When most people think of the Ford name, the immediate association is with legendary actor Harrison Ford. However, there’s another Ford who has been quietly building his own legacy, albeit outside of Hollywood’s bright spotlight—Harrison’s son, Willard Ford. Unlike his famous father, Willard has pursued a path centered on business, design, and fitness, leaving an entrepreneurial imprint that is both unique and inspiring. While he may not wield a lightsaber like his father in Star Wars or crack a whip like Indiana Jones, Willard Ford has carved his own niche, showing that success runs deep in the Ford family.
This article will explore Willard Ford’s life, his business ventures, his family connections, and how he has managed to build an impressive career while maintaining a low public profile.
Contents
- 1 Willard Ford: Bio Profile
- 2 Early Life: Growing Up as Harrison Ford’s Son
- 3 Business Ventures: From Design to Fitness
- 4 Family Ties: Harrison Ford and Mary Marquardt’s Influence
- 5 Willard Ford’s Personal Life: Relationships and Family
- 6 The Ford Family Legacy: Benjamin Ford and Willard Ford’s Independent Success
- 7 Willard Ford Net Worth: A Snapshot of His Financial Success
- 8 Conclusion: Willard Ford’s Entrepreneurial Legacy
Willard Ford: Bio Profile
| Full Name | Willard Ford |
|---|---|
| Born | May 14, 1969 (age 55, as of 2024) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Designer |
| Notable Ventures | Ford & Ching, Strong Sports Gym |
| Spouse | Not publicly known |
| Children | One son, Eliel Ford |
| Parents | Harrison Ford and Mary Marquardt |
| Siblings | Benjamin Ford (brother), Liam, Malcolm, Georgia (half-siblings) |
| Net Worth | Estimated in the low millions |
Willard Ford has built a multifaceted career that spans several industries. As the son of one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, he could have easily followed in his father’s footsteps. However, he chose a different path, focusing on entrepreneurial ventures, design, and the fitness industry.
Early Life: Growing Up as Harrison Ford’s Son
Willard Ford was born on May 14, 1969, to Harrison Ford and his first wife, Mary Marquardt. He grew up in Los Angeles, a city that tends to pull people toward the entertainment industry. However, from a young age, Willard displayed a keen interest in business and design, steering him away from Hollywood’s allure.
His parents’ relationship came to an end in 1979, with his mother, Mary Marquardt, largely withdrawing from the public eye. Despite the divorce, Harrison remained involved in his children’s lives, and Willard grew up with a close bond with both his mother and his famous father. He also developed a close relationship with his brother, Benjamin Ford, who is now a renowned chef.
As one of Harrison Ford’s children, Willard’s early life was undoubtedly shaped by the pressures and privileges that come with having a famous parent. However, unlike many celebrity offspring, Willard chose to pursue his interests outside of acting, showing from the start that he had his own ambitions.
Business Ventures: From Design to Fitness
One of the most notable aspects of Willard Ford’s career is his versatility. Over the years, he has been involved in a wide range of business ventures, spanning the worlds of interior design, furniture, and fitness.
Ford & Ching: Willard Ford’s Design Vision
In the early 2000s, Willard co-founded Ford & Ching, a Los Angeles-based furniture design and distribution company. Ford & Ching focused on curating and distributing modern, high-quality furniture and design pieces. The company quickly earned a reputation for its innovative approach to design, combining artistry with functionality.
The Ford & Ching showroom, located in the historic Los Angeles district, served as a hub for artists, designers, and collectors. Willard’s keen eye for aesthetics and his passion for design helped the company stand out in a crowded marketplace, showcasing both up-and-coming and established designers. His ability to merge his creative vision with business acumen helped solidify his position in the design world, far removed from the Hollywood bubble in which his father operated.
Strong Sports Gym: Entering the Fitness Industry
In addition to his work in design, Willard Ford has made a name for himself in the fitness industry with the establishment of Strong Sports Gym. Located in downtown Los Angeles, Strong Sports Gym offers strength training, functional fitness, and martial arts programs.
The gym focuses on building both physical and mental strength, catering to a diverse community of athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and beginners. Willard’s passion for fitness extends beyond the business aspect, as he actively participates in the gym’s operations and fosters a strong community atmosphere. His hands-on approach has helped Strong Sports Gym thrive in a competitive fitness landscape.
Willard’s entry into the fitness industry showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to adapt to different markets. Whether through design or fitness, Willard’s businesses demonstrate his commitment to quality and innovation.
Family Ties: Harrison Ford and Mary Marquardt’s Influence
Much of the public’s curiosity about Willard Ford stems from his famous father, Harrison Ford. While Willard has largely lived his life out of the limelight, the Ford family dynamic remains an important part of his story. Willard is Harrison Ford’s second child, born during Harrison’s marriage to Mary Marquardt. His brother, Benjamin Ford, is also successful in his own right, working as a professional chef and restaurateur.
Willard’s relationship with his father appears to be strong, though he has chosen a different career path. In interviews, Harrison Ford has spoken warmly about his children, emphasizing their independence and ambition. While Harrison’s Hollywood career often overshadows his personal life, Willard has taken pride in making a name for himself in business and design.
Willard’s mother, Mary Marquardt, has remained out of the spotlight following her divorce from Harrison in 1979. Despite their separation, Mary was an influential figure in Willard’s life, supporting him as he pursued his entrepreneurial dreams.
Willard Ford’s Personal Life: Relationships and Family
Though Willard Ford has built a significant public profile through his business ventures, he is known for keeping his personal life private. Not much is publicly known about Willard Ford’s wife or romantic relationships, as he tends to avoid media attention regarding his personal affairs. However, it is known that he has one son, Eliel Ford, born in 2000.
Willard’s decision to maintain a low profile is consistent with his overall approach to life—focused on his work and family, without seeking the spotlight that often accompanies being a celebrity’s child.
The Ford Family Legacy: Benjamin Ford and Willard Ford’s Independent Success
Willard Ford is not the only child of Harrison Ford to find success in a different industry. His brother, Benjamin Ford, has also made a name for himself, though not in Hollywood. Benjamin Ford, known as “Chef Ben,” is a successful chef and restaurateur, known for his farm-to-table approach to cooking. The two brothers have both embraced careers that align with their passions—Willard in business and design, and Benjamin in culinary arts.
Together, Benjamin and Willard Ford have proven that the Ford family legacy is not solely tied to acting. Both brothers have carved out their own spaces in their respective industries, demonstrating that their talents go beyond the Hollywood spotlight.
Willard Ford Net Worth: A Snapshot of His Financial Success
Though he may not have the astronomical net worth of his father, Willard Ford has built a solid financial foundation through his various business ventures. Willard’s net worth is estimated to be in the low millions, a testament to his entrepreneurial success in both the design and fitness sectors.
His ability to balance different ventures—ranging from Ford & Ching to Strong Sports Gym—has provided him with diversified income streams. While his father’s career might have opened certain doors, Willard’s net worth is a reflection of his own hard work and business savvy.
Conclusion: Willard Ford’s Entrepreneurial Legacy
Willard Ford has forged a unique path that honors his individual ambitions while still reflecting the influence of his family legacy. Whether through his design work at Ford & Ching or his commitment to fitness with Strong Sports Gym, Willard has proven that he is more than just Harrison Ford’s son. He is a successful entrepreneur in his own right, with an eye for design, a passion for fitness, and a quiet determination that drives him.
Willard’s ability to maintain privacy while excelling in business is a rare accomplishment in the world of celebrity families. As he continues to grow his ventures and contribute to his community, Willard Ford’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to evolve, cementing his place as an innovative force in both design and fitness industries.
