2 Michigan families among richest in America, according to Forbes

The DeVos and Van Andel families of Michigan are among the wealthiest families in the United States, according to the latest Forbes rankings of the 400 richest Americans.

The DeVos Family
- The DeVos family, founders of direct-selling giant Amway, have a net worth estimated at $8.5 billion, making them the 24th richest family in the country.
- The family's wealth is primarily derived from their ownership stake in Amway, the multi-level marketing company co-founded by Richard DeVos Sr. and Jay Van Andel in 1959.
- Richard DeVos Jr., the son of Amway's co-founder, has an estimated net worth of $5.4 billion, making him the 78th richest person in America.
- The DeVos family is known for their philanthropic efforts, having donated billions to education, health care, and the arts over the years.

The Van Andel Family
- The Van Andel family, also co-founders of Amway, have a net worth estimated at $5.8 billion, making them the 36th richest family in the U.S.
- Jay Van Andel, the co-founder of Amway, had an estimated net worth of $5 billion before his death in 2004.
- The Van Andel family's wealth is primarily derived from their ownership stake in Amway, as well as other investments and real estate holdings.
- The family is known for their philanthropic efforts, having donated extensively to various causes, including medical research and education.

Both the DeVos and Van Andel families have leveraged their wealth from Amway to become two of the wealthiest families in the United States, according to the latest Forbes rankings.