Empire MakerA native of northern Russia, Alexander Baranov was a middle aged merchant trader with no prior experience in the fur trade when, in 1790, he arrived in North America to assume command over Russias highly profitable sea otter business. With the title of chief manager, he strengthened his leadership role after the formation of the Russian American Company in 1799. An adventuresome, dynamic, and charismatic leader, he proved to be something of a