When you think about successful businessmen in Georgia, Woody Folsom is a name that often comes up. He is known for building a strong automotive empire while also running a successful farming business. Many people are curious about how much wealth he has accumulated over the years. In this article, we will explore Woody Folsom net worth, his journey to success, the businesses he owns, and how he made his money. We will also look at his personal life, his contributions to the community, and what makes him stand out in both the automobile and agriculture industries.
Who Is Woody Folsom?
Woody Folsom is a successful American businessman and entrepreneur who has made a big impact in Southeast Georgia. He is best known as the owner of the Woody Folsom Auto Group, which includes multiple car dealerships across Georgia. Beyond his work in the automotive industry, Folsom is also a dedicated farmer who owns and operates Circle F Farm LLC, where he raises high-quality cattle.
Born on December 14, 1964, in Georgia, Woody grew up on a family farm where he learned the value of hard work from an early age. His parents, James and Rilene Folsom, raised beef cattle and produce. Young Woody spent his childhood helping with farm chores, driving tractors, feeding cows, and working with produce crops. During summer breaks, he even bottle-fed dairy calves twice a day to earn money for school clothes.
This early exposure to farming and business laid the foundation for his future success. Today, he balances running multiple car dealerships with managing a large farming operation that spans about 2,700 acres.
What Is Woody Folsom Net Worth in 2025?
Woody Folsom net worth is estimated to be between $80 million and $200 million as of 2025. Different sources provide varying estimates, but most agree that his wealth falls within this range. The lower estimates place his net worth around $80 million, while higher estimates suggest it could be as much as $100 million to $200 million.
This impressive wealth comes from multiple sources of income. His automotive business generates the largest portion of his earnings, but his agricultural investments and real estate holdings also contribute significantly to his overall financial success.
Breakdown of Woody Folsom Net Worth
Here is how Woody Folsom has built his wealth across different industries:
Automotive Industry: The Woody Folsom Auto Group is the cornerstone of his fortune. With multiple dealerships selling brands like Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Nissan, the automotive business brings in steady revenue year after year.
Agriculture and Cattle Farming: Circle F Farms operates on approximately 2,700 acres and includes a registered Brahman herd of about 400 head and a herd of about 250 cows bred to produce elite F1 females. The farm also raises broilers for Pilgrim’s Pride and produces table eggs.
Real Estate Investments: Folsom owns significant commercial and agricultural real estate. His land holdings have increased in value over time, adding another layer to his wealth.
Other Ventures: He also owns a livestock trailer business and has expanded into Circle F Meats, a butcher store that features high-quality beef from his farm along with local produce.
The Rise of Woody Folsom Auto Group
The story of how Woody Folsom built his automotive empire is truly inspiring. He did not start with millions of dollars. Instead, he began with hard work and determination.
Early Career in the Automotive Industry
Folsom’s journey to success began with an after-school job at Lamco Motors in Bailey as a dealership worker. He worked hard and showed dedication, which helped him move up quickly within the company. Through this experience, he learned everything about running a successful dealership, from customer service to sales strategies.
Eventually, he decided to start his own business. In 2003, he founded the Woody Folsom Automotive Group with a clear vision: to create an exceptional customer experience that would keep people coming back.
Expansion and Growth
Over the years, Folsom strategically acquired multiple dealerships across Georgia. Today, the Woody Folsom Automotive Group operates in Vidalia, Baxley, and Douglas, Georgia, serving customers from all over the region and beyond.
The group includes the following dealerships:
- Woody Folsom Ford (Baxley)
- Woody Folsom Chevrolet GMC (Baxley)
- Woody Folsom CDJR (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram) in Baxley, Vidalia, and Douglas
- Woody Folsom Nissan (Vidalia)
Each location offers a wide selection of new and used vehicles, financing options, trade-in services, and expert maintenance and repair services. The dealerships are known for their customer-focused approach, competitive pricing, and community involvement.
What Makes Woody Folsom Auto Group Stand Out?
Several factors have contributed to the success of Woody Folsom’s automotive business:
Customer Service Excellence: From the very beginning, Folsom emphasized the importance of treating customers with respect and honesty. This focus on customer satisfaction has helped build a loyal customer base.
Diverse Vehicle Selection: The dealerships offer vehicles from multiple top brands, giving customers plenty of choices to meet their needs and budgets.
Technology Integration: The auto group uses modern technology, including online inventory systems, streamlined financing processes, and transparent pricing, which appeals to today’s tech-savvy consumers.
Flexible Financing Options: The dealerships work with over 20 trusted lenders to help customers get approved for loans, regardless of their credit situation.
Community Engagement: Folsom actively supports local events, charities, and youth programs, which strengthens his connection to the community.
Circle F Farm: A Passion for Agriculture
While many people know Woody Folsom for his car dealerships, he is equally proud of his work as a farmer. Agriculture runs deep in his family, and he has continued that tradition through Circle F Farm LLC.
The History of Circle F Farm
Woody now owns the farm where he grew up, which originally belonged to his parents. Over the years, he has expanded the operation significantly. The farm now covers about 2,700 acres and includes cattle herds, poultry operations, and hay production.
He runs the cattle operation in memory of his father, James Folsom, who passed away in 2013. This personal connection makes the farming business even more meaningful to Woody.
Types of Livestock and Operations
Circle F Farm specializes in several agricultural activities:
Brahman Cattle: The farm maintains a registered Brahman herd of approximately 400 head. Brahman cattle are known for their ability to thrive in hot climates and are highly valued in the beef industry.
F-1 Commercial Cattle: The farm produces elite F1 females by breeding cows with registered Hereford and Angus bulls. These crossbred cattle are sought after by ranchers across the country.
Poultry Operations: The farm raises broilers and produces table eggs for Pilgrim’s Pride, adding another revenue stream.
Show-Quality Hogs: Folsom also raises hogs for show competitions, demonstrating his commitment to quality livestock.
Hay Production: The farm grows hay to support the cattle operation and for sale to other farmers.
Circle F Meats
To further expand his agricultural business, Folsom opened Circle F Meats, a butcher store that sells high-quality beef, including some raised on his own farm. The store also features local produce and home décor items, creating a unique shopping experience for customers.
This vertical integration allows Folsom to control the entire process from raising the cattle to selling the beef to consumers, ensuring the highest quality at every step.
Sources of Income Contributing to Woody Folsom Net Worth
Woody Folsom’s financial success comes from multiple income streams. This diversification has helped him build and maintain his wealth over time.
Automotive Sales Revenue
The largest portion of Woody Folsom net worth comes from his car dealerships. With locations in multiple cities and a wide range of vehicle brands, the auto group generates millions of dollars in sales each year. The dealerships also earn money from:
- Vehicle financing and leasing
- Service and maintenance
- Parts and accessories sales
- Trade-ins and used vehicle sales
Livestock Sales
Circle F Farm contributes significantly to Folsom’s income through the sale of high-quality cattle. The selling of F-1 commercial cattle and Brahman cattle with nobility registrations is a main source of income. Both registered and commercial cattlemen compete to buy these superior animals, creating a steady flow of revenue.
Agricultural Products
Beyond cattle sales, the farm generates income from:
- Poultry sales to Pilgrim’s Pride
- Egg production
- Hay sales
- Show-quality hogs
Real Estate Appreciation
Folsom owns substantial real estate, including the land for his dealerships and his farm property. As property values in Georgia have increased over time, so has the value of his real estate holdings. This appreciation adds to his overall net worth.
Consulting and Livestock Expertise
With his extensive knowledge of cattle breeding and farm management, Folsom also provides consulting services to others in the agricultural community. His expertise is valued by farmers and ranchers who seek advice on livestock breeding, genetics, and farm operations.
Education and Professional Development
Although natural business instincts played a major role in Folsom’s success, education also contributed to his achievements. He understood early on that continuous learning was essential in competitive markets.
Folsom pursued studies in areas related to his business interests. He gained knowledge in animal husbandry, breeding, cattle judging, agribusiness management, and animal science. This education helped him apply practical methods on his farm and make informed decisions in his automotive business.
Throughout his career, he also took inspiration from other successful entrepreneurs, learning from their strategies and applying those lessons to his own ventures.
Personal Life and Family
Woody Folsom is married to Tamela Folsom, who works as a school counselor. Despite her career, she helps out on the farm and at the dealerships when needed. The Folsoms have two children, Tanner and Anna Kate, who both attended Georgia Southern University.
The entire family is involved in the business. When home from school, Tanner and Anna Kate work at the dealerships and help on the farm. This family involvement reflects the values Woody learned growing up on his parents’ farm.
Farming and business are truly family affairs for the Folsoms, bringing them closer together while building a lasting legacy.
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
Beyond his business success, Woody Folsom is deeply committed to giving back to his community. His charitable work and support for local organizations have made a significant impact in Southeast Georgia.
Supporting Youth Agricultural Programs
Folsom is a strong supporter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and provides scholarships for students. He believes in helping young people pursue careers in agriculture and provides both financial assistance and mentorship opportunities.
In recent years, Woody Folsom Trailers has awarded the use of a livestock trailer to the eight grand champion winners of the Georgia National Fair livestock shows. He also buys livestock projects from local FFA members and 4-H participants at the end of their show seasons.
Education Initiatives
Folsom donated a new Ford F-350 truck to haul the Georgia Ag Experience mobile classroom trailer across the state. This mobile classroom teaches children and adults about Georgia agriculture, helping to keep agricultural traditions alive.
He has also donated funds to local schools, supporting sports teams, educational initiatives, and after-school programs. He frequently provides scholarships for students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
Community Event Sponsorship
The Woody Folsom Auto Group sponsors numerous community events throughout Southeast Georgia, including county fairs, parades, and festivals. This involvement shows his commitment to strengthening the communities where he does business.
Georgia Farm Bureau Partnership
Folsom is a long-time Georgia Farm Bureau member, and his Ford dealership has participated in the Farm Bureau Ford rebate program since it began in 2011. Through this partnership with Ford Motor Company and Georgia Farm Bureau, Woody Folsom Ford has given Farm Bureau members rebates averaging more than $100,000 a year on qualifying Ford purchases.
Business Philosophy and Success Strategies
Several key principles have guided Woody Folsom to success in both the automotive and agricultural industries.
Diversification
One of Folsom’s smartest strategies has been diversifying his business interests. By operating in both the automotive and agriculture sectors, he has created multiple income streams that protect him from downturns in any single industry. When car sales slow down, his farming business continues to generate income, and vice versa.
Customer Focus
Whether selling cars or cattle, Folsom always puts the customer first. He believes that providing excellent service and building trust leads to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
Quality Over Quantity
Folsom insists on quality in everything he does. His dealerships are known for honest sales practices and reliable vehicles. His farm produces premium livestock that commands top prices. This focus on quality has built his reputation and justified premium pricing.
Community Connection
Folsom understands that strong businesses are built on strong communities. By supporting local schools, youth programs, and community events, he has created goodwill that translates into loyal customers and employees.
Continuous Improvement
Folsom never stops learning and improving. He stays up-to-date with industry trends, adopts new technologies, and constantly looks for ways to serve his customers better.
Challenges and How He Overcame Them
Building a business empire worth millions of dollars does not come without challenges. Woody Folsom has faced and overcome several obstacles on his path to success.
Starting With Limited Resources
Folsom did not inherit a fortune. He started with modest resources and had to work his way up from an entry-level position at a dealership. Through hard work, dedication, and smart decision-making, he gradually built his wealth.
Economic Downturns
The automotive industry is cyclical and affected by economic conditions. During recessions, car sales typically decline. Folsom weathered these storms by maintaining strong customer relationships, offering competitive financing, and diversifying into agriculture, which provided stability during tough times.
Competition
The automotive market in Georgia is highly competitive, with many dealerships competing for the same customers. Folsom differentiated his business through superior customer service, community involvement, and a reputation for integrity.
Balancing Multiple Businesses
Managing both a large auto group and a substantial farming operation requires excellent time management and delegation skills. Folsom has built strong teams in both businesses, allowing him to oversee operations without being involved in every detail.
The Future of Woody Folsom’s Business Empire
Looking ahead, Woody Folsom continues to have ambitious plans for growth and expansion.
Automotive Expansion
The automotive industry is evolving rapidly with electric vehicles, autonomous driving technology, and changing consumer preferences. Folsom stays ahead of these trends by updating his inventory, training his staff, and adopting new technologies that improve the customer experience.
Agricultural Innovation
In agriculture, Folsom focuses on sustainable farming practices that protect the environment while producing high-quality livestock. He continues to invest in genetic improvements for his cattle herds and explores new markets for his agricultural products.
Circle F Meats Growth
The butcher store represents an exciting opportunity to capture more value from the farm-to-table process. By selling directly to consumers, Folsom can achieve higher profit margins while ensuring customers get the freshest, highest-quality products.
Continued Community Support
Folsom remains committed to supporting the communities that have supported his businesses. He plans to continue and expand his philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting youth agricultural education.
What We Can Learn From Woody Folsom’s Success
Woody Folsom’s journey from a farm kid to a multimillionaire businessman offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and wealth building.
Start Where You Are
Folsom began with an after-school job and limited resources. He did not wait for perfect conditions or a large inheritance. He started working, learning, and building from where he was.
Diversify Your Income
By building businesses in both automotive and agriculture, Folsom created financial stability and multiple paths to wealth. Diversification protects against downturns in any single industry.
Value Quality and Integrity
Folsom’s reputation for honest dealing and quality products has been crucial to his long-term success. Quick profits from dishonest practices never lead to lasting wealth.
Give Back to Your Community
Supporting local schools, youth programs, and community events is not just good PR. It builds genuine relationships and creates a better environment for everyone, including your business.
Never Stop Learning
Despite his success, Folsom continues to learn and adapt. Whether it is new automotive technologies or advanced cattle breeding techniques, he stays current and constantly improves.
Involve Your Family
Building a family business creates a shared purpose and teaches valuable skills to the next generation. The Folsom children learned about business, agriculture, and hard work by being involved in the family enterprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Woody Folsom make his money?
Woody Folsom made his money primarily through his automotive dealership empire, the Woody Folsom Auto Group, which includes multiple locations across Georgia selling various vehicle brands. He also earns substantial income from his cattle farming operation, Circle F Farm LLC, where he raises and sells high-quality Brahman and F-1 commercial cattle. Real estate investments and other agricultural ventures also contribute to his wealth.
What brands does Woody Folsom Auto Group sell?
The Woody Folsom Auto Group sells a wide range of vehicle brands including Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Nissan. The group operates multiple dealerships across Georgia to serve different markets and customer needs.
Where are Woody Folsom’s dealerships located?
Woody Folsom’s dealerships are located in Baxley, Vidalia, and Douglas, Georgia. These locations serve customers throughout Southeast Georgia and surrounding areas.
Is Woody Folsom involved in charity work?
Yes, Woody Folsom is actively involved in charitable work. He supports the Future Farmers of America with scholarships and program funding, donates to local schools, sponsors community events, and provides financial assistance to underprivileged students. He also donated a truck to haul the Georgia Ag Experience mobile classroom.
How large is Circle F Farm?
Circle F Farm operates on approximately 2,700 acres and includes a registered Brahman herd of about 400 head, plus additional cattle bred to produce elite F1 females. The farm also raises poultry, produces eggs, grows hay, and raises show-quality hogs.
Conclusion
Woody Folsom net worth of $80 million to $200 million reflects a remarkable journey of hard work, smart business decisions, and unwavering commitment to quality. From his humble beginnings on a family farm to building a multi-location automotive empire and a thriving agricultural business, Folsom exemplifies the American dream.
His success comes not just from one business but from diversifying into multiple industries, including automotive sales, cattle farming, real estate, and agricultural products. By maintaining high standards of customer service, giving back to his community, and staying connected to his roots, he has built a lasting legacy that extends far beyond his net worth.
Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a car buyer in Georgia, or someone interested in agriculture, Woody Folsom’s story offers inspiration and practical lessons. His journey proves that with dedication, integrity, and a willingness to work hard, it is possible to build significant wealth while making a positive impact on your community.
If you are in Southeast Georgia and looking for a quality vehicle or high-quality beef, consider supporting one of Woody Folsom’s businesses. You will not only get excellent products and service but also support a businessman who genuinely cares about his community and customers.