Executives

Tim Berners-Lee Net Worth

Sir Timothy John Berners-Lee, born on June 8, 1955, is a British computer scientist best known as the inventor of the World Wide Web. While working at CERN in 1989, Berners-Lee proposed an information management system that revolutionized how we share and access information. His key innovations include the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), the Uniform Resource Locator (URL), and the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which are the foundational technologies of the web. In 1990, he implemented the first successful communication between an HTTP client and server. Berners-Lee made the World Wide Web technology available freely and openly, without royalties. In 1994, he founded the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) at MIT, an organization dedicated to developing web standards. He is also a vocal advocate for net neutrality and open access to the internet. Berners-Lee is affiliated with several institutions, including the University of Oxford and MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions, including a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2004.

Steve Chen Net Worth

Steve Chen is a Taiwanese-American internet entrepreneur best known as one of the co-founders of YouTube, the world’s leading video-sharing platform. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, on August 18, 1978, he immigrated to the United States at the age of eight. Chen studied computer science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Before co-founding YouTube, Chen worked at PayPal, where he met his future YouTube co-founders, Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim. In 2005, they launched YouTube, which quickly became one of the internet’s most visited websites. As Chief Technology Officer, Chen played a crucial role in developing the site’s core features and infrastructure. In 2006, Google acquired YouTube for $1.65 billion in stock. After the acquisition, Chen remained with YouTube until 2009. Following YouTube, Chen partnered with Hurley again to launch AVOS Systems and later co-founded Nom.com. Chen has been involved in venture capital, investing in and advising various technology startups.

Michael Ovitz Net Worth

Michael Steven Ovitz, born on December 14, 1946, is an American businessman, talent agent, investor, and philanthropist. He is most famously known as the co-founder of Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in 1975, where he served as its chairman until 1995. Ovitz revolutionized the entertainment industry by pioneering the concept of packaging actors, directors, and writers together, which shifted the negotiating power from studios to talent and fundamentally reshaped Hollywood’s power dynamics. He represented A-list stars such as Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman, and Steven Spielberg. After leaving CAA, Ovitz briefly served as President of The Walt Disney Company from 1995 to 1997, a tenure marked by controversy and a significant severance package. Beyond his agency and executive roles, Ovitz has been involved in various business ventures, including venture capital through Broad Beach Ventures, with investments in companies like Medium and Palantir. He is also a noted art collector, holding works by renowned artists like Pablo Picasso and Jasper Johns. His career has spanned talent representation, corporate consulting, and investment, making him a multifaceted figure in both the entertainment and business worlds. Ovitz has also served on the Board of Directors for J. Crew Group Inc., Gulfstream Aviation and Opsware. He served as Chairman of the Executive Board of the UCLA Hospital and Medical Center.

Jim Rome Net Worth

James Phillip Rome, born on October 14, 1964, is an American sports radio host. He is best known for ‘The Jim Rome Show,’ a nationally syndicated radio program broadcast on Westwood One. Broadcasting from a studio near Los Angeles, California, Rome hosts The Jim Rome Show on radio. He hosted TV shows on ESPN, TSN2 (in Canada), Showtime and CBS, but since 2024 has streamed on X. He has also formed a free, ad-supported streaming channel. For a number of years Rome hosted a television show Jim Rome Is Burning (formerly Rome Is Burning), which aired on ESPN in the United States and TSN2 in Canada. Rome began his radio career at KCSB-FM while at UCSB and has since become one of the most influential voices in sports media. Known for his outspoken and provocative style, Rome’s show features interviews, listener calls, and his unique takes on the sports world. He is married to Janet Hagman and they have two sons. Beyond broadcasting, Rome is also involved in horse racing through his stable, Jungle Racing, LLC.

Colonel Tom Parker Net Worth

Colonel Tom Parker (born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk; June 26, 1909 – January 21, 1997) was a Dutch-American talent manager and concert promoter, best known for managing Elvis Presley. Parker’s management was instrumental in Presley’s rise to superstardom in the 1950s, influencing major career decisions, including his signing with RCA Victor. Despite his success, Parker remained a controversial figure. He was born in the Netherlands and entered the United States illegally. He gained the honorary title of “Colonel” from the governor of Louisiana, Jimmie Davis, in 1948. Parker’s shrewd, and sometimes unethical, business practices have been scrutinized. Post-Elvis, Parker’s financial situation declined, partly due to gambling debts. Although he earned over $100 million during his lifetime, his net worth at the time of his death was reportedly around $1 million. He died in Las Vegas, Nevada. His complex and enigmatic persona continues to fascinate and spark debate.

Ted Vernon Net Worth

Ted “Wolfman” Vernon is a multifaceted American personality renowned for his involvement in acting, film production, and the automotive industry. Born on October 17, 1948, in Long Island, New York, he has built a career spanning several decades. Vernon gained recognition as a professional boxer, achieving a record of 21 wins and one loss. He transitioned into the car business, establishing Ted Vernon Specialty Automobiles Inc., a classic car dealership in Florida. The dealership became the focal point of the reality TV show “South Beach Classics” on the Discovery Network, further increasing his public profile. In addition to his automotive ventures, Vernon has produced and acted in various films, including cult favorites like “Scarecrows” (1988). Despite facing personal challenges, including legal issues, Ted Vernon remains a prominent figure in South Florida’s entertainment and business scenes.

Trevor Bayne Net Worth

Trevor Bayne, born on February 19, 1991, is an American professional stock car racing driver, team owner, businessman, and current Competition Advisor for Legacy Motor Club. Bayne began racing go-karts at the age of five, amassing over 300 feature wins and multiple championships. He transitioned to stock car racing, achieving success in series like the Allison Legacy Series and the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series. He is the youngest person to ever win the Daytona 500, achieving this feat in 2011, a day after his 20th birthday. Throughout his NASCAR career, Bayne has participated in 187 Cup Series starts. Beyond racing, Bayne is also a businessman, having founded Mahalo Coffee Roasters. He also serves as an analyst for FOX Sports’ coverage of the ARCA Menards Series. Bayne’s career highlights also include being the youngest top rookie. Bayne is an outspoken Christian and has participated in mission trips.

Ryan Whitney Net Worth

Ryan Whitney is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman. Born on February 19, 1983, he played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, and Florida Panthers. Known for his offensive skills and skating ability, Whitney represented the United States in international competitions, winning a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics. After retiring from professional hockey in 2015, Whitney transitioned into broadcasting. Currently, he serves as an analyst for the NHL Network and co-hosts the popular Barstool Sports podcast ‘Spittin’ Chiclets’ alongside Paul Bissonnette. On the podcast, Whitney shares his insights and experiences with a mix of humor and hockey analysis. His career earnings reached approximately $22,620,112. Ryan Whitney was married to Bryanah Whitney in June 2017, and they have two children: Ryde and Wyatt.

Jon Ledecky Net Worth

Jonathan Joseph Ledecky, born on February 9, 1958, is an American businessman and sports team owner. He is a co-owner of the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL) and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders. Ledecky earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard College in 1979 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1983. In 1994, Ledecky founded U.S. Office Products, which became one of the fastest-growing companies in the Fortune 500, with nearly $4 billion in annualized sales by 1997. He left the company in 1998 with an estimated fortune of $200 million. Ledecky has been involved in various businesses and has served on the boards of over 15 public companies. He entered professional sports ownership in 1999 when he partnered with Ted Leonsis to buy the Washington Capitals and a stake in the Washington Wizards and Washington Mystics. Besides the Islanders, Ledecky has also attempted to own several other sports teams, including bids for the Montreal Canadiens, Oakland Athletics and Washington Nationals. He is also a trustee of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation, and his niece is Olympic gold medalist swimmer Katie Ledecky.

Egypt Sherrod Net Worth

Egypt Sherrod is an accomplished American television and radio personality, real estate broker, designer, author, and entrepreneur. She is best known for hosting HGTV’s ‘Flipping Virgins’ and its long-running show, ‘Property Virgins’. Egypt is the CEO of Indigo Road Home Furnishings, and the Atlanta-based Egypt Sherrod Real Estate & Design Group. She began her career in radio, becoming the youngest music director in the country at age 19 and later hosting a syndicated program in over 60 cities. Transitioning to television, she became a real estate expert featured on numerous shows. Egypt is also the author of the best-selling book, ‘Keep Calm… It’s Just Real Estate,’ and founded the Egypt Cares Family Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on financial literacy and homeownership. She is also known as the host of Married to Real Estate.

Vivek Ranadive Net Worth

Vivek Yeshwant Ranadivé is an Indian-American business executive, engineer, author, speaker, and philanthropist. Born on October 7, 1957, he is best known as the founder of TIBCO Software, a business intelligence software company, and the owner and chairman of the National Basketball Association’s Sacramento Kings. Ranadivé’s journey began in Mumbai, India, where he was inspired to pursue education at MIT, arriving in the US with only $50. He also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. Ranadivé founded Teknekron Software Systems in 1986, which automated Wall Street. In 1997, he founded TIBCO Software Inc. TIBCO became a global leader in infrastructure and business intelligence software. In 2013, Ranadivé became the first Indian majority owner of an NBA team when he purchased the Sacramento Kings. He also founded Bow Capital, an early-stage startup investment firm. Ranadivé has authored three books that are New York Times and global best sellers. He is also recognized for his innovative thinking and has been nicknamed “Mr. Real Time”.

Katrina Campins Net Worth

Katrina Campins is an American entrepreneur and reality television personality with a net worth of $1.5 million. She graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in International Finance and Marketing. Katrina demonstrated business acumen early, flipping her first investment property during her senior year of high school. Before finishing college, she was already earning six figures. She co-founded The Campins Company, a real estate and relocation company catering to celebrities, athletes, and those in the public eye. Katrina has been featured in real estate publications and has been a properties correspondent for news outlets like CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg TV, MTV, and the BBC. She gained widespread recognition as a contestant on the first season of “The Apprentice.” Katrina has sold over $1 billion in real estate. Following her appearance on The Apprentice, Katrina has appeared in many television appearances and had her own television show on the Style Network “Hot Miami Listings,”, which she produced and starred in as well.

Jesse Itzler Net Worth

Jesse Itzler is an American entrepreneur, author, rapper, and speaker. Born on August 22, 1968, in Roslyn, New York, he has made a name for himself across diverse fields. Initially, Itzler gained recognition in the music industry, releasing his debut album as Jesse Jaymes in 1991 and even penning the New York Knicks’ theme song. Transitioning into entrepreneurship, he co-founded Alphabet City Sports Records and later Marquis Jet, a pioneering private jet card company acquired by Berkshire Hathaway’s NetJets. He was also a partner in ZICO Coconut Water, later acquired by The Coca-Cola Company. Beyond his business ventures, Itzler is a New York Times bestselling author, sharing his experiences in books like ‘Living with a SEAL’ and ‘Living with the Monks’. He is also a part-owner of the Atlanta Hawks NBA team. Known for his energetic personality and motivational speaking, Jesse Itzler continues to inspire audiences with his unique blend of business acumen and adventurous spirit.

Eddie Judge Net Worth

Eddie Judge is an American reality TV personality and entrepreneur. He gained widespread recognition through his relationship with Tamra Judge, a main cast member on Bravo’s ‘The Real Housewives of Orange County.’ Eddie was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and raised in Orange County, California. He studied business administration in college. Prior to his involvement with reality television, Eddie managed the Judge Law Firm. He later transitioned into the fitness industry, co-founding C.U.T. Fitness with Tamra, a gym based in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. He is a Nutrition Coach, Spartan Race Coach, Strength & Conditioning Trainer, and Cycling Coach. In January 2019, Eddie and Tamra launched Vena CBD, which includes products for both people and pets. Eddie appeared on ‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’ during the show’s sixth season and remained on the series through season 14 in 2019. Eddie also served as an associate producer on the 2020 documentary ‘Erasing Family.’

Mathew Knowles Net Worth

Mathew Knowles is an American music executive, businessman, record producer, manager, and author. He is best known for being the father of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles and for managing Destiny’s Child. Prior to his music career, Knowles worked at Xerox Corporation. In 1992, he founded Music World Entertainment, a music and entertainment company that helped launch the careers of Destiny’s Child and other artists. Knowles has also worked as a professor, teaching courses on the music industry at various universities. He has published several books, including ‘Racism From the Eyes of a Child’ and ‘The DNA of Achievers: 10 Traits of Highly Successful Professionals.’ He has also lectured at several universities, including Texas Southern University, University of Houston, and Prairie View A&M University. In February 2021, Knowles announced that he would be leaving the music industry to focus on other projects, including his podcast, Mathew Knowles IMPACT.

Shelby Bryan Net Worth

John Shelby Bryan (born March 21, 1946) is an American telecommunications pioneer, futurist, business executive, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. He is best known for his work in the telecommunications industry, particularly as the co-founder and president of Millicom International Cellular S.A., one of the first companies to receive a cellular telephone license in the United States. He also served as CEO of ICG Communications and founded Pingtone Communications, one of the first VoIP companies in the US. Bryan began his career in finance at Morgan Stanley before venturing into the oil and gas industry. Besides his business achievements, Bryan is also known for his involvement in politics and his personal life, including his relationship with Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

Thomas N. Staub Net Worth

Thomas N. Staub is an American businessman known for his involvement in the fitness equipment industry. He gained prominence as CFO and later CEO of Aerobics Inc., a family business specializing in manufacturing pacemaker treadmills. Staub attended Seton Hall University, where he earned a B.S. in Accounting, laying a solid foundation for his business career. In the late 1990s, Thomas and his brother acquired Aerobics Inc. from their father but eventually sold it to a private equity firm. After the private equity firm declared bankruptcy, the brothers attempted to revive the company under the name PaceMaster LLC, but it closed in 2011. In 2012, Staub joined Gym Source as the Vice President of Sales and Operations. He is also known for his former marriage to Danielle Staub, a television personality from ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey’. Thomas made an appearance on the show at his daughter Christine’s Sweet 16 party.

Bruce Dickinson Net Worth

Paul Bruce Dickinson, born on August 7, 1958, is an English singer, songwriter, musician, airline pilot, entrepreneur, author, and broadcaster. He is best known as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden since 1981. Dickinson is renowned for his wide-ranging operatic vocal style and energetic stage presence. Beyond his music career, Dickinson is a qualified pilot and commercial airline captain. He flew Boeing 757s for Astraeus Airlines and famously piloted Iron Maiden’s Boeing 757, Ed Force One, during their world tours. Following Astraeus’ closure, he founded Cardiff Aviation, an aircraft maintenance and pilot training company. Dickinson has also made his mark as a broadcaster, hosting radio shows and making TV appearances. He is also an author and has invested in the British manufacturer of the Airlander HAV (hybrid air vehicle), an eco-friendly helium airship and Pouncer – an edible drone developed by Windhorse Aerospace which can carry humanitarian aid into hard to access disaster areas. Dickinson continues to be a multifaceted and accomplished figure in music, aviation, and entrepreneurship.

Jason Citron Net Worth

Jason Citron is an American internet entrepreneur best known as the co-founder and CEO of Discord, a widely used social platform, particularly popular among gamers. Born on September 21, 1987, in San Francisco, California, Citron displayed an early passion for technology and gaming. He taught himself coding at a young age and pursued his interest by earning a degree in Game Design and Development from Full Sail University. Before Discord, Citron founded OpenFeint, a social gaming platform that was acquired by GREE for $104 million in 2011. In 2015, he co-founded Discord with Stanislav Vishnevskiy, aiming to create a better communication tool for gamers. Discord quickly evolved from a gaming-centric platform to a broader communication service with over 150 million monthly active users. Citron’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in Discord’s growth and success, establishing him as a prominent figure in the tech industry. He has two children and he is married to a partner whose name is not publicly known.

Jeffrey Lurie Net Worth

Jeffrey Robert Lurie, born on September 8, 1951, is an American businessman, documentary film producer, and the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL) since 1994. He comes from a Jewish family in Boston and is the grandson of Philip Smith, who founded the General Cinema movie theater chain. Before acquiring the Eagles, Lurie worked at General Cinema Corporation and later founded Chestnut Hill Productions, a film and television production company. He has won three Academy Awards for his work as a documentary producer, including ‘Inside Job’ (2011), ‘Inocente’ (2013) and ‘Summer of Soul'(2022). Under his ownership, the Eagles have achieved considerable success, including Super Bowl LII victory in 2018 and Super Bowl LIX victory in 2025. Lurie is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Eagles Youth Partnership and the Lurie Family Foundation, which focuses on health issues and documentaries addressing global issues.

Zak Brown Net Worth

Zak Brown is an American businessman and former professional racing driver, currently residing in England. He is best known as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of McLaren Racing, a position he has held since 2018. Before joining McLaren, Brown founded Just Marketing International (JMI) in 1995, which became the largest motorsport marketing agency in the world. As a racing driver, Brown competed in various series, including Formula Ford 1600, the Opel-Lotus Benelux Series, and the British Formula Three Championship. He also participated in events like the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Beyond his role at McLaren, Brown is involved in various business ventures, including co-ownership of United Autosports. He is also an avid collector of racing cars and memorabilia.

Mike Wolfe Net Worth

Mike Wolfe, born on November 6, 1964, in Joliet, Illinois, is an American reality television personality, antique hunter, and businessman. He is best known as the co-host and creator of the History Channel’s hit show “American Pickers,” where he and his co-stars travel across the United States in search of rare antiques and collectibles. Wolfe’s passion for picking began in his childhood, and he has since turned it into a successful career, becoming a prominent figure in the world of antiques and vintage items. Before finding fame on television, Wolfe owned and operated Antique Archaeology, an antique shop with locations in Le Claire, Iowa, and Nashville, Tennessee. His expertise in finding hidden treasures and his charismatic personality have made him a beloved figure among viewers. In addition to his work on “American Pickers,” Wolfe has also authored books, launched his own line of American-made apparel and accessories called Two Lanes, and owns a rental property called Two Lanes Guesthouse in Columbia, Tennessee. He has also been involved in various restoration projects, preserving historic buildings and revitalizing small towns. Mike Wolfe’s success is a testament to his passion, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Alex Meruelo Net Worth

Alex Meruelo is a Cuban-American businessman with a net worth of $2 billion. He was born in New York City on March 27, 1964. His parents fled Cuba after the Castro regime came to power and eventually settled in Los Angeles, California. Meruelo earned a B.S. from California State University, Long Beach. He began his career in his father’s tuxedo business. In 1985, he started his first pizza restaurant, La Pizza Loca, which expanded to 25 locations within five years. Meruelo then founded the Meruelo Group, a real estate development and construction firm. The group owns various businesses, including TV stations, radio stations, the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, and Commercial Bank of California. He was also the owner of the Arizona Coyotes NHL team until 2024. Meruelo has a diverse portfolio spanning real estate, entertainment, gaming, banking, and media.

Bob Whitfield Net Worth

Bob Lectress Whitfield III, born on October 18, 1971, is a former American football player who was an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal. Drafted in the first round (eighth overall) of the 1992 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons, he played for the Falcons from 1992–2003. He later played for the Jacksonville Jaguars for the 2004 season and the New York Giants. Whitfield was a 1999 Pro Bowler and played a key role on the Falcons offensive line that finished 14-2 in the regular season, advancing to Super Bowl XXXIII. Beyond football, Whitfield is the founder and former C.E.O. of Patchwerks, Inc., which operated PatchWerk Recording Studios in Atlanta, GA, a studio that has recorded and/or mixed over 500 gold and platinum albums. More recently he founded WHITFIELD | FOOTBALL, a sports agency for pro-athletes.

Kevin Hunter Net Worth

Kevin Hunter is a Canadian-American television producer and talent manager. He is best known for being the former manager and husband of media personality Wendy Williams. Hunter and Williams launched Wendy Williams Productions in 2013, a reality television and game show production company. He was the executive producer of ‘The Wendy Williams Show’. Hunter also owns Hunter Publishing Group, a publishing company that aims to give exposure to people, especially the voiceless, and distribute books of varied genres. He also opened an Italian restaurant called Loreta in Brooklyn, New York. Kevin Hunter was born on September 17, 1972.

Chris Stokes Net Worth

Christopher Brian Stokes, born on July 21, 1969, is an American filmmaker, record executive, and talent manager. He began his career in music, producing his sister Juanita’s single “Mind Blowin'” in 1995. In 1997, he founded The Ultimate Group (TUG), a record label that launched the careers of B2K, Omarion, Jhené Aiko, Marques Houston, IMx, and NLT. Stokes transitioned to film, writing and directing “House Party 4” and the commercially successful dance film “You Got Served”. He also directed horror films like “Somebody Help Me”. Stokes founded Footage Films and signed a deal with Viacom for multiple films. He’s known for discovering and developing talent and shaping urban entertainment.

Beck Weathers Net Worth

Seaborn Beck Weathers, born on December 16, 1946, is an American pathologist and amateur mountaineer from Texas, best known for surviving the 1996 Mount Everest disaster. He grew up in a military family and later pursued higher education in Wichita Falls, Texas. Despite professional success as a pathologist, Weathers sought solace in mountaineering to cope with profound depression. His harrowing experience on Everest, where he was left for dead, has been chronicled in Jon Krakauer’s “Into Thin Air” and his own memoir, “Left for Dead: My Journey Home from Everest.” The ordeal led to severe frostbite, resulting in the amputation of his right arm, fingers on his left hand, and his nose, which was later reconstructed. Weathers’s story is one of resilience, determination, and personal transformation, inspiring many through his motivational speaking engagements. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is $4 million, derived from his medical practice, book royalties, and speaking engagements.

Anne Dias-Griffin Net Worth

Anne Dias-Griffin is a French-American investor and philanthropist. Born in Strasbourg, France, on January 1, 1970, she moved to the United States to study at Georgetown University and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. She began her career as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs and Fidelity Investments before joining Soros Fund Management. In 2001, she founded Aragon Global Management, a hedge fund that specialized in global long/short equity strategies. The fund was launched with an investment from Julian Robertson of Tiger Management. Anne is also known for her philanthropy, including contributions to the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and support for various educational and medical initiatives through the Kenneth and Anne Griffin Foundation (co-founded with her ex-husband). She sits on the board of Fox Corporation.

Joyce Meyer Net Worth

Pauline Joyce Meyer (born Hutchison; June 4, 1943) is an American Charismatic Christian author, speaker, and president of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Her ministry is headquartered near the St. Louis suburb of Fenton, Missouri. Joyce began as a local Bible teacher in 1976, then became an associate pastor of a church in St. Louis, Missouri in 1980. In 1985, Meyer founded her own ministry, initially called “Life in the Word.” In 1993, her husband, Dave, suggested starting a television ministry. Under the name “Life in the Word”, it initially aired on superstation WGN-TV in Chicago and Black Entertainment Television (BET). Meyer has authored more than 140 books, several of which were bestsellers. Her writing, like her speaking, is known for its direct, no-nonsense approach to Christian living, and many of her books fall within the category of Christian self-help.

Gene Haas Net Worth

Gene Francis Haas, born on November 12, 1952, is an American businessman and entrepreneur. He is the founder, president, and sole stockholder of Haas Automation, a CNC machine tool manufacturer. Haas also has a significant presence in motorsports, founding the NASCAR team Stewart-Haas Racing and the Formula One team, Haas F1 Team. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Haas graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a degree in accounting and finance. He initially worked as a machinist and CNC programmer before opening his own machine shop, Pro-turn Engineering, in 1978. In 1983, he founded Haas Automation, which has become the largest machine tool manufacturer in the United States. In addition to his business ventures, Haas is involved in philanthropy through the Gene Haas Foundation, which supports various charitable causes and manufacturing education programs. He was also involved in legal issues, serving time in prison for tax-related offenses.