Gary Hoover
Gary Hoover has founded several businesses, each with the core value of education. He founded BOOKSTOP, the first chain of book superstores, which was purchased by Barnes & Noble and became the nucleus for their chain. He co-founded the company that became Hoover’s, Inc. – one of the world’s largest sources of information about companies, now owned by Dun & Bradstreet. Gary Hoover has in recent years focused on writing (multiple books, blogs) and teaching. He served as the first Entrepreneur-In-Residence at the University of Texas’ McCombs School of Business. He has been collecting information on business history since the age of 12, when he started subscribing to Fortune Magazine. An estimated 40% of his 57,000-book personal library is focused on business, industrial, and economic history and reference. Gary Hoover has given over 1000 speeches around the globe, many about business history, and all with historical references.
Conrad Hilton: The Dreamer Who Conquered an Industry
Conrad Hilton left his hometown of San Antonio, New Mexico at the age of 31 to buy a bank in Texas—oil country. But after Hilton found a bank to purchase in Cisco, the owner raised the price at the last minute. Refusing to buy the bank, Hilton headed to a local, run-down hotel to spend the night. After seeing all of the traffic at the hotel, Hilton inquired about buying it instead. That hotel, The Mobley, would be the first in an expansive business empire.
From One Woman’s Passion to Cosmetics Empire: The Estée Lauder Story
Today, the Estée Lauder Companies have become among the most important cosmetics companies in the world—against huge odds and well-established competitors. Estée Lauder was a very real person, born...
The Greatest Technology Entrepreneur in U.S. History? George Eastman
The technologies of today are built upon those of the past, and the superstars of our era would be nothing without the great leaders of the past. We often...
J. C. Penney, the Man: A Life of Perpetual Sharing
From inauspicious beginnings rose one of the great entrepreneurs in American history, a man with unusual dedication and exceptionally high ideals. James Cash Penney, Jr., was born September 16,...
Madam C. J. Walker: The Ultimate Self-Made Woman
The third installment of American Originals highlights the amazing story of Sarah Breedlove, better known as Madam C. J. Walker. She would go from humble beginnings as the daughter of freed slaves to founder of one of the largest hair care and cosmetic companies of the era. Madam C. J. Walker was also a generous philanthropist and used her success to help others overcome adversity and achieve their American Dreams.
Adolph Zukor: The Outsider Whose Vision Changed the Way We See
Adolph Zukor landed on the shores of America with just $40 and ultimately built the empire which we know today as Paramount Pictures. His legacy is one of anticipating the trends, taking innovative risks, and investing in the lives of other leaders — even his competitors.
