Nobody. He started his own company. Which you are of course free to do, and may the force be with you.

As far as degrees & aviation...

1) A small number of people get hired at the top-tier without one. More in the past, fewer today. That will almost invariably require exception aviation credentials and experience... and that takes time to acquire, meaning they get on the seniority list later in life.

2) There's no point or need to school experienced professionals who don't have a degree... most are past V1 on that and are just trying to make their way with the hand they were dealt or chose.

3) Young people starting out in aviation DO need to realize that the degree is usually definitely worth the investment, even if it's just a barely accredited virtual diploma mill. If you have the time and energy, get a real degree even better at a brick & mortar school where you can have a social life.