6 Billionaires Who Grew up in Poverty
We all want to do well in our careers in the future, live comfortably, give back to our community, and give our family’s everything they deserve. Sometimes, it’s difficult to see our path to success because it may seem so far ahead or unreachable. To give you a little push, here is a list of some of the world's richest BILLIONAIRES that initially were living in poverty. Who knows? You might even be surprised to see a couple of these people on here…
1. Howard Schultz
One word: Starbucks. Howard Schultz grew up in a housing complex for the poor. He was able to attend the University of Northern Michigan by winning a football scholarship and then working for Xerox after graduation. He took on Starbucks, turning it from 60 shops to 16,000 worldwide. I know I speak for all coffee lovers out there when I say, Howard, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Net worth: $2.9 Billion
2. John Paul DeJoria
From foster homes, to being part of a gang, to then joining the military, John Paul DeJoria is most notable for John Paul Mitchell hair products and the very loved Patron Tequila. I believe another thanks is in order!
Net worth: $3 Billion
3. Do Won Chang
Coming from Korea with his wife, Do Won worked 3 jobs in order to make ends meet, one being as a janitor. Three years later they had enough to open their own store and now they have over 480 stores world wide. You might have heard of them- Forever21?
Net worth: 5.4 Billion
4. Ralph Lauren
Ralph graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx where he then started working at Brooks Brothers. His innovative eye lead him to sell thousands of dollars in ties that were able to help him start Polo.
Net worth: $6.4 Billion
5. Francois Pinault
Francois Pinault was bullied so harshly in high school it caused him to drop out. His hard work and smart tactics lead him to start up PPR, the company that owns a few notable brands- oh you know, Balenciaga, Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent (no big deal).
Net worth: $13.9 Billion
6. Leonardo Del Vecchio
Leonardo’s family was so poor he was sent to live in an orphanage at 7 years old because his mother could not take care of him. He then went on to work in a factory where he lost part of a finger which eventually lead up to him starting Luxottica, world’s largest manufacturer of sunglasses and prescription eyewear. He owns stores and brands like Sunglasses Hut, Lens Crafters, Ray-Ban and Oakley.
Net worth: $23.1 Billion
Moral of the story here? You never know where you will end up!