On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1904, A.P. Giannini opened the Bank of Italy in San Francisco for the people other bankers tended to overlook: immigrants, farmers, shopkeepers, and working families. Then, just two years later, the earthquake and fire devastated the city. While San Francisco struggled to get back on its feet, Giannini began lending money to people who needed a chance to rebuild. It was the kind of banking he had imagined from the beginning.

The History Guy and Forbes editor-in-chief Steve Forbes share the astonishing story of how Giannini carried his idea far beyond one neighborhood bank. His willingness to bet on ordinary people would grow the Bank of Italy into the Bank of America, and the same institution that helped San Franciscans rebuild would later help finance the Golden Gate Bridge and Walt Disney's Snow White.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1904, A.P. Giannini opened the Bank of Italy in San Francisco for the people other bankers tended to overlook: immigrants, farmers, shopkeepers, and working families. Then, just two years later, the earthquake and fire devastated the city. While San Francisco struggled to get back on its feet, Giannini began lending money to people who needed a chance to rebuild. It was the kind of banking he had imagined from the beginning. The History Guy and Forbes editor-in-chief Steve Forbes share the astonishing story of how Giannini carried his idea far beyond one neighborhood bank. His willingness to bet on ordinary people would grow the Bank of Italy into the Bank of America, and the same institution that helped San Franciscans rebuild would later help finance the Golden Gate Bridge and Walt Disney's Snow White.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories tells stories that aren&rsquo;t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

A.P. Giannini: The Italian American Who Bet on Everyday Americans

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/367964a3-ca26-4060-8d73-b4d40151aefc/transcript