Microsoft‘s [MSFT] amazing climb from its humble beginnings is well-known. Thanks to stock options and other benefits, many early Microsoft employees are millionaires. They’re showing up as successful business owners and philanthropists.

The New York Times article profiles:
* Rich Tong, cofounder of Ignition Parters, a venture capital group.
* John Sage, owner of Pura Vida Coffee.
* Stephanie DeVaan, political activist.
* Chris Peters, owner of the Professional Bowlers Association.

Updated February 6, 2012 and originally published May 31, 2005. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to the RSS feed or receive daily emails. Follow @flexo on Twitter and visit our Facebook page for more updates.

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About the author

Luke Landes, also known as Flexo, is the founder of Consumerism Commentary. He has been blogging and writing for the internet since 1995 and has been building online communities since 1991. Find out more about him and follow Luke Landes on Twitter. View all articles by Luke Landes.