Junk to Gold

About the Book

JUNK TO GOLD: How I Turned One Scrapyard into a Multi-Billion Dollar Global Business is the remarkable true story of Willis Johnson, founder of Copart [CPRT] and a self-made American entrepreneur. From humble beginnings on a family farm to building one of the largest online vehicle auction companies in the world, Willis shares an inspiring journey shaped by grit, faith, and hard work.

Told with honesty and humility, JUNK TO GOLD blends personal stories of love, war, and family with hard-won lessons in business leadership. Willis reveals how his experiences—from serving in Vietnam to working alongside his father—laid the foundation for a multi-billion-dollar company. Through determination and resilience, he grew a single scrapyard into a global enterprise, never losing sight of his family-first values.

At its core, JUNK TO GOLD is more than a business memoir. It’s a blueprint for anyone who dreams of building something bigger than themselves. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone seeking inspiration, Willis’s story proves that with hard work, unwavering principles, and a clear vision, success is within reach.

His journey will inspire you to believe in your own potential—and to start building your dream.

About the Author

Born in Clinton, OK and raised on a farm in Arkansas, Willis Johnson grew up learning about business from his father, an entrepreneur who dabbled in everything from dairy farming to running restaurants to building houses. Willis would go on to breathe the same air of determination and perseverance. Willis’ first company Mather changed the way the auto parts industry operated and he would go on to do the same with Copart which started as one auto auction in Vallejo, California. More than 30 years later, Willis is Chairman of the Board of a multi-billion dollar business and Copart is the global leader in online auto auctions with over 160 locations worldwide.