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Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Building Successful Businesses After 50

Starting a business is often seen as a young person’s game, but many entrepreneurs have proven that age is just a number when it comes to achieving success. Here are some inspiring stories of well-known American business owners who started their ventures after the age of 50, along with the remarkable value of their businesses.

1. Harland Sanders – KFC

Colonel Harland Sanders started KFC at the age of 62. His secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices became a global sensation. Today, KFC is valued at approximately $12.6 billion, with thousands of locations worldwide.

2. Ray Kroc – McDonald’s

Ray Kroc joined McDonald’s at the age of 52 and transformed it into a fast-food empire. McDonald’s now generates over $21 billion in sales annually, making it one of the most recognized brands globally.

3. Arianna Huffington – Huffington Post

Arianna Huffington founded the Huffington Post at 55. The site quickly became a leading source of online news and opinion, and it was sold to AOL for $315 million in 2011.

4. Bernie Marcus – The Home Depot

Bernie Marcus co-founded The Home Depot at 50 after being fired from a hardware store. The company revolutionized the home improvement industry and is valued at over $300 billion today.

5. Julie Wainwright – The RealReal

Julie Wainwright launched The RealReal in her mid-50s. This luxury consignment platform has become a leader in the resale market, valued at over $1 billion.

6. Bobbi Brown – Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Bobbi Brown started her cosmetics line at 34 and later sold it for $74.5 million. At 63, she launched a new beauty brand, Jones Road, which achieved $20 million in first-year revenue.

7. Jody Boyman – Hungry Planet

Jody Boyman co-founded Hungry Planet at 60, focusing on plant-based meat products. The company is gaining traction as the demand for sustainable food options grows.

8. Mary Lou Jepsen – Openwater

Mary Lou Jepsen founded Openwater at 57, a company developing advanced imaging technologies. The startup has raised $22 million in funding and is poised to revolutionize medical imaging.

9. Carl Churchill – Alpha Coffee

Carl Churchill started Alpha Coffee later in life, focusing on quality coffee and community support. The company has gained a loyal following and continues to grow.

10. Edith Cooper – Medley

Edith Cooper co-founded Medley at 58, a company that offers executive coaching and development. Her experience in the corporate world has been instrumental in the company’s success.

These entrepreneurs demonstrate that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and make a significant impact. Their stories are a testament to the power of experience, resilience, and vision in building successful businesses.

Here is a list of well-known American entrepreneurs who started businesses after the age of 50, along with the estimated value of their businesses:

1. Harland Sanders (KFC) – Started at 62; valued at $12.6 billion[2].
2. Ray Kroc (McDonald’s) – Started at 52; generates $21 billion in sales annually[2][5].
3. Arianna Huffington (Huffington Post) – Started at 55; remains a leading news site[2].
4. Bernie Marcus (The Home Depot) – Co-founded at 50; valued at over $300 billion[4].
5. Julie Wainwright (The RealReal) – Founded in her mid-50s; valued at over $1 billion[4].
6. Bobbi Brown (Bobbi Brown Cosmetics) – Launched at 34, sold for $74.5 million; started a new brand at 63 with $20 million in first-year revenue[2].
7. Jody Boyman (Hungry Planet) – Co-founded at 60; known for plant-based meat products[2].
8. Mary Lou Jepsen (Openwater) – Founded at 57; raised $22 million in funding[2].
9. Carl Churchill (Alpha Coffee) – Started later in life; known for community focus[2].
10. Edith Cooper (Medley) – Co-founded at 58; focuses on executive coaching and development[3].

These entrepreneurs have leveraged their experience and networks to create successful ventures later in life.

Citations:
[1] How Entrepreneurs Over 50 Are Making Their Mark – SCORE.org https://www.score.org/resource/blog-post/how-entrepreneurs-over-50-are-making-their-mark
[2] Movers and shakers in the business world: the over 50s founders https://silverpreneurs-ltd.com/insight/movers-and-shakers-in-the-business-world-the-over-50s-founders/
[3] Life Lessons From 11 Entrepreneurs Over 50 (2023) – Shopify https://www.shopify.com/blog/entrepreneurs-over-50
[4] 3 Successful Entrepreneurs Who Started in Their 50s https://noahkagan.com/successful-entrepreneurs-who-started-in-their-50s/
[5] Successful older entrepreneurs over 50 – Blissen https://www.blissen.io/older-entrepreneurs/
[6] Successful Startups Founded by Entrepreneurs Over 50 | CO https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/growth-studio/startup-founders-over-50
[7] Older Founders: 5 Reasons Why 50-Something Entrepreneurs Are More Successful https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/older-founders-5-reasons-why-50-something-more-ellen-kocher
[8] Five tips for starting a business after 50 years of age https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/5-tips-for-starting-a-business-after-50

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