There are many Italian-American men who have made a significant impact on business in the United States. There are entrepreneurs in many different fields and these men have started from scratch to create their own business empires. Here are some of the top Italian-American entrepreneurs in the United States.
Finance and Banking
The second biggest processor for payrolls in the United States is Paychex. This was founded by Blasé Thomas Golisano, who also co-owns Buffalo Bandits and Buffalo Sabres. Establishing this company would not have been possible if Amadeo Giannini had not established the Bank of Italy, a bank in San Francisco in 1904. Another Italian-American entrepreneur who has made a big impact on the financial world is Angelo R. Mozilo. He founded the Bank of America Home Loans, formerly called Countrywide Financial.
Food and Wine
The passion that Italians have for food and wine is well-known, so it is no wonder so many Italian-Americans have established themselves in the food and drink industries. Gennaro Lombardi was the first man to open a pizzeria in New York in 1905. Robert Gerald Mondavi had vineyards in Napa Valley. He became famous not only for producing excellent wines but also for the way in which he marketed these. He began to label wines according to their variety rather than their genetics; a method that is now the standard. Subway Sandwiches is a well-known takeout across the globe. This was founded by Fred de Luca.
Technology
William J. Amelio was the former CEO and President of Lenovo Group Ltd. He remained a consultant to the company even after he was sacked following a massive financial loss for the company. Prior to this, he was a senior vice president of Dell Inc.
Media, Music and Printing
Robert Benedetto is a name synonymous with top-quality guitars. This entrepreneur painstakingly crafted each and every piece of the guitars he produced by hand. Penthouse Magazine is one of the most famous magazines in the United States and this was founded in the 1930s by Bob Guccione. Wired Magazine was founded by another Italian-American called Louis Rossetto. Finally, Leonard Riggio was the founder of the prestigious book retailers, Barnes & Noble.
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