Quick Links

 

Billionaires run the world, whether people admit to that or not. They play a role in shaping politics and the global economy in general. With that much power and wealth in their hands, it's hard to imagine how they spend it. But what's not difficult to figure out is how they even acquired such luxury. Many of the top 1% in America inherited the wealth and businesses from their forefathers, and now they enjoy the fruits of labor their ancestors made decades ago. This is why, even in unprecedented times, the rich can stay rich. As for other people on top of the food chain, aka the self-made billionaires, they've managed to break through the proverbial glass ceiling by innovation, dedication, and immense luck.

From managing retail giants and cementing fool-proof business plans to selling stocks and dividends, America's wealthiest heirs know how to keep their family fortune growing. Curious to see who they are? Keep reading to find out!

RELATED: These Are The Richest Members Of The British Royal Family

Leonard Lauder

Leonard Lauder, eldest son of Estée Lauder, rounds out this list. Leonard took on the role as the CEO of makeup giant Estée Lauder Companies and ran the family business for over three decades before stepping down in 1999. He is now chairman emeritus and chief teaching officer of his parents' empire. Aside from being a businessman, Leonard is also an art collector with a collection valued at over $1 billion. In 2022, his known overall estimated net worth is $20.7 billion.

Miriam Adelson

Israeli-American physician Miriam Adelson takes the ninth spot on this list. After inheriting the New York Stock Exchange-listed gambling empire, Las Vegas Sands, from her husband Sheldon, Miriam is now the wealthiest Israeli in the world. Aside from holding majority ownership of the billion-dollar casino and resort, she also co-founded the Sheldon G. Adelson Research Clinic in Las Vegas, where she treats people addicted to opium. In 2022, it was reported that she had an estimated net worth of over $25.1 billion.

John Mars

Heir to the chocolate empire, Mars, John Mars is the seventh-wealthiest heir in America. After Forrest Mars died in 1999, John inherited a third of the family fortune, making him the 48th-richest person in the world. The business is touted as the world's largest confectionary producer, making well-loved brands such as Snickers and Milky Way bars. The company has reported over $40 billion in revenue from its candy, food, and pet products. In 2022, John Mars allegedly has a net worth of $29.7 billion.

Jacqueline Mars

Like her brother, American heiress Jacqueline Mars also has an estimated net worth of $29.7 billion. As the only granddaughter to Mars, Inc. founder Forrest Mars, Sr., she shares the spot of the 48th-richest person in the world with her brother, John. Jacqueline was active in the family business and served on the board starting from 1982 until eventually retiring in 2001. She was also a former board member for the Washington National Opera. She now focuses on her investments and lives a quiet life in Virginia.

Mackenzie Scott

Award-winning author and philanthropist Mackenzie Scott take the sixth spot on this list. Mackenzie made her literary debut in 2006 with her novel, The Testing of Luther Albright, for which she won an American Book Award. After divorcing her husband, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Mackenzie became the third-wealthiest woman in the world. Now, she's focusing as a philanthropist and has donated over $2.74 billion to 286 different organizations. Even after giving that much money away, Mackenzie Scott still has an estimated net worth of $30.7 billion in 2022.

Jim Walton

Chairman and CEO of Arvest Bank Group, Inc., Jim Walton, nab the third spot on this list. Sam Walton, the founder of retail giant Walmart, divided the company's shares equally between his four children. Jim, the youngest son, also sits on the Walmart board of directors after his brother, John, passed away in 2005. He also owns his newspaper firm, Community Publishers Inc. Since 1992, his business ventures have collected more than $10 billion in stock, making Jim's total estimated net worth around $58.3 billion.

Alice Walton

Heiress, philanthropist, and only daughter to Walmart founder Sam Walton, Alice Walton sits on the fourth spot on this list. After inheriting her fortune in 1992, Alice focused on curating art rather than running the family business with her brothers. In 2011, Alice opened the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas, which boasts work from famous painters like Andy Warhol and Mark Rothko. With an estimated net worth of $57.5 billion in 2022, Alice is the second-richest woman in the world.

Rob Walton

Eldest son to Sam and Helen Walton, Rob Walton is the fifth-richest heir in America, with an approximated net worth of $57.2 billion. Two days after his father's death in 1992, Rob was appointed as chairman of Walmart's board of directors, a position he held for over 23 years. He retired as chairman of the board in June 2015 and now focuses on living his life in style. In 2022, he set the record for the most expensive sale of a sports team in history after buying the NFL team Denver Broncos.

Julia Koch

Socialite, philanthropist, and wife to Chief Executive Officer of Koch Industries Charles Koch, Julia Koch is touted as the second richest heir in America. After graduating from the University of Central Arkansas, she worked as a model for a bit before finally moving to New York City. Julia inherited the Koch family fortune in 2019 due to her husband's death and now serves on the board of directors. She is also the president of the David H. Koch Foundation and has an estimated net worth of $59.6 billion.

Charles Koch

The wealthiest heir in America is Charles Koch, the chairman, and chief executive officer of Koch industries. What started as a petroleum-based business, Koch Industries has now grown into a multinational conglomerate business that boasts a diverse portfolio of trades, including food, shelter, clothing, and transportation. After taking over Koch Industries in 1967, Charles extended its reach to produce several well-known brands, including the Stainmaster carpet and the Dixie Cup. As a result, Charles Koch sits on a multi-billion-dollar empire, with an estimated net worth of over $59.6 billion in 2022.

READ NEXT: Meet The Waltons: A Look Inside The Riches Of The Walton Family

SOURCES: Bloomberg, Forbes, The Famous People