8. Kenneth Langone

Being a billionaire doesn’t necessarily qualify someone to appear on the Power List as wealth is not always an indicator of influence. With that said, Ken Langone, the hard-charging, self-made billionaire and the founder of Home Depot, brandishes influence in a way that transcends the eternal pursuit of the almighty dollar. Langone is the founder and CEO of investment firm Invamed Associates and is a director of several high-profile public corporations. The charismatic investor and Sands Point resident comes from humble Long Island roots and has donated sums of money to charitable organizations that would make other billionaires blush. Langone is a staunch defender of Wall Street and a much sought-after political donor who primarily supports conservative candidates and think tanks.