News Summary

Atlanta, Georgia, is making headlines with a record twelve billionaires on Forbes’ 2025 World’s Billionaires list, boasting a total wealth of $81.8 billion. Notable figures include the Cathy siblings from Chick-Fil-A and Home Depot’s Arthur Blank. The state reflects a growing trend in wealth accumulation, showcasing the influence of entrepreneurs and philanthropists in the region.

Georgia Shines with a Dazzling Run of Billionaires on Forbes’ 2025 List

Atlanta, Georgia, has just made quite the splash with a star-studded lineup on Forbes’ 2025 World’s Billionaires list. A record-setting dozen billionaires hail from the Peach State, amassing a jaw-dropping collective wealth of $81.8 billion. Talk about a fine display of riches!

The Cathy Clan Takes Center Stage

Leading the pack are the Cathy siblings, who are making waves with their fast-food empire, Chick-Fil-A. Brothers Bubba and Dan Cathy, aged 70 and 72, along with their sister Trudy Cathy White, 69, have all attained a net worth of $11.4 billion each. Ranking No. 213 globally, they’re not just a family; they’re a powerhouse in the culinary world.

Home Improvement Tycoon Arthur Blank

Following closely in the ranking is Arthur Blank, the co-founder of Home Depot and the current chairman of the Atlanta Falcons. At the age of 82, Blank’s net worth stands at an impressive $9 billion, placing him at No. 329 on the billionaire list. His contributions to both home improvement and sports have solidified his legacy in Georgia.

Healthcare and Pest Control Fortunes

Another notable figure is John Brown, who is making headlines at the impressive age of 90. He has amassed a fortune of $8.2 billion through his work with Stryker Corp, ranking him at No. 369. In the pest control sector, we see Gary Rollins and his family, who control Orkin, leading North America’s pest control industry with a net worth of $6.9 billion, landing them at No. 487.

Media Magnates and Tech Trailblazers

The former chairman of Cox Enterprises, Jim Kennedy, has also made the list with a fortune of $6.6 billion, ranking him No. 512. Meanwhile, in the tech world, Mailchimp co-founders Dan Kurzius and Ben Chestnut are making their mark with net worths of $5.6 billion and $5 billion respectively, ranking them at No. 634 and No. 717.

Investment Gurus and Culinary Entrepreneurs

Neal Aronson, at 60 years old, has built his empire with Roark Capital, amassing a fortune of $4.1 billion and ranking him at No. 887. On the culinary scene, Zaxby’s co-founders Tony Townley and Zach McLeroy have also made it to the list, with net worths of $1.2 billion and $1 billion, placing them at No. 2,623 and No. 2,933.

A Nationwide Phenomenon

Georgia isn’t the only state buzzing about billionaires. Nationwide, the total wealth of billionaires has skyrocketed to $16.1 trillion, with an average fortune of $5.3 billion. The United States continues to dominate the billionaire scene with a total of 902 billionaires, including 103 new entrants this year. However, it’s worth noting that only 13.4% of billionaires are women and a substantial number, nearly three-quarters, have inherited their fortunes.

The Rich Keep Getting Richer

Elon Musk continues to wear the crown as the richest person on the list, boasting a whopping $342 billion net worth. Other big names fluttering around include tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Larry Ellison.

Giving Back to the Community

In Georgia’s philanthropic spotlight, MacKenzie Scott recently made headlines with her generous $10 million donation to ACE, which aims to support small businesses in the area. It’s a wonderful reminder that even in the realm of big money, giving back is a priority.

With a rich tapestry of entrepreneurs and philanthropists, Georgia truly is a hub of innovation and wealth. It’s exciting to see how these billionaires are shaping the future of business and community in the Peach State!

Georgia Emerges as a Hub for Billionaires in 2025