Bloomberg currently owns 88% of his company, which has estimated annual revenues of nearly $15 billion, according to Forbes . “Getting fired from Salomon Brothers drove home a lesson that I’ve carried with me throughout my career in business, government, and philanthropy: Every setback is an opportunity,” Bloomberg tells Fortune. About 44 years ago, before founding his news company or becoming the 108th Mayor of New York City, the billionaire was let go from his role as partner at investment bank Salomon Brothers. After being laid off amid Salomon Brothers’ acquisition by Phibro Corporation, it would be the last time he worked a traditional full-time job. I loved working at Salomon and might have spent my whole career there,” Bloomberg continues.