Among the affluent figures is Alice Walton, inheriting wealth from the creator of the Walmart superstore chain, Sam Walton, boasting a substantial net worth of $66.9 billion. Walton, driven by a passion for art, founded the Crystal Bridges of American Art museum in Newport, Arkansas, showcasing acclaimed artists such as Andy Warhol and Norman Rockwell.
Susan Alfond
Maine
With a net worth of $2.6 billion, Susan Alfond inherited her riches from her family’s business, striking a lucrative deal in 1993 through the sale of Dexter Shoe Company to Berkshire Hathaway for $420 million in stock. The value of Alfond’s shares has surged over the years, now amounting to billions in today’s market.
Daniel Gilbert
Michigan
Starting Quicken Loans at a young age of 22 in 1985, Daniel Gilbert rose to affluence, establishing the largest mortgage lending company in the U.S. Alongside, his real estate ventures in Detroit and ownership of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team demonstrate a visionary approach, aiming to generate 24,000 jobs.
Mack C. Chase
New Mexico
Mack Chase, worth $700 million, carved his path to prosperity in the oil and gas sector. Commencing his journey by collaborating with his father and brother in the well industry, Chase transitioned into solo entrepreneurship in 1968, founding Marbob Energy and subsequently, Mack Energy Corp.
John Overdeck
New Jersey
Managing a fund of $66 billion, John Overdeck, the co-founder of Two Sigma Investments, claims the title of New Jersey’s wealthiest individual, boasting a net worth of $6.5 billion. Renowned for his philanthropy, Overdeck has generously contributed $195 million to his foundation.
Jacqueline Mars
Virginia
Jacqueline Mars, holding one-third ownership of the Mars candy empire, is recognized for her charitable endeavors and board membership in the world’s leading candy manufacturer. During the 2020 pandemic, Mars’ net worth surged to $31.3 billion.
Frank VanderSloot
Idaho
At a wealth valuation of $2.7 billion, Frank VanderSloot, Idaho’s wealthiest figure, serves as the CEO of wellness and nutrition establishment Melaleuca, Inc. His diversified financial interests extend to ranching, ownership of the Riverbend Communications radio network, and political funding. Additionally, VanderSloot contributes his expertise to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce board and commands Riverbend Ranch, a prominent cattle operation.
Harry Stine
Iowa
The most affluent figure in Iowa, Harry Stine flourishes in seed manufacturing, specializing in corn and soybean seed licensing. With an impressive net worth of $5.5 billion, Stine has developed a sizeable agricultural enterprise, catering advanced seed genetics to multinational agricultural conglomerates.
Mark Zuckerberg
California
Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Silicon Valley’s Facebook, emerges as one of the 188 billionaires residing in California, amassing daily earnings between $6 to $12 million.
Mark Zuckerberg, the pioneer of Facebook, reaps an annual income of approximately $3 billion, accumulating a net worth of $96.9 billion. Committed to charity, Zuckerberg has pledged a significant portion of his fortune to philanthropic ventures through the “The Giving Pledge,” supported by Bill and Melinda Gates.
John Menard, Jr.
Wisconsin
Kicking off his construction enterprise in 1958, John Menard, Jr. sits on a fortune worth $14 billion today. He established a chain of home improvement stores named Menards, currently encompassing 300 stores and boasting $10.7 billion in revenue.
Pioneering the home improvement sector earlier than Home Depot by two decades, Menard is famed for his Indy 500 sponsorship, with his son holding a former NASCAR racer designation.
Warren Buffett
Nebraska
Ranked the 7th wealthiest individual globally, Warren Buffett, heading Berkshire Hathaway, commands a net worth of $109.4 billion. Initially venturing into hedge fund management, Buffett transitioned into banking ownership following his maiden million-dollar milestone.
Guiding Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett oversees a conglomerate encompassing successful entities like Geico, Duracell, and Dairy Queen. Embracing frugality, he continues to dwell in a house acquired for a meager $31,500 in 1958. Committed to philanthropy, Buffett aligns with the Gates Foundation’s giving pledge, vowing to donate 99% of his wealth.
Philip Anschutz
Colorado
Accumulating a net worth of $10.1 billion, Philip Anschutz’s wealth journey spans over five decades across diverse industries. Notably, in the entertainment realm, he holds ownership of Anschutz Entertainment Group with a sprawling network of 100 venues globally.
Anschutz’s business landscape extends to possessions like the N.H.L.’s Los Angeles Kings and a stake in the L.A. Lakers, alongside a vast 300,000-acre wind turbine farm in Wyoming. His success touches upon sectors such as telecom, railroads, oil, and real estate.
Miriam Adelson
Nevada
Following the demise of casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson, the wealthiest individual in Nevada transitions to his wife and successor, Miriam Adelson. Blessed with four children and 11 grandchildren, Adelson amassed her riches co-managing half of the Sands Hotel & Casino gambling empire across Vegas, Singapore, and Macao regions, amassing a net worth of $38.2 billion.
Her husband formerly led the colossal gambling entity, recording $14 billion in sales. Subsequent to his demise, the baton of wealth transferred to Miriam.
Glen Taylor
Minnesota
Emerging as a billionaire, Glen Taylor translated a wedding services venture into a printing behemoth reaching $2 billion annually. He formerly held the CEO position at Taylor Corp. until 2015 and currently chairs the board, owning extensive farmlands in Minnesota and Iowa alongside an interest in N.B.A.’s Timberwolves. Additionally, Taylor acquired the Minneapolis Star Tribune in 2014, culminating in a net worth of $2.9 billion.
Ray Dalio
Connecticut
Ray Dalio, the apex figure in Connecticut, commands a wealth galaxy totaling $20.3 billion, stemming from founding Bridgewater Associates, the largest hedge fund entity in the United States. The enterprise currently manages assets worth $150 billion.
Initiating Bridgewater from his New York City residence post-Harvard Business School graduation, Dalio channels hundreds of millions into benevolent causes through his private philanthropic foundation, primarily focused on uplifting inner-city education.
Phil Knight
Oregon
Injecting $500 into the fledgling tennis shoe company in 1964, Phil Knight, the co-founder and former C.E.O. of Nike, steered the entity towards exceeding $37 billion in annual revenue. Celebrated for his charitable gestures, Knight has dispensed an estimated $2 billion, boasting a total worth around $49.7 billion.
John Mars
Wyoming
John Mars, the third scion of the Mars candy empire, inherits a net worth of $31.8 billion post the passing of his father in 1999. The company, originating in 1911, crafts renowned confections like Mars Bar, Twix, 3 Musketeers, and M&Ms, with daily U.S. production of 400 million M&Ms units.
Michael Bloomberg
New York
Michael Bloomberg, the wealthiest New Yorker flaunts a $59 billion worth, amassing riches through multifarious investments.Richard (Rich) is the co-founder of Bloomberg LP, a company specializing in financial information and media. Starting the business in 1981, he now holds 88% ownership of the $10 billion enterprise. Richard was a contender for the presidency in 2019 and served as the mayor of New York City for a span of 12 years. His endeavors in philanthropy have resulted in substantial contributions to various charitable causes amounting to over $5 billion.
Jimmy Rane amassed his wealth within the lumber industry and currently serves as the CEO of Alabama’s Great Southern Wood Preserving, a company established by him in 1970. Known by the moniker The Yella Fella, Rane developed a cowboy persona for marketing purposes. As the head of one of the largest lumber corporations in the nation, Rane’s net worth stands at around $950 million, just short of the billionaire threshold.
Les Wexner, the brains behind L Brands, formerly a renowned conglomerate hosting prominent fashion labels such as Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, and Abercrombie & Fitch. His journey began with the inception of his women’s fashion empire through The Limited, followed by the acquisition of other brands. Acquiring Victoria’s Secret for a nominal $1 million when it was on the brink of collapse, Wexner managed to enhance its value to $1 billion within a decade. In response to declining popularity, Wexner resigned as the CEO after five decades and divested Victoria’s Secret to a private equity entity, holding on to a net worth of $6.6 billion.
Notably, Thomas First, Jr. stands as the wealthiest individual in Tennessee, with an impressive net worth amounting to $17.6 billion. In conjunction with his father, he co-founded Hospital Corp. of America back in 1968. Transforming the company into HCA Healthcare post its public offering in 2011, it now operates a vast healthcare network comprising 185 hospitals and 1,800 patient care facilities across 21 U.S. states and London.
Jonathan Nelson, who previously helmed Providence Equity Partners until January 2021, now serves as the executive chairman. Since establishing the firm in 1989, Nelson has spearheaded investments in over 160 companies primarily focusing on media, communications, education, and information sectors. By divesting its stake in the automotive software company OEConnection, the equity firm garnered $1.3 billion, tripling their original investment from 2016. Nelson boasts a net worth of $2.1 billion.
Dennis Washington commands a net worth of $6.1 billion and holds the majority interest in The Washington Companies, a versatile business entity with significant stakes in mining activities. The Washington Companies possesses interests in two diamond mines, a copper mine, and a regional railway network. Additionally, Washington has investments in Seaspan Corp., a sea freight company co-founded by his son Kyle, which operates a fleet of over 110 container ships.
John Abele, the co-founder and director of Boston Scientific, assumes the title of Vermont’s wealthiest citizen with a net worth of $640 million. Boston Scientific, known for its medical devices, went public under Abele’s guidance in 1992. By 1996, he featured in the billionaire list of Forbes 400 owing to the success of his company’s less invasive medical treatments. While the company’s sales currently amount to $9.8 billion, Abele retains a small ownership stake. Renowned for his charitable acts, John has allocated a substantial portion of his wealth towards various philanthropic causes.
Carl Cook, an inheritor of Cook Group established by his parents in 1963, specializes in medical supplies geared towards minor surgical procedures like stents and filters. He currently presides over Cook MyoSite, a life sciences division pioneering cell therapy for incontinence treatment. With a net worth of $9.6 billion, the company divested subsidiary Cook Pharmica in 2017 for $950 million.
Anita Zucker holds a net worth of $1.9 billion, making her the wealthiest individual in South Carolina. Her husband, Jerry Zucker, originating from Israel, was an inventor who founded InterTech Group, a private company operating in the chemicals sector generating revenues of $3 billion. In addition to the chemicals segment, InterTech encompasses an aerospace engineering unit and a sizable commercial real estate business. Anita serves as the CEO of the conglomerate and is also distinguished for her philanthropic endeavors.
Image Source: Frederic Legrand – COMEO / Shutterstock
