Great American Business Leaders of the 20th Century
James R. Kuse
Georgia Gulf Corporation
1985–1991
1985–1991
Georgia Gulf Corporation
1985–1991
1985–1991
- Industry: Chemicals & Industrial
- Era: 1980
Mortgaging his home in 1984, Kuse, along with a few other executives from Georgia Pacific, financed a leveraged buy-out to create Georgia Gulf Corporation, a major producer of specialty chemical products. Under his leadership, Kuse not only paid off the debt in record time, but also built one of the most successful businesses of the late eighties. He increased revenues from $500 million to over $1.5 billion, quadrupled profits, and generated a 500% increase in the stock price.
Education / Military
- Undergraduate: Oregon State University
- Military Service: Army