10. Frank McNamara changed the way the world spent money
Frank McNamara was once embarrassed to learn that he had forgotten his wallet when presented with a bill at a restaurant, according to a story which is more than likely apocryphal. With business partners which included his lawyer and with $1.5 million in financial backing, he created Diner’s Club, the world’s first independent charge card which allowed users to pay their charges monthly. It led to the development of competition from American Express, Carte Blanche, and other smaller companies which were regional, and eventually absorbed by the national brands, and eventually the development of credit cards which allowed partial payment of charges.