William inherited his fathers highly successful multi-million dollar railway companies (Emerald Railway and Kings State Line) and his other manufacturing businesses upon his death in 1911. He expanded the rail-road business and added new factories. But, he was an extremely lavish and unwise spender. He and his family owned 4 houses, two in Lovia and two in Europe. He bought many fancy cars and owned two yachts, and he had an extensive art collection.