R. G. LeTourneau (1888–1969)

The great inventor-operator of large earth-moving machines, tells his story. He worked many mechanical jobs, and never could afford much schooling (7th grade). At age 30 he was in debt and his garage had failed. [2] At age 44, his employees took up a collection to get him back on his feet after betting badly on contracts. He credits his success to a "partnership with God", and the opportunities for earth-moving in WWII.

RG invented his way around obstacles and became the foremost provider of big machines. Filled with unusual insights. For example, "In mathematics there is a thing called an asymptote -- a curved line approaching a straight line with the curve so gradually reduced that never can they meet in a million miles. That's what I was as an earth-mover. An asymptote." [114]… (more)