Although Ben Franklin is best known for being a patriot, diplomat and inventor, he first rose from obscurity to become one of the most influential and successful business owners in Colonial America. In fact, Franklin was so successful that he was able to retire at age 42 to pursue his other, more well-known interests. Franklin chronicled his early life in The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Drawing upon that book's wealth of wisdom, Ben Franklin's 12 Rules of Management explores the innovative management principles and philosophies this "Founding Father of American Business" pioneered.