Bold and respectful, David Eccles worked tirelessly to succeed in the face of great adversity. His rise from rags to riches began with the purchase of his first oxen, which led to owning his first sawmill. After utilizing the rail system, he built an empire and earned his fortune. The thistle, the national emblem of Scotland, reflected his Scottish heritage and symbolized endurance, survival, courage, and strength that he exemplified. In his youth, his legally blind father shaped large wooden spools on a small lathe, and David took them to sell to the large textile factories in Scotland to help financially support the family.