Date of Birth: May 22, 1928
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: September 11, 2019
Biography
Thomas Boone Pickens Jr., better known as T. Boone Pickens, was an American business magnate, financier, and philanthropist. Born in Holdenville, Oklahoma, he grew up during the Great Depression, which instilled in him a keen sense for business and investment from an early age. Pickens attended Texas A&M on a basketball scholarship but later transferred to Oklahoma State University, where he earned a degree in geology in 1951. Pickens began his career at Phillips Petroleum, but in 1956, he founded Mesa Petroleum, an oil and gas company that he would grow into one of the largest independent oil companies in the United States. Known for his aggressive and often controversial business tactics, Pickens gained notoriety in the 1980s for his corporate raiding and takeover bids. In addition to his business ventures, Pickens was a dedicated philanthropist, donating nearly $1 billion to various causes, including education, medical research, and athletics. He was also an advocate for alternative energy and founded the Pickens Plan, which aimed to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.
5 Interesting Facts about T. Boone Pickens
1. T. Boone Pickens was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity during his time at Oklahoma State University.
2. He authored two books: “Boone” in 1987 and “The First Billion is the Hardest” in 2008.
3. Pickens was a strong supporter of Oklahoma State University, donating over $500 million to the institution over his lifetime.
4. He founded BP Capital Management, a hedge fund that specialized in energy futures.
5. Pickens was a proponent of wind energy and invested heavily in wind farms, although some of his wind projects faced significant challenges.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from T. Boone Pickens
1. “I’ve always believed that it’s important to show a new look periodically. Predictability can lead to failure.”
2. “Far too many executives have become more concerned with the ‘four Ps’—pay, perks, power, and prestige—rather than making profits for shareholders.”
3. “Be willing to make decisions. That’s the most important quality in a good leader.”
4. “When you are young, fitness is a sport. As you grow older, it becomes a necessity.”
5. “Work eight hours and sleep eight hours, and make sure that they are not the same hours.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At his peak, T. Boone Pickens’ net worth was estimated to be around $1.4 billion.
Children
T. Boone Pickens had five children: Deborah Pickens, Pam Pickens, Michael Pickens, Thomas Boone Pickens III, and Lizzy Pickens.
Relevant Links
1. [T. Boone Pickens on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._Boone_Pickens
2. [Forbes Profile](https://www.forbes.com/profile/t-boone-pickens/
3. [The Pickens Plan](http://www.pickensplan.com/
5. [BP Capital Management](http://www.bpcapital.com/
