Net Worth: $1.8 billion
Argentinean-born son of Cuban parents started out as urban planner; moved into low-income housing development. Met partner, Stephen Ross (see); cofounded Related Group of Florida 1979. Built affordable housing 1980s, later switched to high-end condo construction. Has constructed 55,000 apartments in Florida since 1982. Recently smacked by stagnating Miami market; estimated 2007 sales down 33% from last year to $2 billion. Expanding into Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando. Also Latin America: developing $3 billion worth of properties across 15 projects in Argentina, Colombia, Mexico. Democratic donor supporting Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid.