Discover the inspiring stories of successful entrepreneurs and executives in our collection of captivating business biographies.
Mary Kay Ash drew on decades in direct sales to start a cosmetics company in 1963. Her approach to recognition and women’s work helped build an international business, while its independent-sales model attracted criticism.
Reginald H. Jones rose through the ranks of General Electric to become its chairman and chief executive. His career reveals how he managed the pressures of the 1970s, shaped GE’s planning system, and prepared a change in leadership.
Richard L. Gelb began at the hair-coloring company founded by his parents and rose to lead Bristol-Myers. His career included the company’s shift toward health care, the 1989 Squibb merger, and support for research and education.
Richard Jenrette co-founded Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, guided Equitable through a major restructuring, and built a lasting historic-preservation organization. His life connected investment research, corporate change, and American architecture.
Roberto C. Goizueta joined Coca-Cola as a chemist in Havana and eventually led the company through Diet Coke, the New Coke reversal, and a far-reaching reorganization of its bottling network. His career combined major financial gains with visible risks and criticism.
Thomas Adams Jr. helped his father bring chicle chewing gum to market, carried it into drugstores, and pioneered machine-based sales. He later led Adams & Sons and served as chairman of American Chicle during a turbulent manufacturing era.
Warren Buffett began managing investments through an Omaha partnership and later led Berkshire Hathaway for decades. His life story follows Benjamin Graham, Charlie Munger, major business decisions, acknowledged mistakes, philanthropy, and the 2026 succession.
Carl H. Lindner Jr. helped launch United Dairy Farmers and built a Cincinnati-centered financial business. His life also encompassed Chiquita’s troubles, ownership of the Cincinnati Reds, and substantial local philanthropy.
Charles Lazarus transformed a Washington baby-furniture business into Toys “R” Us. His life story follows the rise of the self-service toy superstore, international expansion, and the chain’s struggles under later leadership.
Charles Revson co-founded Revlon with Joseph Revson and Charles Lachman in 1932. His career took the company from distinctive nail enamel to international cosmetics, while family disputes, television controversy and philanthropy shaped his legacy.