Billionaire Heiress Lives Modestly Despite $22 Billion Fortune

Mitzi Perdue, the heiress to both the $10 billion Perdue Farms and the $12 billion Sheraton hotel empire, has a lifestyle that defies the typical billionaire stereotype. Born into the Sheraton hotel family, Perdue inherited her father Ernest Henderson’s controlling stake in the business at the age of 26. Her fortune grew further when she married Frank Perdue, the “chicken king” and founder of Perdue Farms. Despite her immense wealth, Perdue chooses to live a modest life, wearing hand-me-downs, riding the subway, and flying economy.

Perdue’s frugal lifestyle is a reflection of her upbringing. She grew up wearing hand-me-downs and attended public school for a period of her life. Her family did not encourage extravagance, and she continues to live modestly despite her wealth. She lives in a middle-class apartment building in Salisbury, Maryland, and frequently visits New York City, where she rides the subway instead of booking private cars. She also gets her shoes reupholstered instead of buying new pairs and avoids designer outfits, preferring to keep a low profile.

Perdue’s decision to live modestly is not just about her personal preferences, but also about her desire to understand the real world. She believes that living like a regular person helps her stay grounded and connected to the community. She has worked as a journalist covering farming practices and mental health, and has recently been involved in humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, selling her $1.2 million engagement ring to benefit the war-torn region. She is currently developing an AI trauma therapist for victims in Ukraine, which has lacked the resources to keep up with demand.

Perdue’s philosophy on wealth is that it should be used to serve others, not to indulge in luxuries. She believes that the joy of giving is more fulfilling than the emptiness of taking. She has lived a double life, having access to immense privilege and money from two business empires, while holding down a regular job and living frugally. She believes that family businesses that last for generations are a rarity, and that the key to their success is stewardship, not extravagance.

Perdue’s lifestyle is a testament to her belief that wealth should be used to serve others, not to indulge in luxuries. She has lived a double life, having access to immense privilege and money from two business empires, while holding down a regular job and living frugally. She believes that the joy of giving is more fulfilling than the emptiness of taking, and that family businesses that last for generations are a rarity, and that the key to their success is stewardship, not extravagance.