Aaron Montgomery dropped out of school when he was only 14. Because he had to start working to help support his parents and siblings. And his first job, in a factory, paid a whopping 25 cents a day. So, you’re probably thinking this definitely wasn’t recent. And you’re definitely right.
Imagine a first job at even ten times that much per day.
It still wouldn’t be a job you’d want to apply for, right? Yeah, me neither.
But let’s get back to Aaron.
After jumping around jobs, he was hired to manage a dry goods store (there’s a hint). And they sent him out into the rural areas to see if he could get more customers. Turned out, he was pretty good at it.
Then he moved to Chicago and joined a big (at the time) merchandising company. Field, Palmer, and Leither. Yeah, I’ve never heard of ’em either. But no big deal. Because Aaron only stuck around there for two years. Then he worked for Wills, Greg, and Co for another two years. And, as it turned out, he kept getting sent out into the rural areas.
During his time in the small towns and countryside, he dealt with the locals and their biggest complaint. High prices from those companies where he worked.
So, Aaron looked for a way to cut out the “middle men” and lower prices for those nice people. But apparently friends and relatives thought he was crazy for even trying. But he bought some “goods” and started to work on his idea.
Then, a little something you might have heard of, The Great Fire of Chicago, happened. And Aaron’s investment was burned up like so many others.
Most people would probably think it was a sign.
And most would probably give up. But not Aaron. He came up with $1600 (and a couple of partners) and re-established his new mail-order business. And he had a snazzy catalogue printed up and distributed it. Especially to rural areas. After a year, the partners left. But his brother-in-law wanted in and was willing to invest another $500 to become a partner.
Wow, talk about a good move by that brother-in-law.
Because their company went on to become one of the most successful businesses ever. And at the time of his death, Aaron Montgomery saw sales around $40 million. Considering that was 1913, in today’s dollars, he would have been worth over a billion. Not bad.
Oh…by the way…Aaron Montgomery’s last name was Ward. And his company was Montgomery Ward. The company went out of business in 2001. But they have an online only version now.
Anyway, the moral of the story is this. Just because you start out your working life in a job doesn’t mean you can’t eventually have a hugely successful business. In fact, a job might actually open your eyes and mind to possibilities.
And I talk about that in the RondaReady YOUniversity course. If you’re starting out in the workforce, or if you know someone who is, this course can help make the whole process a lot more clear. And you won’t believe how affordable it is.
Join my free daily emails to find out more. The link is below.
Stay Ready,
Ronda