If you’ve ever wondered how much dough you’ll have to accumulate to become one of the richest people in Pennsylvania, the answer is about $2-3 billion. (We might start putting some of that Starbucks money back in the piggy bank.) Pennsylvania has some pretty high rolling businessmen, from the owner of Urban Outfitters, to the heiress of Campbell’s Soup, to entrepreneurs who hold stake in various sports teams within the state. The bad news is that most of the people on this list inherited a family fortune, so if that’s not the case with you, it will be a little harder to join their ranks… But not impossible if you have entrepreneurial skills and a good work ethic.
Mary Alice Dorrance Malone is the heiress to the Campbell's Soup fortune and one of the wealthiest women in the country. She owns 17% of the largest soup company in the world, has two children, and spends her time breeding horses.
Hillman inherited his father's company, Pittsburgh Coke & Chemical, and also has invested in a variety of companies that have allowed him to become the wealthiest man in Pittsburgh. He owns the famous PPG Palace, recognizable as the glass castle in downtown Pittsburgh.
You might recognize Ed Snider as the former owner of the Philadelphia 76ers. He has been involved in all kinds of sports ventures and currently is chairman of Comcast Spectator, the company that owns the Philadelphia Flyers, the Wells Fargo Center, and the network Comcast SportsNet.
In 1980, Susan Hirt Hagen became the first woman to join the board of directors of Pennsylvania's third largest auto insurer, Erie Indemnity. She also owns part of the company's stock through her family.
John Middleton came into riches thanks to his family's cigar business, John Middleton, Inc. He and his wife are famous for their large donations to charities in Philadelphia, and for owning a significant stake in the Philadelphia Phillies.
Since Richard Yuengling Jr inherited the family business, the U.S. has seen the spread of Yuengling to fourteen states. He is the fifth generations of Yuenglings to own the brewery and vows to never sell the company.
Dick's Sporting Goods first opened in 1948 as a fishing bait shop. Today, Edward Stack, son of its founder, is the company's CEO. He has expanded the business to 500 locations in 44 states, an impressive reach.
Jeffrey Lurie first came into money thanks to his grandfather's General Cinema chain of movie theaters. Lurie earned a PhD in social policy and spent some time teaching at Boston University before beginning to produce films, including the 2011 "Inside Job" which became successful. Today, Lurie is best known as the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Joe Hardy is one of the few members of this list who did not inherit a fortune-- instead, he grew up during the Great Depression and was forced to sell fruit door-to-door during his college years. He grew up to become a successful entrepreneur, beginning the company 84 Lumber which is the third largest home improvement company in the United States.
Richard Hayne opened the first Urban Outfitters store a year after he graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in Anthropology. Today, his business has expanded to include over 200 stores. He has repeatedly come under fire for his Republican affiliations, yet this hasn't prevented the success of his company.
Have you ever brushed shoulders with any of Pennsylvania’s wealthiest?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
