Coffee, Hockey, and Tim Horton: A Conversation I'd Love to Have

When you think about legendary entrepreneurs, you might jump straight to the heavy hitters like Steve Jobs or Thomas Edison. It's almost a reflex to consider these giants when asked which business founder from the past would you love to chat with. For me, though, I'd take a different route. I'd choose to sit down with Tim Horton.

Yes, Tim Horton – the hockey player turned coffee kingpin whose name is on just about every other corner in Canada. He's the guy who started what's turned into an absolute staple of Canadian culture. And while Tim Hortons, the brand, has become almost a national symbol, there's so much more to the story.

My reason for choosing him is simple: we share passions that go beyond business. We both have a love for hockey, and I reckon that would spark some fantastic discussions. Imagine talking puck and profit with someone who excelled at both – that's a rare combo.

What I would really be drawn to is the real Tim Horton story – the early days and the tough times he faced when he was just starting out. I'd be all in to hear about the grit it took to turn a single donut shop into a coffee empire. How did he do it? What kept him going when things got tough? His journey wasn't just about building a successful business; it was about creating something that his community could rally around.

It's these human elements of his story that I find so fascinating. The idea that an NHL player could lay the groundwork for a business that would become a part of the daily life of millions of people is inspiring. Tim Horton's story goes beyond the boardroom – it's about making a connection that lasts.

So, to all of you reading this: If you could pick the brain of any entrepreneur from history, who would it be? Don't just go for the obvious choice. Think about someone who's made a real impact – maybe in a way that's not celebrated enough. Leave a comment or send me a post and let's talk about the unsung heroes of entrepreneurship, like Tim Horton, who've left an impressive mark.

This post is a nod to those entrepreneurs who've done more than just start businesses; they've created something that sticks with us, woven into the very fabric of our day-to-day lives. Thank you!

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Nunzio Presta is the Founder and CEO of BuyAndSellABusiness.com, an online platform where people can buy, sell and grow all types of businesses in the micro market. Join our growing community today for free.

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