Intel co-founder Gordon Moore was famous for his frugality and his completely unpretentious style. Gordon became billionaire in the late 80s and at one point was worth >$10 billion. He has since given most of his money to the Betty and Gordon Moore $6 billion foundation, with a focus on the environment and science education and SETI.
Back when pay phones still a cost dime. Chairmen Moore, during a break in the Intel Board of Director asked several of his fellow directors for a change for a quarter so he could use the phone.
He melted down the lead from various IC package experiments to use as fishing weights.
Flashy senior Intel exec tells this story. The wife and I get in the car on hot summer morning we pass an elder gentleman digging holes in a yard. We come back many hours later the guy is still there. I tell my wife "Man I hated to have to be doing that when I get to that age". Sure enough the elderly gentleman is Gordon putting up a fence for his mother. When the Intel exec say Gordon why don't you hire somebody to put up the fence. Gordon exclaims do you know how much they charge?
My favorite. Gordon Moore is on the board of Conservation International (donating $300 million helps
). They had board meeting in Rio. Fellow board member Harrison Ford walks up to Gordon. "Gordon I hear you made this long flight commercial? "Yup Coach", Gordon exclaims proudly. "I don't get it Gordon, I flew down in my jet, John Travolta flew down is his jet. Gordon you are richer than all of us you could buy an airline". "You are right, and how do you think I got that way", Gordon says.
The good news is that the frugality extended to Intel.
