Pink-Slip Millionaires
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AP / Getty
Pink-Slip Millionaires
Some of today's most successful entrepreneurs were once fired, laid off, or otherwise sent packing by a former employer. Instead of finding a new job, they launched successful businesses of their own. Here are a few of our favorites.
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Next: J.K. RowlingMore From Inc.com:
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Matt Dunham, AP
J.K. Rowling
A former secretary who was once fired for writing short stories at her computer, J.K. Rowling used her severance pay to help finance the first Harry Potter novel. Several bestselling books and blockbuster films later, the self-made billionaire is now ranked as the world's second-wealthiest female entertainer after Oprah Winfrey.
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Next: Bernie Marcus and Arthur BlankMore From Inc.com:
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Louie Favorite, AP
Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank
Laid off from Handy Dan by a corporate raider in the late 1970s, Arthur Blank and Bernie Marcus lost nearly $1 million the year they launched their first home-improvement store in Atlanta. Today, the Home Depot chain has more than 2,100 stores across North America.
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Next: Michael BloombergMore From Inc.com:
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Stan Honda, AFP / Getty Images
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Back in his late 30s, Bloomberg lost his job as a manager at Salomon Brothers after a corporate takeover. Using his corporate stock earnings from the sale, he founded Bloomberg, a financial-information company whose terminals have become a mainstay on Wall Street, along with a wire service and TV and radio networks -- a media empire now valued at as much as $20 billion.
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Next: Mena and Ben TrottMore From Inc.com:
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Roy Dabner, AP
Mena and Ben Trott
In the wake of the dot-com bust and days before 9/11, Mena Trott and her husband Ben were laid off from a small Web-design firm. A month later, they released Movable Type -- software they'd created for Mena's personal blog. Today, it's the dominant platform for blogs all over the Web.
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Next: David NeelemanMore From Inc.com:
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Spencer Platt, Getty Images
David Neeleman
Not long after Southwest Airlines bought David Neeleman's first low-budget airline, the company canned him as an executive planner. Following a stint at a touch-screen airline reservation business, he launched JetBlue in 1999 - building a cult following with live TV at each seat. It was also one of the few airlines to remain profitable in the aftermath the 9/11 terrorist attacks. JetBlue remains a customer-service leader in the industry.
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Recent Comments
arisingglory 11:47:12 AM Jul 14 2008
If you care about what you eat and want to help others improve too you can make money at AHealthyFeast.com There are low getting started costs and with a little effort you can reap lots of rewards from the bonus programs they have. If you hate to work for others, then this kind of work at home business is for you if you have some discipline. If you enjoy meeting people and have the gift of gab, you can do real well!
mtncircle 07:31:31 PM Jun 26 2008
A lot of times people are smarter than they give themselves credit for. If you can find the plan and the strategy, then effort does pay off. I know of a biz at www.AMillionaireBusiness.com that offers a strategy. Nothing passive makes for success, but when you feel rewarded for your efforts, then you can do better than you ever thought. It's about knowing how to think!
valpergah 05:35:13 AM Jun 23 2008
I learned working for my self was so much healthier and gave me a piece of mind not playing a game started my own business www.donaldsmoneysite.com
sweetbabi3 03:45:30 AM Jun 23 2008
I am here to tell you that working for someone else probably will not make you rich, or even prosper. If you do, always pay yourself first, meaning save, save, save and invest in the market or other funds. Investments, and working for yourself is a sure way to be successful. Sure, you can work for someone else and be ok, but will you become wealthy that way? Probably not unless you take chances, and invest, invest, save, save. So many people have not figured that out. Also, keep to a budget, and always ask yourself, "do I really need that" before spending money on certain items. Take that 50 and save instead of buying that 40th pair of shoes, or paying for a weekend trip that you may be sorry for on Monday. Eventually, you can spend without worrying about every penny, but investments and saving is a start to security.
flowersiss 02:04:12 AM Jun 23 2008
wow, it really is ironic why jk rowling was fired ahaha!!! good for her though! i bet the people she used to work for are sorry! haha
msgbush 01:29:53 AM Jun 23 2008
Gee lovekaley,
Surprisingly you have a picture of Heil Raygun's picture. That man screwed more small buisinesses than Clinton took advantage of weak willed women.
And how much is gas per gallon these days?
It's time for a change.
lovekaley 01:18:55 AM Jun 23 2008
90% OF BUSINESS OWNERS GO OUT OF BUSINESS IN FIRST TWO YEARS. I LIKE THE FOR SURE CASH,.PLUS INSURANCE, AND FIVE WEEKS OF PAID TIME OFF. NO PRESSURE.
hopefarm01 12:36:12 AM Jun 23 2008
REGARDING THE COMMENTS ABOUT RUSH LIMBAUGH: A charity is presently auctioning off a set of GOLF CLUBS that once belonged to the famous radio talk show host, (LIMBAUGH) on eBay for a mere $25,000.00 STARTING BID. He has a radio audience of around 20 million and personally makes over 40 million in yearly income. HOW DID HE DO IT? By being a conservative and vocal radio tall show host who has many, many local listeners.
stnsmok 12:26:06 AM Jun 23 2008
Be careful the FREE grocery card being advertised has a virus.
gimenjose 12:24:58 AM Jun 23 2008
When you do not want to work for a boss, you can own your own business !. My two brothers are successful business owners . My brother opened his own air conditioner service and shop and my other brother opened his own business as a handy man. They are doing very well today. Year ago, they were not happy working for their bosses , who would not give them raise when they deserve it. It is their bosses' loss for not being fair to them ! .They opened their own business with their money out of their pockets. Also, what unique about them is that they put their faith in our GOD and they prosper.. I am extremely happy for them !. I love my brothers and i am very proud of them . It was my idea telling them that it would be better for them to be their own boss and they did !
