Biography on CNBC uncovers the passion and drive that helped build the world's largest companies.

Hear personal stories from icons like Sam Walton, the man behind the superstore Walmart, that employs more than two million people worldwide. Ray Kroc, creator one of the most recognizable brands of all time and Henry Ford, who revolutionized manufacturing with his creation of the modern assembly line.

Biography on CNBC explores the events that made the American Dream possible for these business legends and takes an in-depth look at what lies behind the industry greats and legendary companies.

Rachael Ray

A small town girl dreamed of the bright lights in New York City and found a chance of a lifetime.  With Rachael Ray’s passion for food and exposure on television in a few years she became a well known chef, television personality and author.

How did Oprah help to jumpstart Rachel Ray's career?  

Current DateTime: 02:52:10 24 Nov 2009
LinksList Documentid: 33089564

• How Rachael Ray got her shot 
• The Oprah Effect

Bill Gates

Bill Gates is best known as a business mogul, philanthropist and chairman of Microsoft.  Gates was a shy computer-obsessed teenager who built an empire by thinking way out of the box and ended up one of the richest men in the world.

What made Microsoft founder Bill Gates drop out of Harvard before his senior year?

Current DateTime: 02:52:10 24 Nov 2009
LinksList Documentid: 33089567

• Slideshow: The Billionaire Philanthropist
• Bill Gates first encounter with a computer 
• Bill and Melinda Gates on America's School System