Richard Kinder, cofounder and executive chairman of Kinder Morgan, built one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America by focusing on pipelines, terminals, and cash-flow durability at massive scale. A former Enron executive, Kinder launched Kinder Morgan in 1997 and expanded it through acquisitions and disciplined asset management, creating a dominant network transporting natural gas, refined products, and CO₂ across the United States. Known for financial focus and shareholder orientation, he helped pioneer the modern midstream business model and remains one of the most influential figures in U.S. energy logistics.

Ray Davis, cofounder of Energy Transfer Partners, built a multibillion-dollar fortune in U.S. midstream energy by expanding pipeline and logistics infrastructure across natural gas and liquids. Working alongside Kelcy Warren, he helped scale Energy Transfer into one of the nation’s largest energy networks through aggressive acquisitions and large-scale development. Beyond energy, Davis is the majority owner of Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers, playing a central role in turning the franchise into a modern sports business and ultimately overseeing its rise to a World Series championship. Known for a low public profile and long-term mindset, he remains a powerful figure in both energy and sports ownership.

Peter Thiel, cofounder of PayPal and Palantir Technologies, is one of Silicon Valley’s most influential and contrarian thinkers, known for backing companies that challenge consensus and reshape entire industries. As an early investor in Facebook and the first outside investor in several category-defining startups, Thiel helped popularize a philosophy centered on building monopolies through deep technology rather than incremental competition. Through Founders Fund, he has backed transformative ventures across software, defense, biotech, and space. Thiel’s impact extends beyond investing into ideas, shaping debates around technology, globalization, and the future of innovation.

Paul Foster, founder and former CEO of Western Refining, built a major independent refining and fuel distribution business by acquiring underperforming assets and improving operational efficiency across the Southwest. Starting with a small El Paso refinery in the 1990s, Foster expanded Western Refining into a vertically integrated energy company before merging it with Andeavor, a deal that ultimately led to its acquisition by Marathon Petroleum. Beyond energy, he is a prominent philanthropist and civic leader in Texas, funding education, healthcare, and community development initiatives. Foster’s career reflects disciplined execution in cyclical industries paired with long-term regional impact.

Michael S. Smith, cofounder, chairman, and CEO of Freeport Financial Partners, has built one of the leading private credit platforms focused on non-sponsored middle-market lending. Since launching Freeport in 2008, Smith has emphasized disciplined underwriting, downside protection, and long-term relationships with founder-led businesses, helping the firm scale into a multibillion-dollar manager. A veteran of leveraged finance, he guided Freeport through market cycles by prioritizing capital preservation and consistent income, earning the firm a reputation for reliability among institutional investors. Smith’s steady leadership has positioned Freeport as a cornerstone player in private direct lending.

Kelcy Warren, cofounder and executive chairman of Energy Transfer, built one of North America’s largest pipeline and midstream energy networks through aggressive dealmaking, operational scale, and a deep understanding of U.S. oil and gas logistics. Since launching Energy Transfer in 1996, he has overseen a sweeping expansion across natural gas, crude, and NGL infrastructure, including the development of high-profile projects such as the Dakota Access Pipeline. A self-made billionaire from modest Texas roots, Warren combines engineering discipline with bold acquisitive strategy, while remaining an active philanthropist in education, parks, and music—most notably founding the Texas music venue and nonprofit, Klyde Warren Park in Dallas.

John Catsimatidis, billionaire businessman and founder of the Red Apple Group, built a diversified empire spanning supermarkets, energy, real estate, and aviation. After immigrating to the United States from Greece as a child, he left college to take over a small grocery store and expanded it into the Gristedes supermarket chain, later branching into oil refining and fuel distribution through United Refining. Catsimatidis also became a major New York real estate developer, adding residential towers and mixed-use properties to his portfolio. A prominent political donor, radio host, and philanthropist, he remains one of New York’s most outspoken and influential entrepreneurial figures.

Jerry Jones, billionaire businessman and owner of the Dallas Cowboys, transformed the franchise into the most valuable team in global sports through bold management, aggressive marketing, and a relentless focus on brand expansion. Since purchasing the Cowboys in 1989, Jones has overseen multiple Super Bowl victories, built state-of-the-art facilities like AT&T Stadium and The Star in Frisco, and reshaped NFL business economics through media deals and sponsorship innovation. A polarizing yet visionary figure, he has turned the Cowboys into a cultural and commercial powerhouse while becoming one of the most influential owners in professional sports.

Gary Klesch, founder and chairman of the Klesch Group, is a veteran industrialist known for acquiring and restructuring distressed industrial and commodity businesses across Europe. Since launching his firm in 1990, he has built a portfolio spanning chemicals, metals, refining, and energy, often stepping into complex turnaround situations that larger corporations avoid. With a reputation for decisive management, deep operational expertise, and a contrarian investment approach, Klesch has transformed underperforming assets into competitive enterprises while establishing the Klesch Group as a major player in European heavy industry.

Jeffery Hildebrand, founder and CEO of Hilcorp Energy Company, has built one of the largest privately held oil and gas producers in the United States through a strategy centered on operational excellence, disciplined reinvestment, and revitalizing mature assets. Since establishing Hilcorp in 1989, he has expanded the company across major U.S. basins—from Alaska’s North Slope to the Gulf Coast—while cultivating a renowned employee-ownership culture that includes some of the most generous bonus programs in the industry. Known for his low profile, entrepreneurial rigor, and long-term vision, Hildebrand has become one of America’s most successful self-made energy billionaires.

George Bishop, founder of GeoSouthern Energy, built his fortune in oil and gas by focusing on shale plays and unconventional drilling. Starting his career in the energy sector in the 1980s, he grew GeoSouthern into a major player in the Eagle Ford Shale of Texas before selling a large stake to Devon Energy for $6 billion in 2013. Known for his low profile and disciplined approach, Bishop has since diversified into other energy ventures and real estate, establishing himself as one of America’s quietest self-made billionaires.

Mohammed Al Barwani, Omani billionaire businessman and founder of MB Holding Company, has built a diversified global enterprise spanning oil and gas, mining, engineering, and investments. Since establishing the group in 1982, he has expanded its operations to more than 20 countries, combining strategic acquisitions with organic growth. Known for his disciplined approach to business and philanthropy, Al Barwani remains a key figure in Oman’s private sector, with interests ranging from natural resources to high-value global investments.

Farris Wilks is a self-made billionaire who, alongside his brother Dan, founded Frac Tech Services in 2002. After selling their majority stake for approximately $3.5 billion in 2011, Farris now directs his wealth into evangelical philanthropy, major land ownership across Idaho and Montana, and leads the Assembly of Yahweh 7th Day church in Cisco. He is also one of the most prolific conservative donors nationally. 

Edward Perry “Ed” Bass is a Texas oil heir, financier, philanthropist, and environmental advocate. A Yale alumnus, he is the chairman of venture firm Fine Line and co-founded the avant‑garde Biosphere 2 project in Arizona. He spearheaded Fort Worth’s Sundance Square urban renewal, built the acclaimed Bass Performance Hall, and oversees conservation land holdings across Kansas prairies through his Philecology Trust. 

Dan H. Wilks is an American petroleum entrepreneur who co-founded Frac Tech in 2002 with his brother Farris. They grew the company from their modest beginnings in Cisco, Texas, and sold their 70% interest for $3.5 billion in 2011. Now among the wealthiest Texans, Dan invests in land and energy and is a major conservative political donor. 

Andrew Tisch is co‑chairman of Loews Corporation, the diversified family-run holding company spanning insurance, energy, hotels, and real estate. A Cornell and Harvard alumnus, Tisch has led major turnarounds—such as Bulova and Lorillard—and today guides the firm alongside his brother and cousin.

George Kaiser is an American billionaire businessman, philanthropist, and chairman of BOK Financial Corporation. He is known for his substantial contributions to education, healthcare, and early childhood development through the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Kaiser maintains a low public profile despite his considerable wealth and influence.

John Fredriksen is a Norwegian-born Cypriot shipping magnate and one of the most influential figures in the global shipping industry. He is best known for his ownership of the world's largest oil tanker fleet and significant stakes in various shipping and offshore drilling companies.

Harold Hamm is an American oil and gas entrepreneur, known for his pioneering work in the development of the Bakken oil field in North Dakota and Montana. He is the founder and chairman of Continental Resources, a leading oil producer in the United States. Hamm is also recognized for his significant contributions to the energy industry and his philanthropic efforts.

Idan Ofer is an Israeli billionaire businessman and philanthropist, known for his extensive investments in various industries including shipping, energy, and mining. He is the founder of Quantum Pacific Group and has significant stakes in multiple global corporations.