NON-COLLEGE-DEGREE STREET SMART PEOPLE:

MARY KAY ASH (1918-2001) The founder of Mary Kay inc.started a cosmetics business. While she didn’t have a college education or any training, she successfully created a brand known throughout the world. To date, nearly half a million woman have started Mary Kay business, selling cosmetics.

SIMON COWELL (1959-present) Simon cowell started in a mail room for a music publishing company. He has since become an artist and repertoire (A&R) executive for Sony BMG in the UK, and a television producer and judge for major television talent contests including American Idol.

RACHAEL RAY (1968-present) Despite having no formal training in culinary arts, Rachel Ray has made a name for herself in the food industry, with numerous shows on the Food Network, a talk show and cook books, high energy Rachel doesn’t slow down. She has also appeared in magazines as well has having her own magazine debut in 2006. She knew she was a success when a website dedicated to bashing her was created.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT (1867-1959) America’s most famous architect, having never attended high school, Frank Lloyd Wright surpassed all odds when he became the most influential architect of the twentieth century. Wright designed more than 1,100 projects with about half actually being built. His designs have inspired numerous architects to look at the beauty around them and add to it.

HARRY TRUMAN (1884-1972) Harry Truman was the thirty-third president of the United States. Some historians would argue that he was one the best presidents in the twentieth century. Taught to read at the age of five by his mother, Truman graduated from high school but elected to work instead of going to college. He spent a year attending law school in Kansas City before going into politics. Imagine the controversy that would ensue if today a Harry Truman or an Abraham Lincoln were to attempt to run for president without a college degree.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1809-1865) Abraham Lincoln failed twice in business before he was 25 years old, had a nervous breakdown and failed in seeking public office eight times before becoming the sixteenth president of the United States. Lincoln was a self-educated lawyer with less than a year of formal schooling. He is said to have walked for miles in pursuit of books, and, although he wasn’t a voracious reader, he set out to thoroughly understand everything he did read.

RAY KROC (1902-1984) Founder of McDonalds Corporation, Kroc lied about his age at 15 to drive an ambulance during World War II, he founded the McDonalds hamburger chain at age 52.

STEVEN JOBS (1955-present) Co-founder of Apple Computer, Inc., co-designer of the apple 11, owner of Pixar Animation Studios, CEO of NEXT Computer Inc., current acting CEO of Apple Computer, and oh yes, college dropout worth millions.

HENRY FORD (1863-1947) Henry ford attended school until the age of 15. He satisfied his curiosity about mechanics by repairing watches. A self-taught engineer he founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903 and the rest is history.

BILL GATES (1955-present) If he’s not the most famous college dropout in American history, he is for sure the wealthiest. Bill Gates as if you didn’t know is co-founder of Microsoft and easily the richest man in the world.

THOMAS EDISON (1847-1931) Thought by some of his teachers to be too stupid for school, Thomas Edison was taught at home by his mother in his early years. Eventually this self-taught scientist would himself become the big bang of technology, holding more than 1000 patents and pioneering such technology as the electric light and the phonograph.

ALBERT EINSTEIN (1879-1955) It is common knowledge that Albert Einstein dropped out of high school, but he did eventually go back and finish his formal education. In every sense, though he was a self -educated man.

MICHAEL DELL (1965-present) College dropout and richest man in Texas. With $1000, dedication and desire Michael Dell dropped out of college at age 19 after one semester to start PC’s Limited, later named Dell, Inc. Dell became the most profitable PC manufacturer in the world. Would you hire this dropout at your high tech company or would you require an MBA?

WALT DISNEY (1901-1966) Having dropped out of high school at 16, Walt Disney’s career and accomplishments are astounding. The most influential animator, Disney holds the record for the most awards and nominations. Disney’s imagination included cartoons and theme parks. The Walt Disney Company now has annual revenue of $30 billion.

ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL (1847-1922) Self taught inventor of the telephone and telegraph. His college experience consisted only of attending a few lectures.

WALLY AMOS (1936-present) Armed with a GED and enthusiasm a mile wide, Wally Amos became a winning show business agent for the William Morris agency and the most successful chocolate chip cookie entrepreneur in America.