The Sad Death of an Aussie Entrepreneur (and lets all slow down)
by Martin Neumann ~ October 24th, 2007
In this post I’m going off the topic, slightly (but deep down there’s a lot more to think about in regards to my engagement with the lifestyle entrepreneur ethos).
Yesterday, very sadly, a well-known Australian businessman, John IIhan, died suddenly of a heart attack.
He was only 42.
He founded from the ground up Crazy John’s, which he grew into a giant mobile phone reseller across Australia. He amassed 120 retail outlets and had 600 staff. He was worth $310 million and was high up in Australia’s rich list.
At the age of 25 and with only $1000 of his own money he set up the fledgling phone retailer - the story of his first few phone sales are amazing stuff, giving heart to every bootstrappers’ dreams.
They say he was a workaholic.
He had 4 young kids, seemed to be in good health. His life seemed ideal.
Now he’s dead.
Now leaving aside the sad demise of this great Australian, I’d like to venture into a topic that has been on my mind for quite a while now.
Life is short. Why the mad rush to make money? Why the crazed hours people spend, pushing themselves beyond the limits to achieve, achieve, achieve?
They have a group called “slow food” and for good reason (google it) … maybe it’s time for one called “slow business”.
October 25th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Wow. 42. .. Makes you think about all those fast food and fast Breakfast eggs and bacon and breakfast sandwiches …
December 7th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Indeed, makes you really reflect how you live your life and whether you live it to its fullest.
James D. Brausch has also a very touching story on his blog.
All this makes my problems become so small…
December 11th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Everyone needs to slow down a little in everything they do. Take time to enjoy life and don’t get caught up in being so impersonal. You can work for yourself and be successful without killing yourself.
April 16th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Love your blog - and especially your guest post on Home Office Warrior! I’m a mom getting ready to launch a VA business in the fall and in my research most of the informational blogs/sites out there are all about making tons of money and success, but financial success, not the personal level of success and satisfaction I’m aiming for. I want to do something interesting and challenging but I also want time for my family and my interests! A lifestyle entrepreneur sounds like what I want to be! Thanks!