THE MAN WHO START HIS BILLION-DOLLAR BUSINESS AT THE AGE OF 64-
Strugglers and Hustlers (Part-1)-
We started our New series of blogs Strugglers and Hustlers where we talk about founders' stories who never back off from their vision and one day become successful, In the first part we talk about 3 founders, Let's Start with Konosuke Matsushita.
Konosuke Matsushita (Founder of Panasonic)-
Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic, faced numerous struggles and challenges throughout his life. However, his persistence and determination enabled him to overcome these obstacles and achieve remarkable success in his business.
Matsushita was born in 1894 in Japan, and his family faced financial difficulties when he was young. As a result, he had to leave school early to work and help support his family. Despite this setback, he continued to educate himself through reading and self-study. He Works in various companies, but one company change his entire life, and that company is Osaka Electric Light Company. In 1917, Matsushita started working for the Osaka Electric Light Company, where he learned about electrical engineering and began to develop his own ideas for improving electrical devices. However, he faced resistance from his superiors, who did not see the potential in his ideas.
But Undeterred, Matsushita continued to develop his inventions and eventually founded his own company, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (now known as Panasonic). His first product was a battery-powered bicycle lamp, which became very popular in Japan.
Throughout his career, Matsushita faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties, labor strikes, and the devastation of World War II. However, he was committed to his vision of creating high-quality, affordable electrical products that could improve people's lives.
Matsushita's most significant achievement was his development of the "company creed," which emphasized the importance of contributing to society through business. This philosophy guided Panasonic's operations and helped the company become a leader in the electronics industry.
He also believed in investing in his employees and creating a supportive work environment. He established a number of programs to encourage employee development and innovation, including the "Matsushita Institute of Government and Management," which provided training for managers.
Today, Panasonic is a global electronics company with a wide range of products, including televisions, cameras, home appliances, and automotive systems. The company continues to uphold Matsushita's legacy of innovation, social responsibility, and employee development.
Bill Gates-
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, faced numerous struggles and challenges throughout his career, but his persistence and determination ultimately enabled him to achieve remarkable success.
Gates was born in 1955 in Seattle, Washington. His parents were both successful lawyers, and he grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. However, he struggled in school and was often bored by traditional classroom learning. In the 1970s, Gates dropped out of college to start a software company with his childhood friend, Paul Allen. Their first product was a computer program that allowed users to play a game of tic-tac-toe. However, the program was not successful, and the company struggled to find customers.
Undeterred, Gates and Allen continued to develop new software products and eventually created the first version of Microsoft's operating system, MS-DOS. The company faced numerous legal challenges and competition from other software companies, but Gates remained focused on his vision of creating innovative technology that could change the world.
One of the biggest challenges Gates faced was the antitrust lawsuit filed against Microsoft in the late 1990s. The lawsuit alleged that Microsoft had engaged in anti-competitive practices to maintain its dominance in the computer software industry. Although Microsoft was ultimately found guilty, Gates remained committed to the company's mission and continued to lead it through this difficult period.
Today, Microsoft is one of the largest and most successful technology companies in the world, with a wide range of products and services, including Windows, Office, and Xbox. Gates is also known for his philanthropic work through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which focuses on global health and education initiatives.
Throughout his career, Gates has been known for his intense work ethic, his focus on innovation and quality, and his commitment to using technology to make a positive impact on the world. His success is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a clear vision.
Colonel Harland Sanders
Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), faced numerous struggles throughout his life before achieving success with his famous fried chicken recipe.
Sanders was born in 1890 in Indiana and faced a difficult childhood, including poverty and an abusive father. He left home at the age of 13 and worked a variety of jobs, including as a farmhand, streetcar conductor, and insurance salesman. He also did various jobs.
In 1930, Sanders opened a service station in Kentucky, where he began serving fried chicken to customers. His chicken became so popular that he eventually opened a restaurant, which he called "Sanders Court & Cafe."
However, Sanders faced many challenges in his early years as a restaurateur. His restaurant burned down twice, he faced competition from other restaurants, and he struggled to make ends meet.
In 1952, Sanders franchised his recipe and began selling the rights to use his name and recipe to other restaurants. Despite initial success, he faced numerous setbacks, including disagreements with franchisees and legal disputes.
In 1964, Sanders sold his interest in the company for $2 million, but he remained a spokesperson for KFC until his death in 1980. Today, KFC is a global fast-food chain with thousands of locations around the world.
Throughout his life, Sanders was known for his persistence and determination. He once famously traveled to over 1,000 restaurants to promote his chicken recipe, and he continued to work well into his 80s. His success with KFC is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance.
