Are You Smarter Than a CPA?

St. Matthew. Before becoming an Apostle, Matthew was a tax collector in Capernaum. 

Bubble Gum. Walter Diemer invented it in 1928. The reason for its characteristic pink hue? It was the color dye that Diemer had most on hand at the time. 

John Lennon never showed interest in earning his CPA. But Kenny G, Robert Plant, and Mick Jagger were all able to rock a spreadsheet as well as they rocked the stage. 

Working for the temples, accountants in Ancient Mesopotamia kept track of taxes paid in sheep and agricultural produce for religious authorities. 

Although Al Capone was a well-known mobster, law enforcement couldn't pin a crime on him - until they looked at his income. Capone was convicted for income tax evasion, brought down by FBI accountants in 1931. 

Nike. Before starting Nike, Phil Knight was a CPA in Portland, Oregon. He actually started the company while completing an MBA.