His name may not be the most recognizable at first. However, simply mention Virgin Records and Virgin Airlines and instantly heads shake in recognition and admiration.

Some say he's debonair; others say he's an eccentric, yet you would be hard pressed to find a businessman who doesn't admire Richard Branson.

Richard Branson is not only one of the world's wealthiest and innovative men, he is also one of the most environmentally conscious inventors and philanthropic leaders of our time.

Branson was born in 1950 and grew up in a close-knit, traditional family. Thinking ahead of his time, developing clever ideas and inspiring others seemed to have been a part of his genetic make-up.

For his first venture at the ripe age of 16, Richard established a national magazine entitled Student . Next, he started a Student Advisory Center at 17, and before he was of legal drinking age founded Virgin as a mail order record retailer. Shortly thereafter in 1972, he built his first recording studio in Oxfordshire and before long, Virgin Records ironically signed The Sex Pistols. From there history was made and Branson continues to build empire after empire all the while giving back to his community unselfishly.

Richard has attributed his success to the wild antics of his beloved grandmother, who challenged him on a daily basis to figure things out for himself, stimulating his will power, thirst for knowledge, and unmitigated passion

Global Warming happens to be his passion of late. He is already implementing various programs to better our society and strongly believes everyone who is in a position to do something about global warming should, before our world spirals out of control.

Mr. Branson has every intention of developing a new kind of fuel called Virgin Fuel and he has already set a large sum of money aside to invest and test alternative fuels and ideas, which include, but are not limited to looking into wind and solar power.

Richard is an unflappable inventor and creative genius, and it his intention to create this ultra cleanù fuel not just for us, but, for generations to come. This breakthrough will not only save thousands of species, but will be extremely cost effective, especially with the rising cost of fuel.

Richard has always said that he creates and finds ways to solve issues that evoke his interests and passion. From discovering new talent to breaking world records crossing the Pacific Ocean in a hot air balloon to space travel. Whatever the case may be, this man certainly is blazing the path to being recognized as a modern day innovator and crusader. Does Young Hollywood like Richard Branson? Not like him, we love him.

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