It’s hard. It’s hard believing that coming from nothing, you can have everything. We spend thousands of dollars in college to attend classes that will prepare us for our future jobs. How do we know that investing all of this money will have the return we wish? Well, here are three business executives who grew up ordinary and are now extraordinary. I hope their brief stories inspire you to continue your dream of creating a retail chain store or the next best coffee chain.
1. Sam Walton: Founder of Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club
Walton proved to us that entrepreneurs have no limit when you have motivation and a plan. Born in Oklahoma and raised in Missouri, Walton’s father was a farmer who later transitioned to farm mortgaging, so he could better provide for his family. From being voted “most versatile boy” in high school to being an Eagle Scout and then graduating from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in economics, he went on to establish his first Wal-Mart in Rogers, Arkansas. Walton always believed a retailer that sold more for less would succeed. Spending most of his life obsessed with the retail business, he was able to establish the dream of low-cost grocery stores that would help others live better. Sam Walton’s net worth is $65 billion. Walton believed ordinary people could do extraordinary things when they believe in themselves.
2. Howard Schultz: CEO, Chairman of the Member Board and Co-Owner of Starbucks
As you order your next Cinnamon Dulce Latte for that last-minute study session, remember that cup of coffee’s journey through success. Would you believe me if I told you the original founders of Starbucks wanted to sell the franchise for $4 million? Schultz grew up in a low-income neighborhood and began his first job at the age of 12. He quickly became interested in the Starbucks company when he worked for Hamamaplast, a Swedish company that sold appliances, such as coffee grinders, to Starbucks. He quickly met with the founders to join their team. He eventually left them, as they wouldn’t allow him to help modernize and spread the company. He ended up opening his own coffee shop in Seattle, “Il Giornale.” While the café was a success, he found out about the selling of Starbucks for $4 million, and he quickly asked for another loan. He took the franchise to great heights. Schultz now has a net worth of $3.2 billion. From rags to riches with the help of a simple cup of coffee.
3. Do Won Chang: Founder and CEO of Forever 21
From plain T-shirts to the cutest rompers, Forever 21 has been a girl’s best friend for quite sometime now. But, did you ever stare at that cute outfit in the mirror and think who founded the store? Do Won Chang moved from South Korea to California and opened a store with his wife. That small store turned in to 457 stores in 15 countries. Chang considers his journey as the perfect immigrant success story and American dream. His daughters now work in the company, so they can remember all of the hard work their father accomplished when he came to America. Chang’s net worth is $4.7 billion. Next time you need a new T-shirt, dress or leggings and walk into the bright, open store, remember one man with a dream to succeed in a land where he had nothing but himself and his wife.
