Tom L Ward

Made fortune with former rival Aubrey McClendon at Chesapeake Energy. As private as McClendon is public. Struck out on his own 2006, paid $500 million for controlling stake in Texas gas producer Riata Energy. Renamed SandRidge Energy; fifth-most-active driller of new natural gas wells in America. Production up 83% in first 6 months of 2008. Took public last November; stock down 20% since. Owns stake in basketball's Oklahoma City Thunder, cattle ranches, feedlot operations. Founded White Fields home for troubled boys in Oklahoma.