Searching for entrepreneurial inspiration? There are two things middle-aged men need to know about the world today. Number 1: no job can last a lifetime. Number 2: these are modern times, you’re never too old to start a business and become self-employed.
Take men over 50 in the United Kingdom. According to a study completed by Business in the Community, a business-led membership organization, about 43% of entrepreneurs in the UK are over 50. If you’re a 50+ man who is considering launching a new business venture or project, the four over-50 entrepreneurs below will inspire you:
Jim Butenschoen – 65
Springdale, Arkansas-based Jim Butenschoen used to work in the IT industry. At the age of 65, he realized he needed to pursue his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Butenschoen quit his job and put his extensive corporate experience to work for him by opening his own hair design academy. His Career Academy of Hair Design now employees a staff of 45 at five different locations.
Rand Smith – 58
After working in the eyewear industry for decades and raising eight children, Rand Smith along with his wife Janeel decided to buy their own business. With financial guidance, they used their retirement funds to open the eyeSmith Sport and Fashion Optical store in Kansas City, Missouri. Their thriving business specializes in high fashion glasses and outfitting sports enthusiasts with eyewear for their active lifestyle.
Michael Grottola – 65
Initially devastated after a mass layoff during the Great Recession, Grottola reinvented himself as a business coach at the age of 65. He has since assisted more than 165 entrepreneurs and startups in various countries to acquire access to capital.
Chris & Susan Beesley – Mid-50s
Accountants and management consultants Chris and Susan Beesley decided to take a risk in their mid-50s. The parents of five and grandparents of four embarked on a journey to start an online business even when they were not sure how to go about it. However, the Beesley’s were familiar with the basics and began with a blog in 2009 at chrisandsusanbeesley.com. Today, they assist and train online entrepreneurs all over the world. If you’re contemplating a new career path after 50, self-employment may be right up your alley.
There are countless entrepreneurial opportunities available, particularly on the digital platform. Do some reading and research, or contact a professional business or life coach to determine what’s right for you in this exciting next chapter.
And of course we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the success of the co-founders of Manopause, Michael Essrig and Larry Pollack both over 60, still maintaining robust careers but transitioning to their new passion with the creation of Manopause, the online destination for men over 50 by men over 50.
