RIP to a real one: FedEx founder and billionaire Fred Smith passes away at 80 years old

[sonatine]

FedEx had just $5,000 left in its bank account, and Smith's efforts to secure more funding were repeatedly rejected. Bankruptcy seemed almost inevitable. However, Smith wasn't ready to give up. On a fateful trip back from a failed pitch to General Dynamics, Smith made an impulsive decision that would change everything. He detoured to Las Vegas and took the last $5,000 of the company's funds to the blackjack tables. Smith won $27,000 – enough to keep FedEx afloat for a little longer.

“The $27,000 wasn't decisive, but it was an omen that things would get better,” Smith later said about the gamble. This unexpected win gave him enough breathing room to raise another $11 million in funding. With this new capital, FedEx weathered the storm, and by 1976, the company's revenue had climbed to $75 million.

[lol wow]

hold on i got this

IF TINE WAS A CEO IT WOULD BE CALLED BREAD EX DUE TO HIS LOVE OF CARBS aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aa zing pow kablam dragon flame roasted

[sonatine]

i would have absolutely 100% spend that last $5000 on sourdough starter its true

[mickeycrimm]

My cousin, Billy, went to work for FEDEX in 1972 in Memphis. For years they moved him around the country opening FEDEX offices. Fred had told the early employee's that those who stuck with him would be taken care of in the end.

After about 20 years Billy asked Fred to just let him run the Fayetteville, Arkansas, office from there on out. Billy is from Tupelo but his wife is from Fayetteville. When Billy retired in 2015 he was the longest employee, at 43 years, that FEDEX ever had.

[Sheesfaced]

My cousin, Billy, went to work for FEDEX in 1972 in Memphis. For years they moved him around the country opening FEDEX offices. Fred had told the early employee's that those who stuck with him would be taken care of in the end.

After about 20 years Billy asked Fred to just let him run the Fayetteville, Arkansas, office from there on out. Billy is from Tupelo but his wife is from Fayetteville. When Billy retired in 2015 he was the longest employee, at 43 years, that FEDEX ever had.

Now think about what Billy says about his cousin Mickey.

[tgull]

Guy was great as a cameo in the Tom Hanks movie where he was rescued on the island, talking to the soccer ball, Whitey.

[Dan Druff]

It's actually great that FedEx exists, because a UPS virtual monopoly would suck.

[mickeycrimm]

My cousin, Billy, went to work for FEDEX in 1972 in Memphis. For years they moved him around the country opening FEDEX offices. Fred had told the early employee's that those who stuck with him would be taken care of in the end.

After about 20 years Billy asked Fred to just let him run the Fayetteville, Arkansas, office from there on out. Billy is from Tupelo but his wife is from Fayetteville. When Billy retired in 2015 he was the longest employee, at 43 years, that FEDEX ever had.

Now think about what Billy says about his cousin Mickey.

Cut the tomatoe, medium coke and fries, please, shitfaced.

[mickeycrimm]

My cousin, Billy, went to work for FEDEX in 1972 in Memphis. For years they moved him around the country opening FEDEX offices. Fred had told the early employee's that those who stuck with him would be taken care of in the end.

After about 20 years Billy asked Fred to just let him run the Fayetteville, Arkansas, office from there on out. Billy is from Tupelo but his wife is from Fayetteville. When Billy retired in 2015 he was the longest employee, at 43 years, that FEDEX ever had.

Now think about what Billy says about his cousin Mickey.

Billy and his wife love to take casino vacations but they were always very expensive to them. About 7 years ago I taught them advantage slots. They don't strictly adhere to advantage play principles but the money they pick off on the exploitables defrays their expenses. They are quite happy about it.