A Self-Made Tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt once said himself that "[he's] not so much interested in making money as [he's interested in] making the [ his] point and come out ahead” (1). Cornelius Vanderbilt, the first of the five tycoons of America, established himself as a self-made man. His only desire was to be ahead of his competitors and, being able of using both his wits and his entrepreneurial tactics, he was able to create his own successful career and legacy. Starting from the beginning, the young Vanderbilt was able to start his own business. Vanderbilt decided to start his own ferry service with the loan he received by working through his mother, who was later able to repay the amount tenfold. With the one hundred dollars he managed to obtain, by clearing and planting an eight-acre field, Vanderbilt purchased two. small ships and transported cargo and passengers from Manhattan to Staten Island. The young Vanderbilt quickly realized that steamboats were the predominant means of transportation at the time because he knew that water was the fastest transportation available. Even though he was uneducated, he was able to use his earnings to start a business with the potential for greater profits. Even early on, Vanderbilt was on his way to becoming a successful entrepreneur. This action shows that Vanderbilt proved to be reliable and efficient right from the start. Despite not having a rich upbringing, he was able to start his own business through hard work. He also prospered at the age of 18 during the War of 1812. He realized there was an opportunity for expansion and so received a contract to supply the forts around New Yo... mid-card... ....not be where it is today. Through the various companies and associations he created with steamboats and railroads, it was only possible because of Vanderbilt's hard work and innovative ideas. He was the first tycoon to completely change the way steamships and railroads operated, which ultimately led to a rise in the Industrial Revolution and so on. Although he may not have had a wealthy education, Cornelius Vanderbilt surpassed any wealthy person of the time. It is through hard work that great results can be achieved. Works Cited 1) "Cornelius Vanderbilt." - New World Encyclopedia. MediaWiki and Web. May 12, 2014.2) Poole, Keith T. "Cornelius Vanderbilt Page." Cornelius Vanderbilt Page. Np, 1997. Web. May 12, 2014.3) Stiles, T. J. The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. Print.