Marcus C. Logan invented zip ties in 1958, referred to at the time (and patented) as Ty-Rap cable ties. As the cable tie inventor, his net worth was understandably difficult to estimate. However, some sources suggest that over 28 billion zip ties have been produced since their invention. Speculation aside, however, Logan was clear about his intentions when creating the original cable tie.
In 1956 (two years prior to his invention), Logan was touring a Boeing aircraft plant and noticed employees had to manually and laboriously knot together thousands of feet of electric cable. Not only was this a tedious process, but because of the waxed nylon cords, employees frequently cut their fingers and hands, causing serious safety concerns. Knowing there had to be a better solution, Logan went to work creating what would ultimately become the common cable tie.