This is the American Greek podcast presented by CNBC. I'm Stacey Keech.

In this episode of American Greed, Barry Minko starts a business in high school.

If you work hard in your artists, then you'll do fantastic.

And he becomes a sensation on Wall Street.

Barry Minko made his first million by the time he was 19.

From teenage millionaire, he grows up to become a nationally known croit fighter.

Even profile by the likes of 60 minutes.

He searches public records, employs private detectives, and goes undercover.

But all along, Barry Minko is pocketing millions in his own perfect scam.

We know fraud. And you're just fraud.

He should know, because Barry Minko, acting as a fraud fighter,

is like having a thief guard the bank vault.

In the working class town of Recita, California, just north of Hollywood,

a 16-year-old boy is about to prove that the American dream is alive and well.

His name is Barry Minko.

Diagnosed as hyperactive, he's skinny and awkward and desperate for recognition.

And so in 1982, when Minko is still in high school,

he chooses an unlikely ticket to fame and fortune.

Carpet cleaning.

It's Barry. Can I help you?

He borrow some money to buy a few machines, hire some friends,

and working out of his garage, he opens Z best carpet cleaners.

...