From Rags to Riches: How a Busboy Became the King of Las Vegas

From Busboy to Billionaire: The Inspiring Story of Kirk Kerkorian Las Vegas, Nevada – Kirk Kerkorian's name is synonymous with the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. But his journey from a humble busboy to a self-made billionaire is a testament to the power of perseverance and unwavering vision. Born in 1917 to Armenian refugees who escaped the Armenian Genocide, Kerkorian's early life was marked by hardship. The family lost their farm during the Great Depression, forcing them to move to Los Angeles and struggle to make ends meet. "He didn't grow up with privilege," says Evan Carmichael, the video's narrator. "He built everything with grit, guts, and vision." Kerkorian's determination is evident in his early jobs as a janitor and busboy, and even in his boxing career where he had 29 wins out of 33 fights. After serving in World War II, flying dangerous supply missions across the Atlantic, he used his earnings to start a charter airline, flying gamblers to Las Vegas. This seemingly small step was the foundation of his future empire. He invested in land on the Las Vegas Strip, leasing it to Caesars Palace and later building the International Hotel, where Elvis Presley performed. His shrewd investments and business acumen led him to acquire MGM Studios, transforming a struggling studio into a major player in Hollywood. Kerkorian's story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, with hard work and determination, anything is possible. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and dreamers worldwide.