T. Boone Pickens was an American business magnate and financier who made his fortune in the oil industry. He founded Mesa Petroleum and became famous as a corporate raider in the 1980s, later becoming an advocate for alternative energy.

Early Career

Pickens started his career as a geologist for Phillips Petroleum before founding Mesa Petroleum in 1956 with just $2,500. Through aggressive acquisition strategies, he built Mesa into one of the largest independent oil companies in America.

Corporate Raider Era

In the 1980s, Pickens became one of the most feared corporate raiders on Wall Street. His hostile takeover attempts of Gulf Oil, Phillips Petroleum, and Unocal, while not always successful, generated billions in profits for shareholders and changed how corporate America operated.

Energy Advocacy

Later in life, Pickens became a vocal advocate for American energy independence and invested heavily in wind power through his "Pickens Plan." He donated over $1 billion to various causes, including $500 million to Oklahoma State University.

Trading Philosophy

Pickens was known for his contrarian bets on energy prices and his willingness to take massive positions when he saw value. He made and lost several fortunes, demonstrating remarkable resilience throughout his career.