"If I possess outstanding qualities, I suppose they are good judgment, courage, industry, and a certain inborn genius." So once spoke Abram Edward Fitkin, 52, whose business consists primarily of buying and selling utility properties, who last week was once again negotiating a big deal with Samuel Insull.
Abram Edward Fitkin was the son of a harnessmaker, had twelve brothers and sisters. He studied for the ministry, married at 17. Five years later he announced: "It is better to be a good businessman than a poor minister." He became a bond salesman, saved up $75,000 from commissions.
With a $400,000 loan from a...