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FoundersMarch 5, 2020
#113 A.G. Gaston (Black Titan and the Making of a Black American Millionaire)
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About This Episode
What I learned from reading Black Titan: A.G. Gaston and the Making of a Black American Millionaire by Carol Jenkins and Elizabeth Gardner Hines ---- The grandson of slaves, born into poverty in 1892 in the Deep South, A. G. Gaston died more than a century later with a fortune worth well over $130 million [0:01] A 10 year old’s first business idea [5:35] A.G. finds a blueprint to follow: A.B. Loveman [9:00] The remarkable story of Carrie Tuggle and The Tuggle Institute [12:10] The influence of Booker T. Washington [13:35] The power of positive examples [15:27] Joining the army for discipline and opportunity / Lessons from World War I [18:32] Keep your eyes open. Study the people around you. How do they live? What makes them tick? What do they need? [25:05] A. G. Gaston was relentless [27:20] The parallels between Andrew Carnegie and A. G. Gaston [30:26] Exhausted, depressed, and hopeless right before his big breakthrough [33:38] And thus these poor devils keep themselves always under — Benjamin Franklin / Both Benjamin Franklin and A. G. Gaston valued industry and frugality [38:00] A fundamental change in philosophy for a young entrepreneur [44:30] A.G. starts a funeral insurance company / Inspiration from the life of Booker T. Washington [46:40] CAP YOUR DOWNSIDE! [51:41] Personality: Focus on only on what you can control and have a bias for action [54:00] A.G. starts The Booker T. Washington Business College to help train potential employees [56:00] A.G’s singular focus is on mastering his craft [57:50] ---- Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here. ---- “I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast
Book Mentions
3 book mentions in this episode.
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Books Mentioned

Black Titan, A.G. Gaston and the Making of a Black American Millionaire
Carol Jenkins and Elizabeth Gardner Hines
“The podcast discusses the life of A.G. Gaston, a self-made millionaire, and the book that details his journey from poverty to wealth.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: A.G. Gaston's early life
For: Readers interested in African American history and entrepreneurship
Key quote: “He was the grandson of slaves born into poverty in 1892 in the deep south, A.G. Gaston died more than a century later with a fortune well over $130 million and a business empire spanning communications, real estate and insurance.”
The host mentions 'Black Titan' to provide a detailed background on A.G. Gaston's life and the influences that shaped his journey to becoming a millionaire. The book offers unique insights from his family, particularly from his niece and co-author, which enrich the narrative of his accomplishments.
ASIN: B002EY93FS
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.

“A.G. Gaston was influenced by the autobiography of Booker T. Washington, which he read and used as a foundation for his life.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: influence of Booker T. Washington
For: Individuals interested in the impact of historical figures on personal development.
Key quote: “essentially copies a lot of his ideas and uses it as the foundation for how he wants to live his life.”
The host discusses how A.G. was profoundly influenced by Booker T. Washington through his exposure to the Tuggle Institute, where Washington was actively involved. A.G. not only read Washington's autobiography but also adopted many of his ideas as foundational principles for his own life.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.

“A.G. Gaston's perspective on economic independence was influenced by Booker T. Washington, who emphasized the importance of economic power for the black community.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: Influence of Booker T. Washington
For: Individuals interested in personal development and historical influences on education.
Key quote: “He essentially copies a lot of his ideas and uses it as the foundation for how he wants to live his life.”
The host discusses how A.G. was profoundly influenced by Booker T. Washington through his experiences at the Tuggle Institute. Washington's teachings and presence at the school shaped A.G.'s understanding of hard work and success, which he later emulated in his own life.
ASIN: 1609425073
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.