Childhood and Education Journey of T. Boone Pickens in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of T. Boone Pickens, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

T. Boone Pickens was an American business magnate, financier, and hedge fund manager. He gained prominence as a takeover operator and corporate raider in the 1980s. Pickens chaired BP Capital Management and amassed a substantial net worth, estimated at $500 million as of November 2016. He was a significant figure in the world of finance and corporate restructuring.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

May 22, 1928: T. Boone Pickens Jr. Born

On May 22, 1928, Thomas Boone Pickens Jr. was born. He later became a business magnate and financier.

1949: Marriage to Lynn O'Brien

In 1949, T. Boone Pickens married Lynn O'Brien and had four children with her.

1951: Graduation from Oklahoma State University

In 1951, Pickens graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in geology.

1954: Departure from Phillips Petroleum

In 1954, Pickens left his employment at Phillips Petroleum.

1956: Founding of Mesa Petroleum

In 1956, Pickens founded the company that would later become Mesa Petroleum.

1971: Divorce from Lynn O'Brien

In 1971, T. Boone Pickens divorced Lynn O'Brien.

April 1972: Marriage to Beatrice Carr Stuart

In April 1972, T. Boone Pickens married Beatrice "Bea" Carr Stuart and adopted one of her daughters.

1980: Start of Political Donations

Since 1980, Pickens made over $5 million in political donations.

1981: Mesa becomes one of the largest independent oil companies

By 1981, Mesa had grown into one of the largest independent oil companies in the world, Pickens led Mesa's first major acquisition, a takeover of the Hugoton Production Company.

March 1985: Pickens on Time Magazine Cover

In March 1985, T. Boone Pickens gained widespread public recognition after appearing on the cover of Time magazine following the Gulf Oil takeover attempt.

1986: Creation of United Shareholders Association (USA)

In 1986, Pickens was involved in the creation of the United Shareholders Association (USA) to influence corporate governance.

1988: Consideration of Presidential Run

In 1988, Pickens briefly considered running for president of the United States.

1989: Move to Dallas Suburb

In 1989, Pickens and Mesa moved to a suburb of Dallas.

1993: USA's final year

1993 marks the final year of the United Shareholders Association.

1996: Sale of Mesa to Richard Rainwater

In 1996, Mesa was in financial trouble and was sold to financier Richard Rainwater, who subsequently had Pickens removed from the company.

1997: Merger of Mesa with Parker & Parsley

In 1997, Mesa merged with Parker & Parsley Petroleum to form Pioneer Natural Resources.

1997: Founding of BP Capital Management

In 1997, Pickens founded BP Capital Management (then called BP Energy Fund).

July 1998: SEC Approves One-Share, One-Vote Rule

In July 1998, after debate, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved a one-share, one-vote rule, a primary objective of the United Shareholders Association (USA).

November 2000: Marriage to Nelda Cain

In November 2000, T. Boone Pickens married Nelda Cain.

November 2004: Divorce from Nelda Cain

In November 2004, T. Boone Pickens divorced Nelda Cain.

2004: Contributions to Republican 527 Groups

In 2004, Pickens contributed to Republican 527 groups, including contributions to Swift Vets and POWs for Truth and Progress for America.

2004: Support to Swift Vets and POWs for Truth

In 2004, Pickens supported the Swift Vets and POWs for Truth group during the presidential election.

2005: Contribution to Bush's Inauguration

In 2005, Pickens contributed the maximum amount of $250,000 to George W. Bush's second inauguration.

2005: Marriage to Madeleine Paulson

In 2005, T. Boone Pickens married Madeleine Paulson, the widow of Allen E. Paulson.

2005: Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

In 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Pickens and his then-wife Madeleine chartered airplanes to transport dogs rescued from floodwaters in New Orleans and donated $7 million via BP Capital LLC.

2006: Pickens' Earnings from BP Capital

In 2006, Pickens earned $990 million from his equity in the two funds and $120 million from his share of the 20% fees applied to fund profits.

July 16, 2007: Support for Rudy Giuliani

On July 16, 2007, Pickens wrote an article for National Review supporting Rudy Giuliani for president.

November 6, 2007: Million-Dollar Challenge to Dispute SVPT Claims

On November 6, 2007, Pickens offered a million dollars to anyone able to dispute claims made by the Swift Vets and POWs for Truth (SVPT).

November 16, 2007: Kerry Accepts Pickens' Challenge

On November 16, 2007, John Kerry accepted Pickens' challenge and Pickens narrowed the original challenge.

2007: Pickens has twelve grandchildren

As of 2007, Pickens had twelve grandchildren.

2007: Pickens' Earnings Skyrocket

In 2007, Pickens earned $2.7 billion due to the growth of BP Capital Equity Fund and Capital Commodity fund, which had large positions in stocks like Suncor Energy, ExxonMobil and Occidental Petroleum.

June 22, 2008: Vietnam Veterans Respond to Challenge

On June 22, 2008, a group of Vietnam veterans responded to Pickens' challenge, rebutting accusations of the Swift Boat group.

November 2008: Rejection of California Proposition 10

In November 2008, California voters rejected Proposition 10, a referendum on natural gas, which Pickens' company Clean Energy Fuels Corporation primarily backed.

2008: Publication of 'The First Billion Is the Hardest'

In 2008, Pickens' book, "The First Billion Is the Hardest", was published, in which he expressed belief in the "peak oil" theory.

The First Billion Is the Hardest: Reflections on a Life of Comebacks and America's Energy Future

Check it on Amazon

May 2010: Endorsement of Pickens Plan by Kerry

In May 2010, during a meeting with reporters, John Kerry endorsed key provisions of "the Pickens Plan," incorporating aspects of that in the Kerry-backed legislation calling for the greater use of domestic natural gas.