The Knights – $33.8B
We will have you know that Phil Knight, the founder of Nike, is a self-made man. The story goes like this: his dad ran a local newspaper but refused to grant Phil a summer job. According to the older man, the young man would learn more this way! It’s a good thing the tough love paid off since this was how Knight discovered sports. He eventually went into the U.S. Army and became interested in Japanese shoes. These things were what motivated him to launch Nike. His own son Matthew died of a heart defect in 2004, which impacted him deeply and caused him to step down as the CEO. Despite these tragedies, the family is certainly one of the wealthiest in the United States.
The Knights – $33.8B
The Kohlers – $8.3B
We are sure you have already heard of Kohler Company if you have ever had to get your plumbing fixed. This Wisconsin-based firm is one of the biggest manufacturers of plumbing supplies, after all. Currently chaired by Herbert Kohler, Jr., he inherited the business after it was passed down from generation to generation of Kohlers. At the age of 33, he was overseeing the day-to-day affairs of this company. The financial success of the firm allowed the family the opportunities to invest in manufacturing, hospitality, and government.
The Kohlers – $8.3B
