Berry Gordy
Gordy had to overcome many obstacles in his life before becoming the record exec in charge of Motown Records, one of the world’s most famous labels. As a professional boxer, he tried to make a living with his hands, but his efforts were unsuccessful. His decision instead was to enlist in the military and go to war in Korea.
For him, his military duty was an unanticipated foundation for a successful music recording career. Before starting his record store, he used the money he obtained from being discharged from the military to fund his own record production, which eventually led to the creation of Motown. After that, the money started rolling in like clockwork.