American International Industries

Nothing says Texas like oil and real estate. American International Industries (AII) covers those bases -- and more -- from its home in the Houston metro area. The company typically takes a controlling interest in undervalued companies; it holds investments in oil wells, real estate, and various industrial manufacturers. AII owns Delta Seaboard International (formerly Hammonds Industries), which operates technical services, fuel additives, and water treatment systems divisions. Its Northeastern Plastics subsidiary makes automotive after-market products. International Diversified Corporation (a firm connected with the brother of chairman and CEO Daniel Dror) owns 27% of the firm.