10 Wealthiest Americans and How They Got Rich #5

10 Wealthiest Americans and How They Got Rich #5


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5) Charles Koch

Charles Koch is an American business man and philanthropist. He is the co-owner, chairman of the board, and chief executive officer of Koch Industries. C. Koch holds 42% of the conglomerate, and inherited the business from his father, Fred Koch. The business was worth 21 million in 1961 and is worth over 100 billion dollars today. Originally the business was involved exclusively in oil refining and chemicals, but now includes process and pollution control equipment and technologies, polymers and fibers, minerals, fertilizers, commodity trading and services, forest and consumer products, and ranching. The businesses have a wide variety of well-known brands that include: Lycra, Quilted Northern tissue, Dixie cup, and more. While Charles did not start off from ground zero, he definitely took over his father’s business and created a masterpiece due to creative thinking and determination.