Henry Flagler: A Heroic Entrepreneurs
When thinking about a hero, one might picture a superhero swooping in and saving a bunch of people, or a general helping a nation win a battle for the better cause. These stereotypical characters have exactly what it takes to be heroes: courage, intelligence, and valor. However, what one might not realize is that to be a hero, one must have a bit of recklessness. Not recklessness in the sense of making foolish decisions to meet failure, but recklessness in the sense of taking risks in the vision of meeting success. Entrepreneurs are a perfect example of these descriptions. When creating a business, one must overcome obstacles, find solutions, and take many risks. That is why entrepreneurs must be reckless because as Michael Jordan once said,
…show more content…
Without him, South Florida would most certainly not be in the flourishing state which it is today. Known as the Father of Miami, he formed his fortune through his success as an entrepreneur. His breakthrough came in 1867 when he was approached by John D. Rockefeller for investments. Together they went on to form Standard Oil which went on to become the largest oil refining company in the US. After traveling to Florida, Flagler saw the potential of success in the hotel and transportation industries, and the vision for Florida was quickly planted in his mind. After forming the Florida East Coast Railway by buying land and building new railways, Flagler became known for his efforts to develop Florida. In fact, over thirty years, he had invested approximately $50 million building railways, homes, and hotels expanding all the way from St Augustine to Key West.
These efforts to expand as an entrepreneur did not come for free. In 1862, before his successes in oil refinery, he formed a salt company with his brother in law. However, this venture failed when the civil war hit, undercutting the demand for salt. Flagler had to return home, having lost his $50,000 investment and an additional $50,000 he had borrowed.
Flagler’s ability to overcome his failure and persevere to build his vision and expand Florida is what makes him a hero. Through his recklessness and risk taking came the conception of Miami and his success as an
Without him, South Florida would most certainly not be in the flourishing state which it is today. Known as the Father of Miami, he formed his fortune through his success as an entrepreneur. His breakthrough came in 1867 when he was approached by John D. Rockefeller for investments. Together they went on to form Standard Oil which went on to become the largest oil refining company in the US. After traveling to Florida, Flagler saw the potential of success in the hotel and transportation industries, and the vision for Florida was quickly planted in his mind. After forming the Florida East Coast Railway by buying land and building new railways, Flagler became known for his efforts to develop Florida. In fact, over thirty years, he had invested approximately $50 million building railways, homes, and hotels expanding all the way from St Augustine to Key West.
These efforts to expand as an entrepreneur did not come for free. In 1862, before his successes in oil refinery, he formed a salt company with his brother in law. However, this venture failed when the civil war hit, undercutting the demand for salt. Flagler had to return home, having lost his $50,000 investment and an additional $50,000 he had borrowed.
Flagler’s ability to overcome his failure and persevere to build his vision and expand Florida is what makes him a hero. Through his recklessness and risk taking came the conception of Miami and his success as an