Ah, Seattle. It's such a great and beautiful city. It's also a hub for the technology and coffee sectors. The largest city in Washington, the metro area is home to about four million people. It has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. for years. Why not? Many parts of the Seattle-Tacoma area boast gorgeous water views, and despite the relative lack of sunshine for much of the year, the region generally enjoys mild weather. Seattle is home to the Seahawks, Sounders, and Mariners, as well as giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks. Situated just about 100 miles south of the Canadian border, Seattle is the northernmost large city in the U.S. Intriguingly, it is also home to ten billionaires, most notably Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, who are the two richest people on the planet. Is it something in the water there?
As we dive deeper into the world of Seattle's billionaires, we uncover fascinating stories of resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Each of these individuals has not only amassed incredible wealth but also transformed industries and communities. Their journeys provide insight into what it takes to succeed in a competitive landscape.
From Craig McCaw's transformation of broadcasting to Howard Schultz's revolutionizing of coffee culture with Starbucks, the tales of these billionaires are filled with lessons on hard work, strategic thinking, and the importance of seizing opportunities. Join us as we explore the lives and achievements of these remarkable individuals, uncovering the legacies they are building in Seattle and beyond.
Table of Contents
- Craig McCaw – $1.9 Billion
- Jim Sinegal – $2 Billion
- Bill France – $2 Billion
- Howard Schultz – $3 Billion
- James Jannard – $3.1 Billion
- Gabe Newell – $4.1 Billion
- Mackenzie Scott – $65 Billion
- Steve Ballmer – $81 Billion
- Bill Gates – $125 Billion
- Jeff Bezos – $200 Billion
Craig McCaw – $1.9 Billion
After graduating from Stanford, Craig McCaw focused on rebuilding his family's struggling broadcasting company. He transformed their broadcasting network, and by the 1980s, his family's firm was the 20th largest cable carrier in the United States. McCaw also invested in the cellular industry during the 80s, selling portions of MCI to Comcast and his own cellular company to AT&T. Notably, he revitalized Nextel and successfully sold it to Sprint, with each transaction valued in the billions.
Jim Sinegal – $2 Billion
Jim Sinegal co-founded Costco alongside Seattle retailer Jeff Brotman in 1983. Under his leadership, Costco became one of the most popular discount warehouse stores in the U.S. The company offers an extensive range of services, from fresh produce to eye care, clinics, and pharmacies. Additionally, Costco operates gas stations, providing low-priced fuel across the nation.
Bill France – $2 Billion
Bill France took over NASCAR from his father when it was a regional stock-car racing attraction. He turned it into a multibillion-dollar enterprise with a national presence. France, Jr. faced health challenges after a heart attack in 1997 but successfully transitioned leadership to his son Brian in 2003.
Howard Schultz – $3 Billion
While working for a Swedish coffee company, Howard Schultz encountered a group of Seattle coffee makers who had founded Starbucks Coffee Company. As their Director of Marketing, he suggested adopting a café-like culture similar to Italy's coffee shops, but they were initially uninterested. Schultz opened his own coffee shop, Il Giornale, and eventually acquired Starbucks, growing it into a billion-dollar industry.
James Jannard – $3.1 Billion
James Jannard established Oakley in 1975, originally selling rubber grips for BMX bikes and motorcycles. He launched the business from the trunk of his car and later ventured into sunglasses. In 2007, he sold Oakley to Italian company Luxottica for $2.1 billion while retaining a significant stake that continues to yield dividends. Additionally, Jannard founded the digital camera company RED in 2005, which has gained acclaim for its use in major films.
Gabe Newell – $4.1 Billion
Gabe Newell left Microsoft to establish Valve in 1996, funding the company through the development of the video game Half-Life and the GoldSrc engine. Valve has produced hit titles like Counter-Strike and Portal, becoming a leading player in the gaming industry.
Mackenzie Scott – $65 Billion
Mackenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, changed her last name to her middle name in 2020. On July 13, 2020, she briefly became the richest woman in the world as Amazon's stock surged. Following her divorce from Bezos, she received nearly 20 million shares in Amazon, valued at $35.6 billion, and became a member of the Giving Pledge.
Steve Ballmer – $81 Billion
Steve Ballmer is best known for his role at Microsoft and as the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers. His wealth primarily comes from 333.3 million shares of Microsoft stock. Despite his billionaire status, Ballmer remains grounded, still driving a Ford as a tribute to his father's legacy as a Ford manager.
Bill Gates – $125 Billion
Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen, playing a pivotal role in the personal computer revolution. Today, he owns less than 1.3% of Microsoft. Over the past two decades, Gates has often held the title of the world's richest person, until Jeff Bezos claimed it in July 2017. He is also a founder of The Giving Pledge.
Jeff Bezos – $200 Billion
Jeff Bezos is the founder, CEO, president, and chairman of Amazon, and he currently holds the title of the richest person in the world. He owns 58 million shares of Amazon, roughly 12% of the total shares outstanding, and at his peak, he owned 80 million shares. His entrepreneurial journey has significantly reshaped the retail landscape.
