The Richest Person in Every U.S. State

Gary Tharaldson built his fortune in hospitality, starting with a single Super 8 motel in North Dakota. Over time, he expanded aggressively, developing and owning hundreds of hotels across the U.S. His focus on franchising and efficient operations helped him scale quickly in a competitive industry.

In later years, Tharaldson shifted toward philanthropy and investing, especially in education and community projects. He donated large sums to universities and local causes in North Dakota. His time is largely spent managing his investments while supporting initiatives that give back to his home state.