The traditional path to success often includes a complete education. We are taught to throw that graduation cap in the year to make it in this world. However, these entrepreneurs proved that success can happen without a diploma. Here are 15 business moguls who dropped out of high school, yet went on to build their own thriving empires.
1. Richard Branson
Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, controls more than 400 companies. Surprisingly, this successful business tycoon left school at the age of 16. His entrepreneurial journey began in the music industry when he used the money he earned working at a record store to start Virgin Records. This venture paved the way for a highly diversified empire including airlines and telecommunications.
2. David Karp
Millions of people are on social media. David Karp was on the cutting edge of social platforming when he founded Tumblr at the age of 21. This young entrepreneur was a high school dropout at 15, but he was always motivated by a passion for technology and programming. In many cases, these fields can be largely self-taught, illustrating that formal education isn’t the only path to tech success.
3. François Pinault
French billionaire François Pinault dropped out of high school in 1947 due to bullying. He later took over his family’s timber business and transformed it into a luxury goods group called Pinault S.A. This group now includes brands like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga. His story proves you never know where the road to success will lead.
4. Kirk Kerkorian
The late Kirk Kerkorian was known as “the father of the mega-resort.” He dropped out of school in the 8th grade and later made his fortune in Las Vegas. Kerkorian is behind some of the most iconic hotels and casinos on the Strip such as the MGM Grand. His investments extended beyond hospitality into airlines and the auto industry.
5. Henry Ford
Henry Ford was one of the most famous business moguls who dropped out of high school. Ford left his family farm at 16 to pursue an apprenticeship that he later quit. He founded Ford Motor Company and forever changed the automotive industry, making cars more affordable than ever before. Business as a whole wouldn’t be the same without assembly line production.
6. Amancio Ortega
Amancio Ortega, one of the wealthiest men in Europe, left school at 14 to work in a shirt store. He founded Zara in 1975, which became part of the largest apparel retailer, Inditex. Ortega’s hands-on experience in fashion retailing provided the practical skills he needed to succeed. He didn’t need a formal education to make success happen.
7. David H. Murdock
Not everyone who drops out in their freshman year goes on to be successful. David H. Murdock, who worked at a gas station in ninth grade, defied the odds by eventually acquiring Dole Food Company. His leadership transformed him into the world’s largest producer and marketer of fruits and vegetables. Dole Food Company supplies hundreds of products to grocery stores and restaurants around the country.
8. Ray Kroc
Have you ever seen the movie The Founder? In the film, we learn all about the brilliant business mind of Ray Kroc. Before he turned McDonald’s into a global franchise, Ray Kroc was a high school dropout who initially sold paper cups and then milkshake machines. His vision revolutionized the fast-food industry worldwide, proving that innovative ideas can come from anywhere.
9. Dave Thomas
Speaking of fast food, Dave Thomas is another successful entrepreneur who dropped out of high school. The founder of Wendy’s dropped out of high school at 15 to work full-time in the restaurant business. His focus on quality and customer service helped Wendy’s become a major player in the fast-food industry. Thomas later obtained a GED, proving it’s never too late to complete your education.
10. John D. Rockefeller Sr.
John D. Rockefeller Sr. is one of the most notable and wealthiest business tycoons in history. He became the founder of Standard Oil in 1870, building an empire that still affects life to this day. Surprisingly, Rockefeller completed only a short stint in bookkeeping school after leaving high school. His early start in the workforce helped him identify and capitalize on opportunities in the oil industry.
11. Michael Dell
Not everybody has to finish high school to make it in the world. Just look at Michael Dell who left high school to focus full-time on his burgeoning computer business. He founded Dell Technologies, which became one of the leading global technology providers. We are still relying on Dell laptops and other products to this day.
12. Walt Disney
Movies, TV shows, theme parks, merchandise…Disney is one of the largest brands in the world. The man behind the magic, Walt Disney, dropped out of high school at 16 to join the Army but was rejected for being underage. Instead, he joined the Red Cross and drove an ambulance in France. He later pursued a career in animation, which led to the creation of the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio in 1923.
13. Sheldon Adelson
If you’ve ever spent time in Las Vegas, you may have entered a casino started by the entrepreneur. A bona fide business magnate, Adelson dropped out of high school to pursue his interest in business. His ventures spanned many industries before he hit it big with the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino and later, the Las Vegas Sands Corp. Adelson’s story is one of persistence and keen business acumen.
14. Jack Kent Cooke
Jack Kent Cooke, a Canadian-American business tycoon, dropped out of high school early to work in various sales jobs. He later owned sports teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Washington Redskins. Through his involvement in professional sports, Cooke essentially built a broadcasting empire. We enjoy live games and expert commentary thanks in large part to Cooke’s influence.
15. Joe Lewis
Joe Lewis left school at 15 to help run his family’s catering business, Tavistock Banqueting. He is now a billionaire investor! Lewis is most famous for his foreign exchange market expertise. The Tavistock Group manages investments and offshore accounts in a variety of sectors.
Too Cool for School
You can follow in the footsteps of these business moguls who dropped out of high school. However, reaching the same level of success is not guaranteed. In most cases, having an education puts you in a better position for career advancement and opportunities down the road. A diploma isn’t the only means to achieve success. Sometimes it just takes hard work, drive, and the ability to not accept “no” for an answer.
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Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.