Question By: Siegbert B. Wilzig survived both Aushwitz and Mauthausen during the Holocaust. After coming to the United States penniless in 1947, he changed his name to Siggi and began what can only be described as a sudden rise to success.
Early Life
Siggi Wilzig was born in Krojanke, Prussia, in 1926 as the second youngest of eight children to traditional Jewish parents. By 1941, he was working as forced labor in a German armament camp. In 1943, Wilzig, along with the rest of his family, got himself in Auschwitz. He initially survived by lying about his age and suffered starvation, beatings, and other forms of torture, as well as two death marches before being released in 1945.
Coming to America
After spending two years tracking down SS operators as a volunteer with the U.S. Counter-Intelligence Corps, Wilzig got a Visa to come to America. He arrived with only $240 and spent the next decade working whatever jobs he could. In the early 1960s, he began investing in oil by buying stock in Wilshire Oil Company of Texas.
Rise to Fortune
By 1965, he had led a takeover of Wilshire and impressed the board of directors with a significant increase in the company’s bottom line. His business courage led to him being elected President and Chief Executive by the time he was 39, which was only the beginning of a long and incredible career.
Know more about Siggi Wilzig’s incredible journey and how he gave back to the world in the Holocaust book Unstoppable. Visit https://unstoppablesiggi.com/order/ to pre-order the Holocaust book.
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