Ty Warner

Salesman's son dropped out of college, took to road selling plush toys. Sold first line of stuffed animals 1986. Beanie Babies hit shelves 1993; created collecting craze. Launched Beanie Babies 2.0 in February; Ty Girlz last year. Secret code attached to toys allows kids to log on to online virtual world. Licensing deals with Nickelodeon, Wonder Pets; partnerships with Paramount. Plowed profits into real estate. Owns Four Seasons hotel in New York, home of most expensive suite ever built in the U.S. Price: $30,000 a night. Developing Connoisseur Club; membership will allow access to Four Seasons and all Warner resorts in California, Mexico. Building Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course in Montecito, Calif.