Can someone name a person who got wealthy by applying the principle of self-improvement to something other than publishing in the area of self-improvement? What I mean is: Is there any exponent of a self-improvement philosophy who became wealthy through something other than a publication success?

It's not Napoleon Hill, who got his financial breakthrough with "Think and Grow Rich"; it's Earl Nightingale, who did it with "The Strangest Secret" and his radio shows (with lots of commercial advertising income) and so on. Of course, once they had a bestseller, they continued making money building on their publicity and reputation.

I like what I hear from people like Nightingale or Hill, but is it for real?

Can you name somebody who made a fortune by applying the "commonly touted self-improvement principles", but who made a fortune in some area other than publication/publicity -- say by building a multi-million dollar manufacturing company.

I understand the catch of the situation, that those busy applying the principles of self-improvement may not have the time or inclination to waste time writing and publishing about them, and I'm looking forward to your insights.

Wolfgang