The list is endless, really. A quick Google search of accomplishments of this generation will give you dozens of results to browse and enjoy.
Below are just a few well-known “elders” who used their experience, wisdom and maturity as an opportunity for continued growth and success. To read the expanded list, visit Inc.com.
Vera Wang. Became a fashion designer at age 40 and opened her first bridal boutique the following year.
Ray Kroc. Bought his first restaurant after his 50th birthday. It later became the first McDonald’s, and the rest is history.
Harland Sanders. Fired from dozens of jobs, Sanders’ first restaurant venture failed, and he was broke at 65. He later became the King of Fried Chicken with the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises.
Rodney Dangerfield. The late, great comedic actor was 46 before he got his first break on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Julia Child. Published her first cookbook at 39 and made her television debut at age 51 in The French Chef, one of television’s pioneer cooking shows.
Samuel Jackson. Got his big break into show business in the movie Pulp Fiction, at 46 years old (and in recovery from addiction to cocaine and heroin).
Sam Walton. Owned a small chain of discount stores before opening the first true Wal-Mart in 1962, when he was 44.
And from Entrepreneur Magazine came these inspiring people. Read more of their stories here.
Leo Goodwin. Founded GEICO Insurance in Washington, D.C. at the age of 50. In a departure from most businessmen of the day, he worked closely with his wife Lillian in running the company.
Robert Noyce. After stints with several tech companies, the 41-year old co-founded Intel, one of the leading computer technology companies in business today.
Reid Hoffman. Created a social networking site that didn’t quite work. And then at age 35 he co-founded LinkedIn, which went public when he was 43.
Carol Gardner. Started a small greeting card company, which she named after her dog, Zelda. In 2010, Zelda Wisdom was valued at roughly $50 million.
These are just a few of the inspirational stories you can find to prove the point that any time is the right time, and any age is the right age to become the person you’re destined to be!
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