David Murdock — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

American billionaire businessman, plant-based diet advocate, and philanthropist.
Transformed Dole Food Company into the world's largest producer of fruits and vegetables.
Acquired control of International Mining in 1978.
Became the largest shareholder in Occidental Petroleum in 1981.
Purchased Cannon Mills in 1982 and took over Castle & Cooke in 1985.
Owned 98% of Lanai, Hawaii, selling his interest in June 2012.

Biography

David Howard Murdock (1923–2025) was an American billionaire businessman, plant-based diet advocate, and philanthropist. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, he grew up in Montgomery Township, Ohio, and dropped out of high school in the 9th grade. After serving in the United States Army during World War II, Murdock relocated to Detroit, where he obtained a $1,200 loan to buy a diner, which he successfully flipped for a $700 profit.