Barbara Carlson Gage

Tough times for Barbara and her sister Marilyn Carlson Nelson; combined fortune down $1 billion in a year. Their Carlson Companies is heavily invested in hotels (Radisson, Country Inns & Suites), restaurants (T.G.I. Friday's), travel agencies, all industries hit by slowing U.S. economy. Inherited family empire from father, Curtis, who founded Gold Bond Stamp 1938. Renamed grocery store promotion outfit as Carlson Companies 1973. Barbara runs family foundation.