Ohio's Richest Person Worth $6.2 Billion

COLUMBUS, OH — Worth an estimated $6.2 billion, Ohio businessman Les Wexner, 79, is Ohio's richest person, according to Forbes’ latest rankings of the richest individuals in each state. The self-made billionaire and Ohio State Buckeye class of '59, owns L Brands, which includes Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works.

Wexner got his start when he opened The Limited in 1963 with a $5,000 loan from his aunt. However, due to the downturn of activity and slow death of america's shopping malls, The Limited struggled and recently closed its doors nationwide.

Wexner's fortune pales in comparison with the wealth accumulated by Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, who is not only Washington state’s richest resident, but also the richest person in the world with a fortune estimated at $88.9 billion. Gates is about $12.9 billion richer this year than last, largely due to the rising stock market, Forbes said.

View the video below to hear Wexner describe how his experience at Ohio State influenced his business career.

Gates’ place at the top of lists such as Forbes’ isn’t untouchable, though. Another Washington resident, Jeff Bezos, came in at $83.3 billion. In other states, it’s not even close.

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Warren Buffett, the second-richest person on the list, is 20 times wealthier than Walter Scott Jr., Nebraska’s second-wealthiest individual. Both made their fortunes at Berkshire Hathaway. In Oregon, Nike founder Phil Knight is worth 14 times more than Columbia Sportswear billionaire Timothy Boyle, worth $1.8 billion, Forbes said.

Read the full list of the richest people in every state.

Together, the 52 people on the new Forbes list (there were tie in two states) are worth $747 billion. Forbes said that in all but one case, those on the list are wealthier than they were in the 2016 rankings, their fortunes rising by $1.74 billion on average.

Image via YouTube screen capture

Patch's Beth Dalbey contributed to this article.