Thread by @imrichardfertig

Long overdue.

My father, self made, self educated (5th grade education), born 1926 Great Depression, orphaned

1946 started one of 1st mail order businesses.

Laughed @ “people buy products they don’t see and prepay? Trust some kid in the Bronx will mail items? Good luck!”

1/5

Paid in stamps and coins - this was before credit cards existed!

Nobody saw what he saw. He did it anyways.

Later, when I graduated college, he ASKED if I wanted to take over the biz. I respectfully declined. “Dad, I want to prove myself against the sharpest guys on Wall St”

He then GAVE the company to his loyal employees- many had been w him for 40 years.

He always balanced work and life perfectly and prioritized QUALITY of life > $. He made all his buying and marketing decisions in 3 months (Bronx), and lived 9 mo in Costa Rica.

I was born in CR & lived until 10.

Returned to USA for education that he prioritized for my sis and I (since he had none).

3 Ivy degrees later (sis and I), Dad was ecstatic. He was so proud!

Dad passed shortly after I was laid off in 2009 but AFTER I started my 1st company.

Even in the worst crisis since Depression (when he was born), he never doubted my idea or timing. He loved that I was no longer a W2 employee.

Thx Dad for showing me EVERYTHING is possible.

Thanks for helping me prioritize QUALITY of life.

Thanks for EVERYTHING. ❤️

#legend