British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson (1950-) is known for the Virgin brand, one that has seen success in all kinds of ventures.

His tale begins in 1970, the year he started a record mail order. A record shop in London came next, followed by the launch of Virgin Records in 1972. Virgin Atlantic Airways was formed in 1984, and Virgin Mobile launched in 1999.

Another thing this businessman is known for is his eccentric promotional habits. He has made a number of attempts, unsuccessfully, to fly around the world in a hot air balloon! In 2004, Virgin Galactic was launched -- to take passengers into sub-orbital space.

Brandon supposedly considered running for Mayor of London in 2004, but decided not to. When the 2002 list of 100 Greatest Britons was announced, he stood tall at Number 85.

Image: Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic, with a model of the Spaceship Two. | Photograph: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images