Jack Weil, Age 107 d. Aug 2008
Jack Weil, Founder of Rockmount |
Jack A. Weil passed away on August 13, 2008 at the age of 107. The
fact he lived to the ripe old age of 107 is impressive. The fact that he
was still the chief executive of the company he founded and working 40+
hours a week until his final days is plain old amazing.
In 1946, he formed Rockmount, a western high fashion clothing
retailer that continues to manufacturer it’s shirts in the US after many
competitors moved offshore. Achieving historical fame, various accounts
state Mr. Weil either invented the modern bolo tie or named it.His secret to heath, wealth and happiness? “He loved his work.” |
Poppy Bridger, Age 84
Poppy Bridger, Owner of Anaheim Test Labs |
After working as a PhD chemist for 45 years, Poppy Bridger, retired
at the age of 69 to care for her ailing mother. But her 72nd birthday
gift was an opportunity to buy and operate the lab she had worked at.
With about $250K in savings, back to work she went!
On any given day, you will find Bridger testing the authenticity of a
precious heirloom or analyzing the properties of metal fatigue. To help
with the growing work load at the lab, she has subsequently hired her
son and daughter to work with her.She goes to work every day, and at the age of 84 is bringing into the business about $350K annually. |
Colonel Harland Sanders, Age 90 d. Dec 1980
Colonel Harland Sanders, Founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken |
The world famous Colonel Sanders launched his business at the age of
65, using his first Social Security check as start up funds. A master of
personal branding, Sanders leveraged his honorary “Colonel” title and
constantly wore the stereotypical “southern gentleman” white-suit and
black tie. The rocket like growth of KFC is now legendary, and prior to
his death Colonel Sanders’ restaurant chain had achieved over 6,000
locations with sales of more than $2 billion.
During his entrepreneurial tenure Sanders met with the U.S.
Congressional Committee of Aging and spoke against mandatory retirement,
highlighting the love for work and the value of wisdom in the work
place.Not a bad run, old chap! Not bad at all. |
Barbara Miller, Age 74
Barbara Miller, Founder of Miller Paper Company |
Being an entrepreneur was never really a consideration in Barbara
Miller’s life. After quitting her job in the paper industry after 30
years of service, she assumed she was done. But as she packed her stuff,
her former colleagues begged her to start a new business… so she did.
In January of 1995, Miller opened the doors to Miller Paper Company
and started with $300K in savings and 15 employees. Today the business
is generating over $7M in annual revenue and has been on D&B’s list
of the nation’s fastest growing companies.Business has not been a walk in the park, to say the least. Miller started her company and was immediately sued by her former employer. A few months later she struggled with ovarian cancer. |
Sylvia Lieberman, Age 91
Sylvia Lieberman, Creator of Archibald Mouse Books |
Sylvia Lieberman became an entrepreneur in fall 2007 when she was 90.
This is when she realized her dream of having her first children’s book
published. So why not start a company to author and promote the book?
Archibald”s Swiss Cheese Mountain is an award-winning book
about a little mouse with a big heart who teaches children how to reach
their big dreams. Not only is she an entrepreneur, but a philanthropic
one! A portion of the proceeds goes to two children’s charities.Despite her age, Sylvia works tirelessly promoting her book at book-signings and readings, TV appearances, radio and print interviews, and even appeared on a float in a parade. And all these efforts increase the amount she donates to charities. |
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