John D. Rockefeller aged 18

At the age of 18, John D. Rockefeller, born on July 8, 1839, in Richford, New York, was just beginning his journey toward becoming one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in American history. In 1857, at 18, Rockefeller was working as a bookkeeper for a produce merchant in Cleveland, Ohio. It was in this role that he first demonstrated his business acumen, showing a remarkable ability to manage finances, keep precise records, and make strategic decisions.

Though still relatively young, Rockefeller had already developed an interest in business and entrepreneurship. In 1859, he made his first major business move by investing in the oil industry, marking the beginning of his long and successful career in oil. At this time, the oil business was still in its early stages, but Rockefeller quickly saw its potential for growth and began to build the foundation of what would become Standard Oil, the company that would dominate the American oil industry and revolutionize corporate America.

In his youth, Rockefeller displayed the determination, discipline, and ambition that would define his business career. By the time he was in his twenties, he had transitioned from a modest bookkeeper to a key player in one of the most powerful industries in the world. His relentless pursuit of success, combined with his innovative business strategies, helped him accumulate immense wealth and establish his legacy as one of the most influential businessmen in history.