10 Business Icons Who've Lived the American Dream

WalletPop Editor

Filed under: Employment & Careers, Weird & Wonderful

By Drea Knufken
Minyanville

It would be a stretch to claim that the American dream is thriving. As income studies have proven, inequality is widening with every generation, and the opportunity to work hard, get an education, and overcome poverty is simply not presenting itself to as many of us.

And yet the idea of the dream remains entrenched in the American psyche. Some 70% of those surveyed last year by the Pew Economic Mobility Project believe that the dream is still "very much" or "somewhat" alive, even though 59% say it will be "somewhat" or "much" harder for their children to live it.

So what fuels our belief in against-the-odds success? In part, we are motivated by stories of those who have lived the dream, whether as artists, athletes, intellectuals, or in the case of the 10 icons featured here, business and innovation. These individuals have arrived at their current stations after pushing past obstacles such as homelessness, political strife, and personal tragedy. Many would argue that their achievements would not have been possible anywhere but here. Have a look at their stories and see if they don't inspire you: