Entrepreneurs of the Past
Would these entrepreneurs have accomplished what they did if they were born during modern times?
- William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson-the creators of Harley Davidson failed on several occasions and were kicked out of the basement they were working in after an explosion. The first Harley was built on a bicycle frame. They were told to tear down the first factory they built by hand and instead moved it the couple feet needed.
- Milton Hershey-had so many businesses fail that his own family wouldn’t even hire him. Hershey’s chocolate was created to cover the caramels for Lancaster Caramel Company. He sold his successful caramel company to have money for the chocolate company
- Colonel (Harland) Sanders-gave away full chicken meals at the gas station he worked at. He didn’t become successful until later in life. The Colonel was broke at 65 and within 5 years had 400 franchises in the US and Canada.
- Dave Thomas-the founder of Wendy’s, came out of retirement when the company began to fail. He got some of his experience at Kentucky Fried Chicken. At 61 years old, Dave got his GED to to encourage youth to stay in school.
Each of these entrepreneurs had simple and humble beginnings. With their success, each of them have reached out and helped others when they became successful.
Modern times have raised generations who want things fast, don’t give back, and don’t appreciate older members of society. If William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, Milton Hershey, Harland Sanders, and Dave Thomas were raised today, would they have had what it takes to stick with their goals and dreams? Would their businesses reach the level of success that they have? I would like to think they would, but I’m not sure.
Your path to becoming a successful Internet entrepreneur might not be an easy one, but if you have what it takes to stick with it, you will find success and satisfaction.
Hi Jan,
Are you planning to re-open Musings from the Moon?
It will be a little while longer yet, but still want to get Musings again. Just didn’t know there would be so much drama and a feud with the previous owner was included in the sale! lol