Who's the richest person you've ever been in the same room with? And by "room" I don't mean Madison Square Garden or some arena at a public appearance.

I'd stepped out of my office in the datacenter this afternoon to get a soda from the kitchenette, and in walks Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.



There's a small auditorium they have conferences and other presentations at across the hall from my office, so usually it just means we can poach the leftovers of the catered breakfasts. Apparently, the Vanilla Gorilla was at one of those shindigs today.

So how did I react? I smiled, nodded and got out of his way. I may have said "hi."

(oh, and by way of rank, he's #11 in the US, worth $14B)

One of those guys that if he dropped $15,000 on the ground, it wouldn't be worth his time to pick it up.

Ed Catmull president of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios.

Not a gazillionaire, but rich enough. In any case the richest guy who can recognize me on sight, anyway, which is something of an honor. He's also the smartest guy who recognizes me on sight, he's a freaking marvel.

Hey no fair Mike. If the rich dude has to know us then the $$$$ value is going to drop way down for the rest of us. My Grandad was worth about one million pounds (stirling) by the time he died. Nice but hardly mega rich by the other guys mentioned. I have met a few rich businessmen and ageing rock stars over the years the richest I would guess was Robert Plant. he was stood only about 5 feet from me in a shop but I chose not to speak to him.

John L. Byrne.


Unless we are going by the definition of Richest Man in the World by It's a Wonderful Life standards...

Many years ago, I was a room service waiter at a high dollar hotel in Williamsburg. During my time there I served Dick Clark and Mick Jagger. I would imagine they are worth a few bucks each.

I've stood a few feet away from the richest poker players in the world, several of which have net worths in the millions. Also, my grandfather.

They have net worths in your grandfather?!?!?

My current and last boss are both billionaires....

Also, your mom.

George H. W. Bush, who is supposedly worth $1.4 Million.

Either Dan Quayle or Mike Singletary.

Or, Cruise help us, Michael Moore.

I dunno. Who's got more money, Richard Petty or Frank Miller? Might be someone else Ah'm fergittin'.

George H.W. Bush.

Actually, strike that, Kevin Costner.

I covered a dinner featuring Ross Perot prior to his run for the White House. Other politicos, including Ted Kennedy, John Warner... I'm sure those guys are millionaires. Went to fraternity conferences with John Tower, Bob Dole, William Hewlett... those guys were/are loaded.