Profession: Chemical Engineer and Entrepreneur
Biography: Fred Koch was an American chemical engineer and entrepreneur who made significant contributions to the oil refining industry. He was the founder of Koch Industries, a conglomerate that would later become the second-largest privately-held company in the United States under the leadership of his sons, Charles Koch and David Koch.
In the 1920s, Fred developed an innovative method of converting heavy oil into gasoline, which greatly improved the efficiency of oil refining. However, due to a protracted legal battle with established American oil companies, Fred found a more welcoming market for his technologies overseas.
He built refineries in several countries, most notably the Soviet Union during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Despite this early association, Fred later became a staunch anti-communist, even helping to establish the John Birch Society, a conservative advocacy group strongly opposed to communist influence in American society.
Born: September 23, 1900
Birthplace: Quanah, Texas, USA
Generation: Lost Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Libra
Died: November 17, 1967 (aged 67)
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