Michael Dell
Dell CEO Michael Dell. Age 45. The soft-spoken Texan started selling computers from University of Texas dorm room 1984; dropped out to start Dell Computer. Went public in 1988, grew fast with direct-sales model, kept R&D costs low. Assets include 377-room Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea, Hawaii; stakes in IHOP, NorthWestern, Indiana restaurant chain Steak n Shake. Devoted Republican sits on US President's Council of Advisors on Science & Technology.