CLAIM TO FAME: Once the highest-paid executive in the U.S., Pickens engineered the purchase of 11% of oil giant Gulf's stock. Mesa made about $800 million (U.S.) by selling the shares back at a substantial premium-a.k.a. "greenmail," a Pickens specialty.
WHERE HE IS NOW: At 74, Pickens has founded Mesa Water, which plans to build a $1-billion (U.S.) pipeline from the Ogallala Aquifer, an underground reservoir in Texas, to cities like Dallas and San Antonio. But first, Pickens has to find buyers and battle local authorities for control over the water supply. He's up for the challenge: "I just got remarried two years ago. Nelda [with T. Boone, at right]is 20 years younger than me and a happy and vivacious person. That's contributing to my energy level. I've got a lot to do and I don't intend to stop for a long time."