27. John Staluppi

The automotive industry completed its historic rebound this year with better than expected returns for U.S. automobile manufacturers and strong sales worldwide. Given our reliance on the automobile, Long Islanders are as tied to their cars as Detroit is tied to pumping them out. As the owner of the Atlantic Automotive Group, the largest association of dealerships in New York, John Staluppi has seen it all. Chances are you or someone you know has purchased a car through his vast network of dealers. The automotive business has been good to this self-made auto magnate, but his enthusiasm for cars is a distant third behind his charitable work and his passion for building some of the world’s most luxurious yachts. Don’t expect Staluppi to abandon the car business anytime soon, though, as he is opening a brand new dealership this month. But given the choice between driving to a grand opening or cruising in by sea, we’re guessing he would choose the latter.