FedEx Blackjack Winnings Bought Time

In 1973, American businessman and FedEx founder Frederick Smith watched his company approach bankruptcy with only $5,000 left and a $24,000 fuel bill due. After General Dynamics rejected his request for funding, Smith flew to Las Vegas and reportedly turned the company's last $5,000 into $27,000 playing blackjack. The winnings kept FedEx operating for another week while Smith secured further financing. He eventually raised another $11 million, and FedEx recorded its first profit in 1976.

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