THE MONEY: Definition of low-profile, Chernick has no disclosed holdings outside of El Segundo software firm National Center for Crisis and Continuity Coordination, or NC4. Other holdings, built mostly on sale of a company to IBM decade ago, likely grew with broader markets.

BUZZ: Built fortune in software, starting Candle Corp. in 1976 in Marina del Rey apartment. Told Business Journal he founded company after fortune cookie told him his wishes would come true. Sold business in 2004 to IBM for $641 million. Later founded NC4, maker of situational-awareness and threat-detection software used by military and law enforcement agencies. He and wife, Joyce, keep low profile, but have been contributors to conservative causes, Israeli charities and education-focused non-profits. Remains active in conservative blog publisher PJ Media, formerly Pajamas Media, of which he is a funder.

NET WORTH:

$1.01 billion s12%

LAST YEAR: $900 million

AGE: 65

RESIDENCE: Los Angeles

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Software