Daniel 'Dan' Howard Wilks is an American self-made billionaire, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose fortune was founded on the energy industry. He is the son of a bricklayer, Gwyn Voy Wilks, and grew up in extreme poverty in Cisco, Texas, with his brother, Farris Wilks, sometimes sleeping in a goat shed. This challenging background instilled an extreme self-reliance and focus on hard work.

His career began in the construction and masonry trade alongside his brother. In 1995, they established Wilks Masonry, leveraging their hands-on skills in construction. The pivotal moment came with the realization that their skills in industrial equipment could be applied to the burgeoning oil and gas sector, a move that would transform their modest construction business into a global energy fortune.

Dan Wilks and his brother Farris co-founded Frac Tech Services (later shortened to Frac Tech) in 2002. Their strategic vision was audacious: specialize in hydraulic fracking services and manufacturing the specialized equipment necessary for shale oil and gas extraction. They recognized that the equipment used in fracking (pumps, blenders, mixers) could be built and serviced more efficiently than established energy companies were doing.

The company grew exponentially during the U.S. shale boom. The Wilks brothers maintained tight control and operational rigor, leveraging their construction and mechanical skills to build a highly efficient industrial service company. The culmination of this growth was the sale of their majority stake in Frac Tech in 2011 for over $3.2 billion (split with their brother), securing their multi-billion dollar fortunes. Since the sale, Dan Wilks has become one of the largest landowners in the United States, acquiring vast tracts of land for ranching and conservation, reflecting a long-term shift to tangible assets.

Dan Wilks's social impact is tied to the energy independence achieved by the U.S. through the fracking boom, an industry his company helped pioneer. His personal philanthropy is directed toward conservative political causes, faith-based organizations, and social issues that align with his strong values.

He and his brother are massive funders of media like Prager University and advocacy groups like Empower Texans. His investment in land acquisition is also a form of private conservation, supporting ranching and agricultural practices across the American West.

Dan Wilks maintains the rugged, highly private style of a self-made Texas industrialist. His attire is functional, favoring simple, durable clothing suitable for ranching or construction. His aesthetic is anti-glamour, reflecting his working-class roots and strong focus on tangible assets.

Residing in Cisco, Texas, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his dominance in the energy service sector. His life is dedicated to his faith, his family (he has six children), and the long-term stewardship of his vast American landholdings.