Alec Hogg: Adrian Gardiner’s lessons for all

In the late 1970s, Adrian Gardiner (above) was on top of the world. His expanding businesses were booming and banks lining up to lend him whatever he wanted. But after inflation rose from 9% to 17% prodding the SARB to double interest rates, Gardiner's empire hit a wall. As did thousands of other businesses.

Also read: Alec Hogg: Rand recovery in perspective

While lesser men crawled into the safety of corporate holes, Gardiner dusted himself off and started again. Within a couple of years he'd repaid his debts, reacquired his bankrupted businesses and recharged a career that transformed the Eastern Cape's hospitality sector and launched a global luxury hotel group.

It's an inspirational story of a man who married well, kept his feet firmly on the ground, and, by staying in Port Elizabeth, proved the efficacy of a remote business model long before it became fashionable.

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