided him with insights into financial management and government operations. This experience would later prove beneficial in his business ventures.
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Entry into the LP Gas Industry:
Plaster’s Career significantly changed when he worked for a liquid propane (LP) gas corporation. This role exposed Career to the intricacies of the energy sector and sparked his interest in the LP gas business.
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Founding of Empire Gas Corporation:
In 1963, drawing from his experience and recognizing an opportunity in the market, Plaster founded Empire Gas Corporation. This bold move marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey and set the stage for his future success.
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Growth and Expansion:
Under Plaster’s leadership, Empire Gas Corporation experienced rapid growth. The company expanded its operations, becoming one of the largest retail LP gas distributors in the United States. This growth resulted from Plaster’s strategic vision, operational efficiency, and ability to capitalize on market opportunities.
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Public Listing and Corporate Success:
Empire Gas Corporation’s success led to its listing on the New York Stock Exchange, a significant achievement that solidified Plaster’s reputation as a savvy businessman. The company’s public status opened new avenues for growth and investment.
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Transition to Venture Capital:
After selling Empire Gas in 1996, Plaster founded Evergreen Investments, LLC. This new venture allowed him to diversify his business interests and invest in various enterprises, showcasing his adaptability and continued entrepreneurial spirit.
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Philanthropic Endeavors:
Parallel to his business career, Plaster became increasingly involved in philanthropic activities. In 1983, he established the Robert W. Plaster Foundation, which supports educational projects for colleges and universities.
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Legacy in Education and Entrepreneurship:
Throughout his later Career, Plaster advocated free enterprise and supported educational institutions. He co-founded and proudly supported Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), serving on its Executive Board until his death in 2008.
| Attributes | Details |
| Occupation | Real Estate Empire, Owner of RMP Enterprises |
| Famous for | Building a successful real estate empire |
| Awards | Honorary doctorates in Business Administration and Humane Letters |
| Social Media | LinkedIn Profile |
| Net Worth | $20 Million (Approximately) |
| Yearly Income | $1 Million |
| Monthly Income | $84,000 |
| Daily Income | $2,800 |
Robert Plaster Net Worth:
As of 2024, Robert Plaster’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, as he passed away in 2008. However, estimates of his wealth at his death ranged from $50 million to $200 million. His financial success was primarily derived from his business ventures, particularly the sale of Empire Gas Corporation in 1996 and subsequent investments through Evergreen Investments, LLC. Plaster’s true legacy, however, extends far beyond his wealth.
The Robert W. Plaster Foundation, which he established in 1983, continues to make significant contributions to educational institutions across the Midwest. While the exact value of the foundation is not public knowledge, its ongoing philanthropic activities suggest substantial financial resources. Plaster’s net worth, monetary value, and societal impact reflect a life dedicated to entrepreneurship and giving back to the community.
Robert Plaster Social Media Presence:
Having passed away in 2008, Robert Plaster predated the era of widespread social media use. Consequently, he had no personal presence on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. However, his legacy continues to have a digital footprint through the organizations and institutions he supports. The Robert W. Plaster Foundation maintains an active website (www.robertwplasterfoundation.org) that shares information about its mission and the projects it funds.
Additionally, many educational institutions that benefited from Plaster’s philanthropy frequently mention him on their social media accounts, particularly when discussing facilities or programs bearing his name. While Plaster himself is not active on social media, his impact and the principles he stood for continue to be shared and discussed in digital spaces, ensuring that his legacy remains relevant in the age of social networking.
| Attributes | Details |
| Social Media | LinkedIn Profile |
| Net Worth | $20 Million (Approximately) |
Robert Plaster Interesting Facts:
1. Robert Plaster started working at a young age, maintaining a paper route at Camp Crowder during his childhood in Neosho, Missouri.
2. His mother taught him the motto “Can’t Never,” which became a lifelong philosophy guiding his approach to challenges.
3. Plaster had to leave college after three semesters due to financial constraints but later received honorary doctorates from two universities.
4. He founded Empire Gas Corporation in 1963, which grew to become one of the largest LP gas distributors in the United States.
5. Plaster’s company, Empire Gas, was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, a significant achievement for a self-made entrepreneur.
6. He established the Robert W. Plaster Foundation in 1983, long before he sold his company, showing his early commitment to philanthropy.
7. Plaster co-founded Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), now known as Enactus, a global non-profit organization promoting entrepreneurship.
8. Many buildings across Midwest college campuses bear his name, including sports complexes, student unions, and free enterprise centers.
9. Despite his success, Plaster remained connected to his roots in Southwest Missouri, focusing much of his philanthropy on the region.
10. His business philosophy emphasized the importance of the free enterprise system, which he credited to his success.
Robert Plaster Other Interesting Hobbies:
While Robert Plaster was primarily known for his business acumen and philanthropic efforts, he also had interests outside his professional life. An avid outdoorsman, Plaster enjoyed spending time in nature, mainly fishing in the lakes and streams of the Ozarks. He was also known to have a passion for reading, particularly interested in books on business strategy and American history.
Plaster’s love for his community extended to supporting local sports teams, and he was often seen attending high school and college games in the area. Additionally, he had a keen interest in architecture, evident in the design of the buildings funded by his foundation. Plaster also enjoyed mentoring young entrepreneurs, often spending his free time sharing his experiences and insights with aspiring business owners. These hobbies and interests reflected Plaster’s well-rounded personality and deep connection to his roots and community.
Final Words:
Robert Plaster’s life story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and generosity. From his humble beginnings in Depression-era Missouri to his rise as a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, Plaster embodied the American dream. His legacy extends far beyond his business achievements, touching the lives of countless students through his foundation’s support of higher education.
Plaster’s unwavering belief in the free enterprise system and his commitment to creating opportunities for others continue to inspire new generations of entrepreneurs and leaders. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the profound impact of combining business acumen with a genuine desire to give back to the community. Robert Plaster’s story is an enduring example of how, when coupled with generosity, success can create a lasting positive change in society.