Mark K. Harder

Powerball Winner • MI • 2024

Jackpot (2024$)

$842,400,000

lump sum

Age at Win

62

Trusts & Estates Attorney

Summary

The Breakfast Club won $842.4M on New Years Day 2024, the first January 1 Powerball jackpot ever. They waited 5.5 months, used Michigans club loophole to stay anonymous.

Quick Facts

Win Date
January 1, 2024
State
MI
Winner Type
syndicate
Ticket Type
Quick Pick
Payment Choice
lump sum
After Tax
$305M

Timeline

W
Jan 1, 2024win

First-ever New Years Day Powerball jackpot

$842,400,000

Notable Quotes

"continue working for a while longer"

**Privacy Strategy:** Hired a PR team to vet their social media profiles to ensure they wouldn't accidentally reveal their identities

"He didn't indicate what he would do with his own winnings"

**Personal Note:** Avid Disney World fan; has visited 23 of 30 MLB stadiums with his father

"syndicate best practices"

✅ **Syndicate Comparison** — Strong data for comparing group structure, legal agreements, and conflict avoidance

"He looked up the ticket numbers on his phone, and he was so stunned he dropped his phone."

How They Found Out

On Jan 2, 2024, husband saw news that winning ticket sold at Food Castle. Checked numbers on phone and DROPPED IT in shock. Both spouses still went to work that day as normal.

Research Quality: medium Last Updated: 6/11/2024Years Tracked: 1