Ever wonder who sits at the top of Virginia’s money pile? It’s not a politician, a tech nerd, or a tobacco baron. The richest man in Virginia is Jacqueline Mars, and she’s worth a staggering $46 billion.
Yes, Jacqueline. Not Jack. Not John. She is the heiress to the global candy empire that puts M&Ms and Snickers in your grocery bag. And she’s probably richer than your entire zip code combined.
The Candy Queen of McLean
Jacqueline doesn’t live in Richmond or Virginia Beach. She calls the wealthy suburb of McLean home. That’s the same area where CIA spies and tech moguls hide their mansions.
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She owns a third of Mars, Incorporated. That’s the company your grandmother knows for Milky Way bars and your kids know for Skittles. The company makes $50 billion a year in sales—no wonder she’s got pocket change for another yacht.
Here’s the funny part: she’s quiet. Like, a librarian compared to flashy billionaires. She doesn’t post selfies or tweet about her private jet. She just… cashes checks.
Wait—That’s Not All the Candy
Mars doesn’t just do candy. It owns Pedigree dog food and Whiskas cat food. So, the richest Virginian literally profits from your pet’s dinner bowl. Your dog eats better than some people do, and Jacqueline gets richer from it. Wild, right?
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She also owns a chunk of Wrigley gum. Next time you snap a piece of Doublemint, remember: you’re funding a Virginia billionaire’s garden upgrades.
The Other Titans in the State
Jacqueline is number one, but she’s not alone. The second richest person in Virginia is Stephen Ross, the real estate guy behind the Related Companies. He’s worth about $12 billion. That’s three times less than Jacqueline. Ouch.
Then you’ve got Tom Golisano, the payroll billionaire who lives in Virginia part-time. He’s worth $6 billion. He’s famous for donating to animal rights and, oddly, for running for president three times. Won zero times. Maybe stick to payroll, Tom.
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And don’t forget John Doerr, the venture capitalist who bet on Google and Amazon early. He’s worth $12 billion. But he’s from California, so we only sort of claim him. Virginia’s true blueblood is Jacqueline.
A Fun, Awkward Detail
Jacqueline’s brother, John Mars, also lives in Virginia. He’s worth a cool $37 billion. That puts him at number two in the state. Imagine family dinners: “Pass the mashed potatoes, brother-with-five-billion-more-dollars-than-me.” Yikes.
Their dad, Forrest Mars Sr., invented M&Ms after seeing soldiers eat chocolate pellets in Spain. He was a quirky genius who demanded perfection in his candy. He also made his kids work in the factory. Jacqueline started in the mailroom. Talk about humble beginnings for a billionaire.
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Why This Is Fun to Know
Think about it: the richest person in your state owns the candy you ate at last week’s movie. She’s not a tech bro with a hyperloop dream. She’s a candy heiress who lives quietly in McLean. That’s a fun fact for your next trivia night. “Hey, did you know Virginia’s richest person is the M&M lady? No? Wow, you owe me a drink.”
And here’s a bonus hook: you can visit Mars, Incorporated headquarters in McLean. It’s a not-very-exciting office building. No Willy Wonka golden gates. No chocolate river. Just a bunch of normal-looking desks where people design your next bag of Starburst. The juxtaposition is hilarious.
The Real Secret? She’s Not Showing Off
Unlike some billionaires who buy islands or neon rockets, Jacqueline Mars focuses on philanthropy. She’s donated millions to the National Park Foundation and the Smithsonian. She also gave a truckload to the University of Virginia. So, if you’re a UVA grad, you can thank the candy queen for your library’s new roof. You’re welcome.
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She also loves horses. She’s a competitive equestrian and owns a massive farm in Virginia’s horse country. The woman who feeds the world’s candy addiction also feeds her horses organic hay. It’s a vibe.
A Final, Goofy Thought
Next time you eat a Mars bar, pause. Thank Jacqueline. Or curse her for ruining your diet. Either way, you’re now in on the joke. The richest person in Virginia doesn’t run a hedge fund or a unicorn tech startup. She sells candy to the world. And she’s doing it with a quiet smile from a horse farm in McLean.
So, who is the richest man in Virginia? It’s a woman. A candy lady. And she’s richer than you could ever imagine—but also the reason your Halloween bag is so heavy. Sweet deal, right?