#1394
Michael S. Smith
Overview
- Source of Wealth
- Liquefied natural gas
- Industry
- Energy
- Residence
- Miami Beach, Florida
- Education
- University of Colorado (Drop Out)
- Marital Status
- Married
- Children
- 2
Biography
Smith raised more than $15 billion in debt to build three giant plants at Freeport, Texas to chill and export 15 million tons per year of liquefied natural gas -- equivalent to 2 billion cubic feet per day.
He made his first fortune with oil and gas company Basin Exploration, which he sold in 2001 for $428 million.
Enjoys homes in Miami Beach, Malibu and the Hamptons.
Freeport LNG was originally envisioned as an LNG import terminal; when the shale gas boom arrived, Smith turned his strategy 180 degrees.
About
He majored in chemistry at Colorado State University but dropped out just 6 credits shy of a degree to focus on skiing. Later donated $13 million.