AriZona Beverage Company

Don Vultaggio turned a $500,000 snap decision into a beverage empire by outmaneuvering Snapple at every turn. When he spotted the "Arizona" name in a trade publication, he called the owner on a Sunday and bought it on the spot—before Snapple could react. That single move gave AriZona Beverage Company the identity and momentum to build a $6 billion brand, proving that sometimes the best strategy is recognizing opportunity when others see just another name.