#39 – Marc Nathanson
Net Worth: $740 million -25%
Last Year: $990 million
Age: 63
Residence: Bel Air
Source of Wealth: Communications, real estate, private equity
The Money:
Nathanson started Mapleton Investments LLC, Westwood firm that invests in real estate and media-related companies, both of which were pummeled by financial crisis. Meanwhile, small holdings in troubled Charter Communications have just about evaporated.
Buzz:
Relatively quiet year for retired cable-television executive. Stepped down as vice chairman of Charter in December, three months before company filed for bankruptcy. Active in political fundraising, so-called Hillraiser pledged at least $45,000 to Democratic Party in 2008 and helped raise about $250,000 for campaign of Hillary Clinton. Now rumored to be candidate for post of ambassador to Czech Republic. Got start working as door-to-door cable TV salesman while attending University of Denver. Hired by cable TV magnate Jack Kent Cooke before founding Falcon Communications in 1975 at age 28. Grew company into nation? 10th largest cable TV operator before selling it to Charter, owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, in 1999 for $3.7 billion. Chairman of Falcon Waterfree Technologies, maker of waterless urinals with offices in 33 countries and annual revenues topping $10 million. Serves on numerous boards and significant art collector. In 2008, he and wife, Jane, donated $10 million to Broad Contemporary Art Museum.
