News Summary
Three billionaires from Louisiana, including Todd Graves of Raising Cane’s, William Goldring of Sazerac, and Gayle Benson, make the 2024 Forbes 400 list, showcasing the state’s wealth. Their cumulative fortunes contribute to the significant increase in the wealth of America’s billionaires, reflecting broader economic trends.
New Orleans – Three billionaires from Louisiana are featured on the 2024 Forbes 400 list, a ranking that identifies the wealthiest individuals in America. The total collective wealth of the Forbes 400 stands at $5.4 trillion, marking a significant increase of almost $1 trillion from the previous year. To qualify for this prestigious list, individuals must have a minimum net worth of $3.3 billion.
Todd Graves, the founder and CEO of Raising Cane’s, ranks highest among the trio at 107th, with a net worth of $9.5 billion. Graves, aged 52, developed the idea for his successful chicken finger fast-food chain while he was in college, despite receiving minimal encouragement from a professor who graded his concept poorly. To fund his initial venture, Graves worked various jobs, including as a boilermaker and salmon fisher, before officially launching Raising Cane’s in 1996. Since its inception, the chain has expanded significantly, now boasting 800 locations across more than 40 states, and generating $3.7 billion in annual sales.
At 169th on the list, William Goldring has a net worth of $7 billion. The 81-year-old businessman is known for his leadership of the Sazerac Company, which he has helmed since the 1960s. Under Goldring’s direction, the company has grown to own approximately 500 alcohol brands, including popular names like Pappy Van Winkle and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky. The company, which operates around a dozen distilleries in the United States and abroad, generates roughly $3 billion in sales annually. In 2024, Sazerac made headlines with its acquisition of Buzzballz, a line of premixed cocktails, for approximately $400 million.
Lastly, Gayle Benson ranks 191st with a net worth of $6.6 billion. At 77 years old, Benson is recognized as the widow of Tom Benson, the former owner of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans. Following a protracted legal battle over the family’s assets, which concluded in 2017, Benson gained control of the teams. Before stepping into her sports management role, she made a career as an interior designer and launched GMB Racing, a thoroughbred horse racing company, in 2014. Gayle Benson married Tom Benson in October 2004, marking their union as her third marriage.
The latest Forbes 400 list not only highlights the substantial wealth held by these Louisiana residents but also reflects the overall growth of individual fortunes in the United States. The increase in total wealth noted this year aligns with broader economic trends and fluctuations in the markets, indicating that many billionaires have capitalized on opportunities for investment and growth over the past year.
The Forbes 400 list serves as a pivotal snapshot of the wealth landscape in America, providing insights into both individual success stories and their contributions to the economy. It continues to reveal the dynamic nature of wealth accumulation and the diverse industries that fuel this growth, from fast food to alcohol production and sports management.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- Wikipedia: Billions
- Shreveport Times
- Google Search: Louisiana billionaires
- 710 KEEL
- Google Scholar: wealth distribution Louisiana
- KSLA News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wealth
- People
- Google News: Louisiana wealth news
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
