Lindsey Graham

Still, he knew he had to gain the approval of the big boss himself, and it was here at the New York headquarters that he finally met Edison.

The contrast between the two men was striking.

Tesla was tall and dapper and spoke with a crisp European accent, while Edison, hard of hearing, shuffled through his workshop wearing a shabby coat and chomping on an unlit cigar.

Still, Tesla saw the genius in Edison and was grateful for the employment, declaring, "'I was thrilled to the marrow by meeting Edison, who began my American education right then and there.'"

With Edison's approval, Tesla got to work repairing electrical systems and helping to install new lighting for the company.

And almost immediately, he was called to address a crisis, too.

Imagine it's early summer 1884 in New York City.

You're a renowned inventor, and you just spent another night in your workshop refining your latest prototype for electrical wiring.

You're hoping the improvement will boost sales, which have been weak lately due to competition.

As usual, you instructed your assistants to remain with you in the lab to help you run through tests, and you've only allowed them to stop working when you were satisfied with the progress.

Now, it's just after dawn, and you're all walking down the block from your Fifth Avenue workshop to get some breakfast.

Come on, boys.

Fried potatoes and coffee on me.

The cigars, though, you'll have to pay for those yourself.

As you round the corner, you notice a young man walking towards you.

His finely tailored coat fits snugly against his tall, slender shoulders, and his black hair is combed neatly.

You recognize him as the new electrician recently arrived from Paris.

Oh, hello, young man.

He stops and bows respectfully.

Good morning, Mr. Edison.