Floyd B. Odlum: America's Financial Genius

Floyd Odlum was one of America's wealthiest and least well known titans, a complex financial and political genius who influenced Dwight D. Eisenhower to run for the presidency. Odlum was involved in so many companies and industries it would be easier to name those he didn't own or control. His ownership interests ranged from utilities and motion picture studios to giant aircraft companies and uranium mines. Other moguls relied on Odlum's financial expertise and his money, from Goldman Sachs and John D. Hertz to Conrad Hilton and W.R. Hearst. Few Americans have had the clout Odlum possessed, yet he managed to remain below the horizon, a political and financial heavyweight unsurpassed by the rich and famous of the 20th century. Award-winning author Daniel Alef tells the story of Floyd Odlum's amazing life. [1,487-word Titans of Fortune article]