Thomas J. Watson

About

Turned International Business Machines (IBM) into a force with which to be reckoned while chairman and CEO from 1914 until 1956. He was one of the richest men of his time. He used punched card tabulating machines to find success. 

Before Fame

He worked as a bookkeeper and also helped out on the family farm.

Trivia

He was named one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century as well as the greatest capitalist in history. 

Family Life

He had four successful children with his wife Jeanette Kittredge.

Associated With

His son Thomas Jr. served as U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union while Jimmy Carter was President.