These men are all proof that working hard and knowing yourself is a path to riches. From orphanages and living on the streets these men became some of the wealthiest men in the world. These businessmen are the literal rags to riches stories that provide the inspiration for everyone else. Some of them went right into the business that made them rich while others tried a number of different avenues before finding the one that made them a fortune.
1. Chris Gardner
billionsuccess.com
One of the most inspirational rags to riches stories, Chris Gardner was kicked out of his home by his abusive step father. He joined the Navy and then became a medical supplies salesman. However he wanted to make a better life for his family so he began a journey to become a stockbroker. During which he was homeless, sleeping in subway bathrooms and he still managed to pass his licensing exam and get employment at Bear Sterns. His life became the subject of “The Pursuit of Happiness.”
2. Ingvar Kamprad
entrepreneurwiki.com
Ingvar Kamprad grew up on a farm but always had his sights on something bigger. He started his business career as a young boy buying packs of matches and selling them individually. He expanded his enterprises to include other small items. When his father gave him a bonus for good grades he used that to create a mail order business. He grew that business into what is now Ikea and Ingvar Kamprad has a net worth of $3 billion.
3. Sheldon Adelson
www.ealuxe.com
The son of an immigrant taxi driver Sheldon lived in a small one bedroom tenement with his parents and three siblings. At the age of 12 he began selling newspapers and then at 16 he started a candy-vending machine business. He continued trying a number of different enterprises before getting his biggest break through a computer trade show. He then purchased the Sands and the Venetian to get himself a net worth of $21.8 billion.
4. Leonardo Del Vecchio
www.7gnow.com
Leonardo Del Vecchio came from the most humble of beginnings. He was sent to a orphanage when his mother was unable to provide for all five of her children. He went to work in a factory that made auto molds and molds for sunglasses. He worked hard and bought his own mold factory at the age of 23. He expanded his factory and became the world’s largest maker of sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses. His net worth is around $11 billion.
5. John Paul Dejoria
www.inc.com
The son of immigrants who divorced when he was two, John Paul sold Christmas cards to help support his family before he was even 10. He was sent to a foster home and later joined an L.A. gang. He tried his hand at the military and then working at a Redken Laboratories. Taking a gamble he took out a $700 loan and created John Paul Mitchell systems. He was so sure of his product that he sold it door to door and lived out of his car. His shampoo was a success and his company is now worth $900 million annually. He can also be credited with creating Patron Tequila.
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