flâneur

Founders Notes: James J Hill

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James J. Hill Michael P. Malone James J. Hill was a driven, ambitious, and often ruthless entrepreneur whose relentless work ethic, mastery of detail, and bold vision transformed him from a modest, self-educated youth into one of the most influential railroad builders and economic forces of his era. While his domineering personality and harsh management style alienated many, his ability to seize opportunity, innovate, and build the Great Northern Railway without federal subsidies left a lasting legacy on American industry and the development of the Northwest. Hill alienated colleagues as often as he inspired them. Arrogant, self-righteous, sometimes too ambitious, and frequently a blatant bully, Hill lashed out at managers and workers alike who failed to meet his taxing demands of production and loyalty. NOTE Personality Clearly he accomplished more than all but a few of the other leading figures in the history of American industry and regional development and was, in fact, a man of remarkable abilities, determination, and drive. Just as clearly, however, he could be quite ruthless, overbearing, and politically domineering. NOTE Dichotomy PERHAPS no other generation in all of Ameri

James J. Hill Michael P. Malone James J. Hill was a driven, ambitious, and often ruthless entrepreneur whose relentless work ethic, mastery of detail, and bold vision transformed him from a modest, self-educated youth into one of the most influential railroad builders and economic forces of his era. While his domineering personality and harsh management style alienated many, his ability to seize opportunity, innovate, and build the Great Northern Railway without federal subsidies left a lasting legacy on American industry and the development of the Northwest. Hill alienated colleagues as…

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