I doubt it benefitted society in the least, but it bought them tremendous political influence. I grew up not far from where they are located. They kept a low profile for years, or tried to, but they are very influential in the region. I don't recall the name of the guy, but one is a big Trump donor. People were angry 4 years ago when he held a fundraiser at his mansion where Trump was in attendance. Traffic on those small roads were apparently a disaster.