Ten of the most influential historical people in business
There are often people whose lessons, legacy, beliefs, and practices stand the test of time. We often are inspired by these people and sometimes don’t even know it.
This week's top ten recognizes the most influential historical figures in business:
Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919): A Scottish-American industrialist who founded the Carnegie Steel Company and became one of the wealthiest men of his time. Carnegie was a pioneer in the steel industry and is known for his philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of thousands of public libraries.
Henry Ford (1863-1947): An American industrialist who revolutionized the automobile industry with the development of the assembly line, making cars affordable and accessible to the average consumer.
John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937): An American industrialist who founded Standard Oil, which became the largest oil refinery in the world. Rockefeller is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest men in history.
Steve Jobs (1955-2011): The co-founder of Apple Inc., Jobs is known for his innovative products, including the Macintosh computer, the iPod, and the iPhone, which revolutionized the technology industry.
Thomas Edison (1847-1931): An American inventor and businessman who developed numerous important devices, including the phonograph and the light bulb. Edison is one of the most prolific inventors in history, with over 1,000 patents to his name.
J.P. Morgan (1837-1913): An American financier who played a major role in the development of the modern banking system. Morgan's business dealings helped shape the American economy and his influence extended beyond banking to include railroads, steel, and other industries.
Akio Morita (1921-1999): The co-founder of Sony Corporation, Morita is known for his innovative products, including the Walkman, which helped establish Sony as a global brand.
Sam Walton (1918-1992): The founder of Walmart, Walton revolutionized the retail industry with his focus on low prices and high volume. Walmart is now one of the largest companies in the world.
Warren Buffett (b. 1930): An American investor and philanthropist who is widely regarded as one of the most successful investors of all time. Buffett is the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, a conglomerate with interests in numerous industries.
Martha Stewart (b. 1941): An American businesswoman and media personality who built a lifestyle empire that includes magazines, television shows, and merchandise. Stewart is known for her focus on home decor, cooking, and entertaining, and is considered a pioneer in the lifestyle industry.
