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There are some people who are born wealthy and then
there are some who become rich. Let's take a look at some people who
grew up in poverty, but turned their lives around. And what was the
reason behind how their life totally changed at one point of time? From
being poor and unknown to say, being wealthy and/or well-known?
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1. Roman Abramovich
Roman Abramovich is an Oil and aluminum tycoon who is worth $11.2
billion. Steel tycoon's parents both died by the time he was 4 years
old. He was raised by relatives. After brief stretch in Soviet military,
sold plastic ducts from his apartment. Participated in controversial
Russian oil export deals before taking over oil outlet Sibneft in 1995.
Flipped it to Russia’s Gazprom for $13 billion a decade later. Bought
stake in steel giant Evraz. Soccer fan owns U.K.’s Chelsea club; also
world's biggest yacht. Divorced twice, had his sixth child with his
girlfriend in December. |
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2. John Paul DeJoria
John Paul DeJoria got $4 billion. Ever heard the name Paul Mitchell?
Yes, he is the con-founder of this popular hair brand products. Once
sold cards and newspapers to help support his single mother. She later
sent him to foster care when she couldn't support him. Homeless for a
time, living in his car and pushing hair care products door-to-door.
With $700 cofounded own line of hair care products, John Paul Mitchell
Systems, in 1980. Later pioneered high-end tequila market with Patron
distillery. Launched ultra-posh Ultimat vodka line last year. Now
frequents red carpet events, flashing peace sign for paparazzi. |
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3. Leonardo Del Vecchio
Leonardo Del Vecchio is the founder of Luxottica eyeglasses and his net
worth stands around $10.5 billion. One of five children, he was raised
in an orphanage after widowed mother couldn't support him. Worked in a
factory making molds for auto parts, eyeglass frames; severed part of
his finger. At age 23 opened own molding shop, making eyeglass frames.
Now his Luxottica is worlds largest maker of sunglasses and prescription
eyewear sold under such brands as Ray-Ban, Oakley. Also operates more
than 6,000 retail outlets through Sunglass Hut and LensCrafters shops. |
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4. Larry Ellison
Larry Ellison is the genius person behind the success of Oracle software
company and his wealth is close to $28 billion. His single teenage
mother who gave birth to Ellison in the Bronx sent him to live in
Chicago with his aunt and uncle, who later adopted him. He dropped out
of college reportedly after his adoptive mother died. Founded Oracle in
1977, now one of the world’s biggest software companies. Got $130
million pay package in 2009, making him second-highest-paid CEO in the
U.S., according to our recent compensation survey. Sailing buff owns
mega-yacht and won latest America's Cup. |
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5. Micky Jagtiani
Micky Jagtiani is the creator of Landmark retail empire and he got $2.8
billion in his bank. Failing accounting student dropped out of school to
drive a taxi and clean hotel rooms in London. Moved to Bahrain shortly
before his only brother died of leukemia. Diabetic father died within
months, and mother died of cancer a year later. Family-less at 21,
Jagtiani took over brother's retail space in Bahrain and spent his
$6,000 inheritance on baby merchandise in 1973. Expanded single store
into $2.5 billion (sales) diversified retail empire Landmark.
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6. Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs, will probably be the most famous guy along with Bill Gates.
Not because Steve Jobs is the richest person, although he is one of the
richest person with his net worth about $5.5 billion, but because he is
a co-founder of Apple. Just think iPod and iPhone. San Francisco native
was adopted by a working-class couple and grew up in nearby Santa Clara,
Calif. Dropped out of Reed College when he couldn't afford tuition but
continued auditing classes. Jobs started Apple computer outlet in
parents's garage in 1976. Fired after power struggle 1985. Started Pixar.
Returned to Apple 1996. Health of revered chief executive has been
scrutinized after he took leave of absence for a liver transplant. Back
now, leading continued expansion in music and media through devices and
software including iPod, iTunes and new iPad.
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