GC after 15 yrs of E2 visa - possible?

[Denebolina]

Is it possible to get a green card after having lived in the US for 15 yrs on E2 status?

-Can your own company apply for an EB1 green card for you directly from E2 visa?
-OR can you switch form E2 to EB1 visa and then apply for green card as an employee of a company you created?

I am posting this on behalf of someone very close to me. In the time spent in the US, this person created and invested in his own small sized (less than 10 workers) but successful company. He bought a house, created a circle of friends, and raised a daughter who will be getting a green card within the next couple of yrs and live permanently in the US.

He does not have a university degree but he has over 25 yrs of high level experience in the software\computer business. He is a member of at least one reputable and recognized professional body. There have been at least 3 articles written about him in newspapers and local journals. He supports local and cultural charities and has been active in the community.