Self-Made Success and Unwavering Determination
At 82 years young, Jack Cowin stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unrelenting spirit of adventure. A self-made billionaire, Cowin has carved his fortune in the fast-food industry, turning humble beginnings into a thriving empire worth over $3 billion.
“I didn’t come from [money] … I’m kind of self-made. I use that terminology and I’m proud of that,” Cowin proudly shared in an interview with CNBC Make It.
Cowin’s journey began in 1969 when he purchased his first KFC store in Australia. From a single outlet, he expanded the franchise to 55 stores, eventually selling them in 2013 for a staggering $71 million. But his entrepreneurial appetite didn’t stop there. Cowin founded Competitive Foods Australia, which operates the popular Hungry Jack’s chain, the Australian equivalent of Burger King, now boasting over 400 locations.
Additionally, Cowin is the largest shareholder of Domino’s Pizza in Australia and a key investor in the plant-based meat company v2food. His businesses collectively generate over $300 million annually, employing a global workforce of approximately 150,000 people.
Business as a Team Sport
Before his business ventures, Cowin dabbled in sports, playing football during his university days and briefly entertaining a professional career. This experience, he says, shaped his perspective on business as a “team sport.”
“Don’t be a dentist … when you’re not drilling teeth, you’re not making money,” Cowin explained, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
To build something substantial, Cowin advises aspiring entrepreneurs to become team players, interact effectively with others, and recognize that success is rarely a solo endeavor. “Be conscious of the fact that you cannot do it on your own,” he added.
Cowin also highlighted the importance of empathy in business. Satisfying not only your needs but also those of employees, customers, investors, and partners is crucial. Being a “people person” with a genuine curiosity and willingness to learn has been instrumental to his success.
Advice to the Younger Generation: Take Action
For young people feeling lost or uncertain, Cowin’s message is simple yet powerful: “If you’re lost, get active with something.”
He observed that many individuals, after facing setbacks, retreat and lose confidence. His advice? Don’t stay on the sidelines. “You got to be in the game to be successful,” he emphasized.
Cowin encourages taking proactive steps and engaging with life: “You got to get back into the mainstream of life by doing stuff, interacting with people. Have a go, don’t stand around thinking about it.”
A Life of Adventure
Reflecting on his decades-long career, Cowin sees his life as an adventure rather than a grind. From launching new businesses to exploring innovative ideas, his journey has been marked by curiosity and excitement.
“If there was a summary of my life, I’ve looked on it as an adventure, rather than slogging it out day after day,” he said.
Even at 82, Cowin remains active and engaged in his business ventures, showing no intention of slowing down. His story is a reminder that success isn’t just about wealth but about embracing challenges, seeking opportunities, and finding joy in the journey.
Closing Thoughts
Jack Cowin’s life lessons resonate with anyone aspiring to build something meaningful. From his humble beginnings to creating thousands of jobs worldwide, his advice to “have a go” serves as a powerful call to action for dreamers and doers alike. His story is not only about financial success but about living a fulfilling, adventurous life driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a passion for making a difference.
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