John D. Rockefeller

Both philanthropist and ruthless baron of the Standard Oil Company, Rockefeller became America’s first billionaire in 1916. At the time, Rockefeller was worth nearly 2 percent of the national economy, and adjusted for inflation, his fortune would be worth around $24 billion today. For richest-man Bezos to command a similar share of the economy today, he’d have to more than double his net worth to roughly $399.2 billion.

Rockefeller is believed to have been the wealthiest American in history. And thanks to his resolute leadership style, he’s also one of the most successful businessmen to ever live. In his book, “Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller Sr.,” the award-winning historian recounts Rockefeller’s various management principles, which not only helped him to revolutionize the petroleum industry, but propelled him to fame and fortune.

Full name: John Davison Rockefeller Sr.

Born: July 8, 1839, Richford, New York, U.S.

Died: May 23, 1937 (aged 97)

Company: Standard Oil, Exxon Mobil