What he does: Oversees a $20 million holding company for four businesses that cater to the Mardi Gras industry.

"I set out to democratize a holiday that had previously been the province of the upper class. In 1968, I founded the 'super' Krewe of Bacchus with some restaurateurs and hoteliers to compete with the established organizations. The walls that were knocked down encouraged other krewes, like the Zulu, to parade from the black neighborhoods onto the main routes. They're known for throwing out the coveted golden coconuts."

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