According to a recent story that was published on October 4, 2023, "Mississippi Brothers James and Thomas Duff are on the Forbes list of "The 400 Richest People in America."
These two Columbia, Mississippi natives have previously landed themselves on that list among Americas' most wealthy and have since 2009 continued to maintain that status while growing their net worth with each passing year. Currently, they are the richest people in the entire state and the only Mississippians who have made that list this year and they are also listed as the top 1001 and 1002 richest people in the world with a collective revenue of approximately $5 billion.
The Duff brothers employ approximately 15,000 people in total under the umbrella of Duff Capital Investors.
For a state that is plagued by poverty and all sorts of other disparity, Tommy Duff and his brother James have managed to turn their life story into a unique and inspiring one, especially compared to many other Mississippians. They have long by now reached a level of success that allows them to pay it forward by creating opportunities for other Mississippians to succeed alongside them.
Whether it is their involvement in the field of education or as entrepreneurs and businessmen, these brothers have the ability to give Mississippi something that we can always use more of - jobs. Direct, induced or indirect, the careers that come out of the companies that the Duff brothers own are no doubt making a difference in many lives across our state and even our nation.
Those companies and their employees also produce products and provide services that Americans will always need more of. Among all of the companies they own and operate, tires and transportation are their main draw.
Originally from Marion County, Tommy Duff resides in the greater Hattiesburg area and he is an active member of the community here in the Pine Belt. In 2015 he was appointed by former Govoner Phil Bryant to serve on the board for the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning for a term that is set to expire in 2024.
During his time on that board, he has played a key role in the activities that go on at our public universities here in Mississippi, including but not limited to donating millions of dollars to fund new programs and projects. It comes at no surprise at all that there are entire buildings named after him and his brother, like the athletic building sitting in the end-zone at the "The Rock" football stadium on the Southern Miss campus.
In addition to serving on the IHL board, Tommy Duff also serves on the board for the private investor owned utility company known as Mississippi Power, which services electricity to a great deal of the southern region.
According to the Institution of Higher Learning website, "Mr. Duff received his bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Southern Mississippi and is a dedicated supporter of higher education. The Duffs have made significant contributions to elevate educational opportunities in Mississippi as evidenced by the centers located on three university campuses: The Jim and Thomas Duff Athletic Center at the University of Southern Mississippi, the Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation at the University of Mississippi and the Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities and Department of Kinesiology at Mississippi State University."
Just recently, Tommy Duff was in attendance for the inauguration of the new president of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he gave a brief speech and then stood front and center on stage alongside other members of IHL while Dr. Joe Paul was officially adorned with the "chain of office," a one of a kind hand crafted sterling silver chain made by Parris Jewelers using the original presidential medalion. That ceremony was held at the Bennett Auditorium located on the USM Hattiesburg campus just one day after the news broke about him and his brother making this year's list as the richest people in Mississippi.
The University of Southern Mississippi has been under fire for several years now due to an audit and investigation, initiated by the office of state auditor Shad White, involving former NFL quarterback Brett Favre. This widespread welfare scandal is the largest fraud bust in the states history.
According to the findings, which are still developing as we speak, funds that should have been earmarked for our states most needy citizens were instead funneled through the hands of various non-profits and eventually, tens of millions of dollars landed at the University of Southern Mississippi's Hattiesburg campus and manifested itself in the form of a brand-new volleyball stadium.
According to Forbes, "brothers James and Thomas Duff cofounded and co-own Duff Capital Investors, a holding company with total revenue of more than $5 billion from more than 20 businesses". A holding company is a company that is created for the sole purpose of buying and controlling the shares and money of other businesses. In the case of the Duff brothers, their businesses include 20 or more companies, with Southern Tire Mart being the anchor and most successful of them all.
According to their website, Duff Capital Investors owns the following: Southern Tire Mart, Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J, KLMM, Frozen Food Express, TLC Wallace Construction, Deep Well Energy Services, Courtesy Ford, Pine Belt Chevorlet Buik, Pine Belt Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Pine Belt Honda, Toyota of Brookhaven, Toyota of Meridian, Southern Insurance Group, Industrial Chemical Solutions, Magnolia Grille, Magnolia Inn & Suites, Ecoshield Transport, Equipment Solutions, Koolshot Expedited, Duff Real Estate, Deep Well Equipment Renters, Investment Transport Services, Transport Risk Solutions and Earthworx Realty.
