Poor, fatherless boy becomes Burger King mogul and gives $2m to charity

John Gullo’s story of overcoming a poor, fatherless childhood in a rough Italian neighborhood of Buffalo, New York to becoming a successful businessman and philanthropist is a true American success story. According to a Fox Business report, Gullo, now 82, built a career around Burger King, eventually opening 54 restaurants in Utah, Arizona and Wisconsin. His accomplishments included opening what is thought to be the first Burger King attached to a gas station, in Hurricane, Utah.But Gullo’s definition of success has never been about money. He grew up with very little and developed a belief that happiness, service and generosity were more meaningful than wealth. The report states that Gullo got his start as a night manager at Burger King. Over the years he built up his business interests and eventually established a franchise empire in three states.