YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY

Springfield, MO

Log in Subscribe

Johnny Morris climbs to No. 303 on Forbes’ list of the world’s billionaires.
SBJ file photo
Johnny Morris climbs to No. 303 on Forbes’ list of the world’s billionaires.

Johnny Morris rises on Forbes’ billionaires list

Posted online

Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris’ wealth climbed by more than $1 billion in the past year, according to Forbes’ annual list of the world’s billionaires.

Morris ranked No. 303 on the list published yesterday, with an estimated net worth of $5.7 billion as of Feb. 8. His net worth is now listed at $5.9 billion, according to his Forbes profile. Morris ranked No. 441 with an estimated net worth of $4.4 billion on Forbes’ 2018 list of the world’s billionaires.

The Bass Pro CEO led his company’s purchase of rival Cabela’s Inc. for $5 billion in 2017, the same year his Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium reopened. The 350,000-square-foot attraction — estimated to have cost nearly $300 million — attracted 1.6 million visitors in its first year after reopening next to Bass Pro flagship’s store.

On the Forbes list, Morris tied with Walmart Inc. heiress Nancy Walton Laurie. She’s the sister of Ann Walton Kroenke, who ranked No. 244 with an estimated net worth of $6.7 billion. Walton Kroenke’s husband Stan Kroenke — who placed No. 167 on Forbes’ list with a net worth of $8.7 billion — is a Missouri resident who owns the Los Angeles Rams and has been involved in Springfield real estate development. His Columbia-based Kroenke Group co-developed south-side retail development James River Commons with Springfield-based Ron Stenger Cos. in 2009, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Other Missourians on Forbes’ billionaires list are:
• No. 215 Pauline MacMillan Keinath, Cargill Inc., $7 billion;
• No. 645 Rodger Riney, Scottrade Inc., $3.5 billion; and
• No. 745 David Steward, World Wide Technology, $3 billion.

Topping the Forbes list for the second time is Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and family, with a net worth of $131 billion. He’s followed by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, with $96.5 billion, and Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, at $82.5 billion.

Comments

No comments on this story |
Please log in to add your comment
Editors' Pick
From the Ground Up: Republic Intermediate School

The Republic School District is on track to open its Intermediate School for fifth- and sixth-grade students for the 2025-26 academic year.

Most Read
Update cookies preferences