Need to borrow some money? These are the people to ask. Actually, scratch that. These wealthiest Oklahomans also are likely to have bodyguards that will escort you from the premises when you try. Nevertheless, if you've ever wondered who are the richest people in the state of Oklahoma, look no further than this list, updated each year with information from Forbes.com.
As of 2012, the state of Oklahoma has 6 billionaires with a net worth that places them in the top 1000 of the wealthiest people in the world. Below are details on each, as well as the worldwide rank.
As of 2012, the state of Oklahoma has 6 billionaires with a net worth that places them in the top 1000 of the wealthiest people in the world. Below are details on each, as well as the worldwide rank.
George Kaiser
Worldwide Rank: 88
Net Worth: $10 Billion
Source of Wealth: Oil & Gas/Banking
The title of wealthiest person in Oklahoma goes to George Kaiser, whose net worth puts him in the top 100 in the world and the top 35 in the United States. The Tulsa resident attended Harvard and controls energy company Kaiser-Francis Oil. In addition, Kaiser is the Chairman and largest shareholder of Bank of Oklahoma Financial.
Harold Hamm
Worldwide Rank: 105
Net Worth: $9.7 Billion
Source of Wealth: Oil & Gas
An Oklahoma City resident, Harold Hamm founded Continental Resources, an oil and gas exploration and production company, in 1967. He grew up in a one bedroom, Oklahoma home with 12 siblings, all older. Continental Resources went public in 2007 and Hamm's fortune has skyrocketed in recent years.
David Green
Worldwide Rank: 276
Net Worth: $4.5 Billion
Source of Wealth: Hobby Lobby
Though his net worth is significantly lower than the top two on the list, David Green may be one of the most well-known Oklahoma billionaires. He is also the only one on the list not involved in the energy sector. The founder of craft store Hobby Lobby is a devout Christian and a significant contributor to Baptist ministries. Green, who resides in Oklahoma City, started Hobby Lobby in 1970, and the chain now has 435 stores in 35 states.
Tom & Judy Love
U.S. Rank: 113
Net Worth: $3.5 Billion
Source of Wealth: Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores
The name is quite familiar to Oklahomans; we know it well from the gas station/convenience stores across the state. But owners Tom and Judy Love make their first appearance on the Forbes list in 2012. The company continues to grow and now has 280 locations in 39 states.
Lynn Schusterman
Worldwide Rank: 314
Net Worth: $3.5 Billion
Source of Wealth: Oil & Gas/Investments
The only woman on the list of the wealthiest Oklahomans, Lynn Schusterman is the widow of oilman Charles Schusterman, who founded Samson Resources, the largest privately held energy producer in America. Daughter Stacy now runs the company while Tulsa resident Lynn Schusterman has devoted herself to philanthropy, particularly Jewish causes.
Joseph Craft & Family
Worldwide Rank: 913
Net Worth: $1.4 Billion
Source of Wealth: Coal
A resident of Tulsa, Joseph Craft is a new billionaire in 2010, as the value of his stock in coal producer Alliance Resource Partners jumped considerably in recent years. Craft, a lawyer, grew up in Kentucky and became president of Alliance, then called MAPCO, in 1987.
Aubrey McClendon
Worldwide Rank: 1075
Net Worth: $1.1 Billion
Source of Wealth: Natural Gas
Another of the more well-known Oklahoma billionaires, thanks in part to being a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group, Aubrey McClendon is the head of natural gas giant Chesapeake Energy, a company he co-founded in 1989. A graduate of Duke and resident of Oklahoma City, McClendon also invests in venture capital and real estate.
