Developer Not on Forbes Billionaires List

[TheVillageChicken]

Must be a mere multi-millionaire. (http://www.forbes.com/billionaires/list/#tab:overall_header:position_sort_reverse:false)

[BS Beef]

Well that's an obvious oversight on Forbe's part. I've read here many times about the wealth of the developer and I assure you the # I've read here is in excess of a billion dollars. :1rotfl:

[shcisamax]

Odd. It is pretty hard to stay off the list even if you want to.

[billethkid]

sometimes depends on the relationship of the powers that be in both entities!

[Bizdoc]

Odd. It is pretty hard to stay off the list even if you want to.

Actually it isn't. I know of several folks who threatened to sue if their names appeared on the list.

[graciegirl]

I wish him good things. He's earned his money.

[dbussone]

The family was reportedly worth $2.9 billion last year. Key word is family.

[2BNTV]

Mr. Morse likes to keep a low profile. I'm sure he's not heartbroken on not being on the list. :D

I say if he had the nerve to invest the money, he deserves the fruits of his labor, as he built a beautiful paradise.

At some point how many cars, boats does one need? How many steaks, can one eat in a day? Millionaire or billionaire, he has more money then he'll ever need.

GOD bless him on his good fortune. :smiley:

[shcisamax]

Actually, I worked for one for all of the 80's that is on the list and he tried to stay off because he likes to keep a low profile but is on. I think he finally decided there was so much press in general that you wouldn't need to go to Forbes to find out who has money.

[graciegirl]

Mr. Morse likes to keep a low profile. I'm sure he's not heartbroken on not being on the list. :D

I say if he had the nerve to invest the money, he deserves the fruits of his labor, as he built a beautiful paradise.

At some point how many cars, boats does one need? How many steaks, can one eat in a day? Millionaire or billionaire, he has more money then he'll ever need.

GOD bless him on his good fortune. :smiley:



Oh I so agree. I don't think that the Morse family live any better than most villages do, generally speaking. They own a yacht and airplanes and bigger houses, but day to day, they still work. They drive around the same streets we do and sit on the potty every morning and have headaches and can't find their keys.

They could just STOP and never have to work another day in their lives but something nags at me that they want to keep the crews they have employed and the supporting businesses going too and want to see this place continue in the way it has. Money doesn't change the basic problems of life although it makes some things easier. But once you have all of the things money can buy, than you have all of the things money can buy.


They used to be just ordinary joes, and they are still the same folks, just now financially successful folks. There are a lot of very wealthy people sitting next to us all around this town. Most of them are the same as they have always been, they just didn't have it fall on them, they worked and struggled and worried and sacrificed and didn't go home at the end of eight hour days.

[Jayhawk]

Oh I so agree. I don't think that the Morse family live any better than most villages do, generally speaking. They own a yacht and airplanes and bigger houses, but day to day, they still work. They drive around the same streets we do and sit on the potty every morning and have headaches and can't find their keys.

They could just STOP and never have to work another day in their lives but something nags at me that they want to keep the crews they have employed and the supporting businesses going too and want to see this place continue in the way it has. Money doesn't change the basic problems of life although it makes some things easier. But once you have all of the things money can buy, than you have all of the things money can buy.


They used to be just ordinary joes, and they are still the same folks, just now financially successful folks. There are a lot of very wealthy people sitting next to us all around this town. Most of them are the same as they have always been, they just didn't have it fall on them, they worked and struggled and worried and sacrificed and didn't go home at the end of eight hour days.




:BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplaus e:

[Jayhawk]

Oh I so agree. I don't think that the Morse family live any better than most villages do, generally speaking. They own a yacht and airplanes and bigger houses, but day to day, they still work. They drive around the same streets we do and sit on the potty every morning and have headaches and can't find their keys.

They could just STOP and never have to work another day in their lives but something nags at me that they want to keep the crews they have employed and the supporting businesses going too and want to see this place continue in the way it has. Money doesn't change the basic problems of life although it makes some things easier. But once you have all of the things money can buy, than you have all of the things money can buy.


They used to be just ordinary joes, and they are still the same folks, just now financially successful folks. There are a lot of very wealthy people sitting next to us all around this town. Most of them are the same as they have always been, they just didn't have it fall on them, they worked and struggled and worried and sacrificed and didn't go home at the end of eight hour days.




:BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplause:

[redwitch]

Um, Gracie, Harold Schwartz was an ordinary Joe with a nice dream. Gary Morse was an ordinary Joe who helped father attain that dream plus some. Mark Morse and the grandkids were and are anything but ordinary Joes and have expanded the dream way beyond its original concept. Yes, they deserve their wealth. The Morses have worked hard to get it but the pedestal is not deserved. They're people -- good, bad and indifferent. They just happen to have money and a lot of political clout in Central Florida.

[graciegirl]

Um, Gracie, Harold Schwartz was an ordinary Joe with a nice dream. Gary Morse was an ordinary Joe who helped father attain that dream plus some. Mark Morse and the grandkids were and are anything but ordinary Joes and have expanded the dream way beyond its original concept. Yes, they deserve their wealth. The Morses have worked hard to get it but the pedestal is not deserved. They're people -- good, bad and indifferent. They just happen to have money and a lot of political clout in Central Florida.



Those "kids", Mark, Jennifer and Tracey, were born and grew up in Michigan, evan Megan Boone, the granddaughter of Blacklist fame, was born there. This whole success thing started gaining momentum about fifteen to twenty years ago. It has only been 9-10 years since area south of 466 was developed. There wasn't any Lake Sumter Landing at that time.


There is NO reason why you can't honor all people who have accomplished good things no matter if they are rich, poor or middle class. Reverse prejudice is in style but not fair.

[skip0358]

I for one could care less about what they do, what they have, what list they're on or what they're worth. As long as they keep TV as nice as it is right now is all that matters to me period. Let them all be.

[pivo]

Hi Gracie- I was wondering when it comes to the Morse family you always post
very positive comments on them, are you personal friends that you know so much about them and their way of life, I'm not being rude I'm just curious.

[pivo]

Hi Gracie- I'm wondering why every time the Morse family is mentioned you always comment on them in such very, very positive ways, are you very close friends that you know so much about their ways and how they live. I'm not being rude I'm just curious because of your constant comments on them.

[Bucco]

I am struck by the genuine dislike that some have of the Morse family. I really do not understand it all, except from a political standpoint which I suspect is the case.

I do not post about them because I have no reason to......I am sure the developers in other communities dont get all the grief that appears to come this family's way, ON TOTV !!!

Then someone is asked to justify an admiration of the family........Can someone tell me why the "hatred" for these folks.

Just in glancing, we have idolized movie stars on here....many dead (Ramis, Shirley Temple Black to name a few)......we verbalize admiration for people we do not know (commentators on tv in some cases), sports stars we know anything about.

I have been here for now 16 years or so...I know they have done a lot to develop this community and make it grow. This last generation was the most instrumental in bringing the business's here to The Villages. They have a ton more money than we do, but so do a lot of folks. They are successful....but everything seems to be tainted in some way.....is it jealousy ? What is it that drives the negative vibes that always crop up, and seemingly or it appears to me, with a note of their politics ?

I am asking seriously because everytime their name comes up on here, there is sarcasm or a mention of politics.

Someone posted that they do not care about them, and that pretty much describes my attitude, but someone always had to imply or directly comment negatively with innuendos or implications about the family. That is what I do not understand and if someone can explain it....I will listen !!

[Chazz]

Hi Gracie- I'm wondering why every time the Morse family is mentioned you always comment on them in such very, very positive ways, are you very close friends that you know so much about their ways and how they live. I'm not being rude I'm just curious because of your constant comments on them.

Gracie Girl posts a lot about many subjects. As a matter of fact, she may be the most prolific poster on TOTV.

[mickey100]

I've never put people on a pedestal simply because they are wealthy. Those who use their wealth to do good things are more the type of people I admire. Of course I also hold in high esteem those who use their time to do good things or make the world a better place, whether they are wealthy or not. Just saying.

[eweissenbach]

I am struck by the genuine dislike that some have of the Morse family. I really do not understand it all, except from a political standpoint which I suspect is the case.

I do not post about them because I have no reason to......I am sure the developers in other communities dont get all the grief that appears to come this family's way, ON TOTV !!!

Then someone is asked to justify an admiration of the family........Can someone tell me why the "hatred" for these folks.

Just in glancing, we have idolized movie stars on here....many dead (Ramis, Shirley Temple Black to name a few)......we verbalize admiration for people we do not know (commentators on tv in some cases), sports stars we know anything about.

I have been here for now 16 years or so...I know they have done a lot to develop this community and make it grow. This last generation was the most instrumental in bringing the business's here to The Villages. They have a ton more money than we do, but so do a lot of folks. They are successful....but everything seems to be tainted in some way.....is it jealousy ? What is it that drives the negative vibes that always crop up, and seemingly or it appears to me, with a note of their politics ?

I am asking seriously because everytime their name comes up on here, there is sarcasm or a mention of politics.

Someone posted that they do not care about them, and that pretty much describes my attitude, but someone always had to imply or directly comment negatively with innuendos or implications about the family. That is what I do not understand and if someone can explain it....I will listen !!

I could not care less about the Morse politics. They are wealthy because they have delivered a unique and coveted product at a fair price. Anyone who is able to do that should rightly become wealthy. What they do with their money is their business and while I may have preferences with the way it is used, it is not for me or anyone else to judge. What it IS fair to judge is how they treat the people who have purchased their products and used their services. I think that, for the most part they have treated those people fairly, but there have seemingly been cases where they put their interests above the greater good of their resident/customers. It is not only fair, but necessary, to call them into question when those kind of things happen since they have virtually all the power. They are wonderfully creative and successful entrepreneurs but they are most definitely not infallible or beyond reproach. No one is.

[Bucco]

I could not care less about the Morse politics. They are wealthy because they have delivered a unique and coveted product at a fair price. Anyone who is able to do that should rightly become wealthy. What they do with their money is their business and while I may have preferences with the way it is used, it is not for me or anyone else to judge. What it IS fair to judge is how they treat the people who have purchased their products and used their services. I think that, for the most part they have treated those people fairly, but there have seemingly been cases where they put their interests above the greater good of their resident/customers. It is not only fair, but necessary, to call them into question when those kind of things happen since they have virtually all the power. They are wonderfully creative and successful entrepreneurs but they are most definitely not infallible or beyond reproach. No one is.


Fair comments. They are business folks that are not perfect. I do not recall anyone ever even implying infallibility.

I just noted that most critiques of the family refers to their politics..not all I know. I guess I am just shocked, not surprised, that politics would be a gauge of people's character outside the political arena. I would find, if that was the case, that those who judge based on politics to be shallow, uninformed and not a person of good character to judge. Just my opinion.

I am not defending the family...if they have wronged someone, they should get called on it, but it is so difficult for me to accept judgement of people, or criticism of people based on voter registration, which appears, and I say appears, to be what happens a lot.

[redwitch]

I'll be the first to admit I'm not a fan of the Morses. I am a huge fan of TV itself. I most definitely don't think I owe the Morses a plug nickel or even a big thank you. I pay for the privilege of living here. The Morses make a nice profit (which is well deserved) for this privilege.

I think they nickel and dime newcomers, which is totally unnecessary. I don't like their take it or leave it attitude when it comes to purchasing a new home. I really don't like some of their judgment calls -- Mark Morse, et al. and the hunting issue in Montana; the fact that some Villagers felt it necessary to sue the developer (i.e., the Morses) to get what was rightfully theirs and won; the fact that a wall was installed overnight with no warning; the fact that they don't allow non-Republicans to speak in the town squares.

Basically, this is their town and they can (and do) pretty much what they want. Sometimes they do run roughshod over the residents. What residents want is rarely factored into their decisions. Even so, they have created a wonderful place to live for us and a nice profit for themselves. No complaints on that issue at all. You don't have to be a fan of the Morse family to appreciate what has been accomplished.

I don't think their politics has a thing to do with why most like or dislike them.

[scottiee]

I don't care what he or she is worth I only care what I am worth

[2BNTV]

Gracie Girl posts a lot about many subjects. As a matter of fact, she may be the most prolific poster on TOTV.

She is the most prolific poster, who just loves being here in paradise. Me too, and I'm the fourth prolific poster.

You have to admire Gary Morse and what he has built here. He has made a lot of well deserved money, that I don't begrudge a penny. More power to him.

I have never been jealous of people, who have a lot of money, because most of them are nice people. I have never met Gary Morse, but would gladly shake his hand, and thank him for building such a beautiful place.

[jblum315]

I like rich people because they generally like to have nice surroundings. The Morses, even though they don't mingle with us, chose to make their family home here in this pleasant enclave. Rich people have problems and family tragedies just like everyone else. They also have achievements and ambitions just like everyone else. I can only hope that the Morses won't leave The Villages.

[bkcunningham1]

This may explain why "The Family" didn't make the list. Either this or maybe they are ka-zillionaires so they wouldn't be on the meager billionaires' list.

Methodology

This is our 28th year publishing the Forbes Billionaires list. Though we’ve been at it a long time, it is never an easy task. Our reporters dig deep and travel far. To compile net worths, we value individuals’ assets–including stakes in public and private companies, real estate, yachts, art and cash–and take into account estimates of debt. We attempt to vet these numbers with all billionaires. Some cooperate; others don’t. We also consult an array of outside experts in various fields.


The Forbes Billionaires ranks individuals rather than large, multi-generational families who share large fortunes. So Maja Oeri, who has a disclosed stake in pharmaceutical firm Roche, makes the list, but her eight relatives who, with a nonprofit foundation, share a multi-billion fortune do not. In some cases we list siblings together if the ownership breakdown among them isn’t clear, but here, too, they must be worth a minimum of $2 billion together, or equivalent to $1 billion apiece, to make the cut. We split up these fortunes when we get better information, as we did with the Canada’s Irving brothers this year. Children are listed with their parents when one person is the founder and in control. Those fortunes are identified as “& family.”

We do not include royal family members or dictators who derive their fortunes entirely as a result of their position of power, nor do we include royalty who, often with large families, control the riches in trust for their nation. Over the years Forbes has valued the fortunes of these wealthy despots, dictators and royals but have listed them separately as they do not truly reflect individual, entrepreneurial wealth that could be passed down to a younger generation or truly given away.

Our estimates are a snapshot of wealth on Feb. 12, when we locked in stock prices and exchange rates from around the world. If a stock market wasn’t open on that day, the stock price is from the previous trading day.


Source: Inside The 2014 Forbes Billionaires List: Facts And Figures - Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/sites/luisakroll/2014/03/03/inside-the-2014-forbes-billionaires-list-facts-and-figures/)

[gatherer47]

Gracie-"sit on the potty every morning?"-surely you jest?-that's why we love you Gracie-great statement

[Quietman]

I believe that the Morses are part of a "closely held" corporation with no stocks or anything that must be made public. This way they keep a low profile (unless someone hacks the IRS)

[Villages PL]

After reading all the above posts, I found it interesting how the conversation drifted to whether or not they did good things or are worthy of having so much money. No one said they didn't do good things and no one said they're not worthy. But some chose to defend the developer anyway, just in case. :ho:

[graciegirl]

After reading all the above posts, I found it interesting how the conversation drifted to whether or not they did good things or are worthy of having so much money. No one said they didn't do good things and no one said they're not worthy. But some chose to defend the developer anyway, just in case. :ho:


Well ya never know. Kinda like the palace guard, don'tcha know?:ho:

[2BNTV]

Well, I'm guilty of the charge but not repentent!!! :smiley:

[DougB]

Actually it isn't. I know of several folks who threatened to sue if their names appeared on the list.

I didn't actually say I would sue!

[looneycat]

who really cares what lists they're on ????