Biography on CNBC

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J.Willard Marriott Tuesday, 28 Aug 2012 | 1:47 PM ET

Marriott started his career with an A&W root beer stand which led to a successful career in the food service and restaurant business. He was one of the first to supply food to airlines for its passengers. If that wasn't enough at the age of 57 he opened his first hotel. With a combination of hard work and motivation, J. Willard Marriott created a worldwide hospitality empire.

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Sears Tuesday, 28 Aug 2012 | 3:30 PM ET

In 1886, a Minnesota railroad agent Richard Sears came across some fast cash and an idea to market products that people needed. That great idea and excellent marketing strategy was the start of Sears becoming a billion dollar retailing giant.
Dave Thomas Monday, 27 Aug 2012 | 2:57 PM ET

Dave Thomas lived an unhappy and underprivileged childhood but his burning ambition lead him to the American dream.His marketing genius made Wendy's one of the country's most successful fast food restaurant chains.
Sam Walton Tuesday, 28 Aug 2012 | 3:35 PM ET

Sam Walton was America's bargain basement billionaire. His secret to success was deceptively simple…sell things cheaper, much cheaper. More than a decade after his death, his legacy lives on — Walmart, his discount empire, is still the world's largest retailer.