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How about Richard Branson? Who has created more $1Bn companies in different marketplaces (and had fun along the way)? I count 4/5 so far Virgin Records, Atlantic (& Blue) airlines, Radio, Mobile/Media... and counting (for example Virgin Galactic & Rail are getting there).

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The question specified "Within the last 30 years" - Branson started Virgin more than 40 years ago. Though I kinda wonder why Steve Jobs is on the list then, since he started Apple 33 years ago. Maybe he just squeaked in...

If you apply the filter of who has had a major part in the creation of revolutionary products, I think Steve is legendary among his peers:

Apple II

iPod

iPhone

Pixar (first successful computer animation studio - but not a product)

Macintosh.

BTW I think his main contribution to Pixar was leaving them alone (but note his talent in selecting them).

It's just a photo of a Pixar company-wide function but I'd love to be good enough to work for them based on it (and what I've read).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/teohyc/2564116426/sizes/l/

Branson is definitely one of my favorite entrepreneurs of all time. That said, Virgin Galactic is a long way from being a $1Bn company :)

Yeah, I grant you Galactic isn't there yet :o)

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