1. Rocco Commisso
Net worth: $7.9 billion
Industry: Media
Lives: Saddle River
Bio: Rocco Commisso is the Founder and CEO of Mediacom, a cable television company. He immigrated to the United States from Italy at age 12. The soccer field named in his honor commemorates his generous donations to Columbia University, his alma mater.
2. John Overdeck
Net worth: $6.5 billion
Industry: Hedge Funds
Lives: Millburn
Bio: John Overdeck, co-founder of the hedge fund Two Sigma Investments, has made significant contributions to quantitative investing. His strong background in mathematics and technology has contributed to his success in hedge fund management.
3. Peter Kellogg
Net worth: $3.8 billion
Industry: Finance
Lives: Short Hills
Bio: Peter Kellogg is a significant figure in the financial sector and continues to influence through various philanthropic efforts. He was the former head of the brokerage house Spear, Leeds & Kellogg, which he sold to Goldman Sachs.
4. Sheldon Lavin
Net worth: $3 billion
Industry: Food Processing
Lives: Highland Park
Bio: CEO of OSI Group, one of the world’s largest meat processors, supplying companies like McDonald’s. Sheldon Lavin has played a critical role in expanding the company globally.
5. Leon Cooperman
Net worth: $2.5 billion
Industry: Hedge Funds
Lives: Boca Raton (formerly Short Hills)
Bio: Founder of Omega Advisors, a New York-based hedge fund. Leon Cooperman has a rich history in finance and is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.
6. Larry Robbins
Net worth: $2.4 billion
Industry: Hedge Funds
Lives: Alpine
Bio: Founder of Glenview Capital Management, Larry Robbins is known for his expertise in healthcare investments. He has also been a significant philanthropist, particularly in educational causes.
7. James Simons
Net worth: $23 billion
Industry: Hedge Funds
Lives: East Setauket, NY (formerly Ridgewood)
Bio: Founder of Renaissance Technologies, a hedge fund management company. James Simons is renowned for his pioneering work in quantitative finance and philanthropy in scientific research and education.
8. Duncan MacMillan
Net worth: $1.4 billion
Industry: Finance
Lives: Princeton
Bio: Co-founder of Bloomberg L.P., Duncan MacMillan played an important part in creating one of the most influential financial information companies.
9. Peter Kellogg
Net worth: $1.3 billion
Industry: Finance
Lives: Bayonne
Bio: He sold his brokerage firm Spear, Leeds & Kellogg to Goldman Sachs, significantly impacting the financial industry.
10. Thomas Peterffy
Net worth: $21 billion
Industry: Financial Services
Lives: Short Hills
Bio: Founder of Interactive Brokers, Thomas Peterffy has been a significant figure in the world of finance, known for his innovations in the brokerage industry.
11. George Norcross
Net worth: $1.1 billion
Industry: Insurance
Lives: Cherry Hill
Bio: A political power broker and insurance executive, George Norcross has substantial influence in New Jersey’s business and political circles.
12. Michael Rubin
Net worth: $3.5 billion
Industry: E-commerce
Lives: Bryn Mawr, PA (formerly Fort Lee)
Bio: CEO of Kynetic, Michael Rubin has been influential in the online retail space, owning stakes in companies like Fanatics and Rue La La.
13. Donald Newhouse
Net worth: $19.5 billion
Industry: Media
Lives: Somerville
Bio: President of Advance Publications, which owns Condé Nast and several newspapers, Donald Newhouse is a key player in the media industry.
14. Richard LeFrak
Net worth: $6 billion
Industry: Real Estate
Lives: New York City (formerly North Bergen)
Bio: Richard LeFrak is chairman of the LeFrak Organization, a real estate development firm with a significant portfolio of residential and commercial properties.
15. Marilyn Simons
Net worth: $2.5 billion
Industry: Hedge Funds
Lives: East Setauket, NY (formerly Ridgewood)
Bio: Philanthropist and wife of James Simons, Marilyn has focused on educational and scientific research funding.
16. Steve Tisch
Net worth: $1.2 billion
Industry: Entertainment/Sports
Lives: Englewood
Bio: Steve Tisch is co-owner of the New York Giants and a film producer who has made huge contributions within the entertainment and sports industries.
17. Ray Catena
Net worth: $1.5 billion
Industry: Automotive
Lives: Edison
Bio: Founder of the Ray Catena Auto Group, Ray Catena has built a successful chain of luxury car dealerships across New Jersey and New York.
18. Richard Gilder
Net worth: $600 million
Industry: Finance/Philanthropy
Lives: New York City (formerly Moorestown)
Bio: Co-founder of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Richard Gilder has been influential in both finance and philanthropy.
19. Lewis Katz
Net worth: $1.6 billion
Industry: Media/Sports
Lives: Cherry Hill
Bio: Former owner of the New Jersey Nets and New Jersey Devils. Lewis Katz was a notable figure in the media and sports industries before his passing in 2014.
20. Bernard Marcus
Net worth: $5.9 billion
Industry: Retail
Lives: Ocean County
Bio: Co-founder of The Home Depot, Bernard Marcus has been a significant figure in the retail industry and a noted philanthropist.
Q&A: Discovering More About New Jersey’s Wealth
Q: What industries contribute most to New Jersey’s wealth?
A: Finance, healthcare, real estate, and technology are among the top industries contributing to New Jersey’s wealth.
Q: Are there any notable philanthropic efforts by New Jersey’s richest?
A: Yes, many of New Jersey’s richest individuals are significant philanthropists, contributing to education, healthcare, and scientific research.
Q: How has the economic landscape of New Jersey changed over the years?
A: New Jersey’s economy has diversified significantly, with a strong presence in pharmaceuticals, finance, technology, and higher education, contributing to its economic stability and growth.
Q: What are some emerging industries in New Jersey?
A: Renewable energy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing are some of the emerging industries in New Jersey, driving innovation and economic development.
