Bill Perkins is a highly successful American hedge fund manager, high-stakes poker player, and film producer, with an estimated net worth of $500 million.
His wealth comes from his extensive career in energy trading, hedge fund management, poker earnings, and film production.
Career and Hedge Fund Management
Bill Perkins’ journey to building his impressive fortune began with his education and early work in the energy industry.
He graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in electrical engineering, but he quickly shifted his focus to finance and trading.
Perkins worked for various energy companies, including El Paso, Statoil (now Equinor ASA), and AIG. His career culminated in him founding and managing his own energy hedge fund, Skylar Capital, which is based in Houston.
Perkins’ expertise in energy trading, particularly in managing large portfolios of energy commodities, laid the foundation for his substantial wealth.
Over the years, Perkins has become known for making highly strategic investments and turning large profits, contributing significantly to his net worth.
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Success in Poker
In addition to his career in finance, Bill Perkins has earned millions from high-stakes poker tournaments.
His passion for poker stems from his background in making calculated investments, which aligns with the strategic thinking required in poker.
Perkins is particularly known for his participation in elite poker events such as the World Series of Poker, the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, and the Triton Million.
His major poker win came in 2013, when he finished in third place at the $111,111 One Drop High Roller event, earning nearly $2 million.
In 2019, he continued his poker success by earning over $2.6 million from a sixth-place finish at the Triton Million in London, a tournament with a total prize pool of over $65 million. These accomplishments contributed heavily to his overall wealth.
Film Production and Investments
Bill Perkins is also a notable figure in the entertainment industry, particularly in film production.
He ventured into the film world in 2009, producing movies such as After.Life (starring Justin Long and Christina Ricci) and The Baytown Outlaws. These projects helped diversify his income and further boosted his net worth.
In addition to his film production efforts, Perkins has made significant investments in art. One of his most famous purchases was the acquisition of Ernie Barnes’ “The Sugar Shack” painting in 2022, for a record $15.2 million.
Originally expected to sell for only $150,000 to $200,000, this purchase further solidified Perkins’ reputation as a savvy investor.
Author and Entrepreneur
In 2020, Bill Perkins wrote the book Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life, which became a bestseller on Amazon.
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In the book, he emphasizes the importance of maximizing memorable life experiences rather than simply accumulating wealth.
His unique perspective on money and life experiences resonated with many, adding another layer to his financial success.
Personal Life and Wealth Management
While much of his wealth comes from his financial ventures and poker earnings, Perkins is also known for his strategic thinking and wealth management practices.
He advocates for the concept of “experience bucketing,” which involves prioritizing life experiences over material wealth accumulation. His philosophy on wealth and living a fulfilling life is reflected in his personal life and the choices he makes with his money.
Family and Relationships
Bill Perkins has been married to professional dancer Lara Sebastian since their engagement in 2020. Though they are not yet officially married, they are likely married, as Perkins had his bachelor party in 2022. Perkins was previously married to Stephanie Park, with whom he has two daughters.
