John Calamos (1940-present) - As Founder and CEO of Calamos Asset Management, Calamos used his investment acumen to earn a spot on Forbes 400 list of wealthiest individuals. A former Air Force Pilot, Calamos attended I.I.T. and is the author of two books, Investing in Convertible Securities: Your Complete Guide to the Risks and Rewards, and Convertible Securities: the Latest Instruments, Portfolio Strategies, and Valuation Analysis.