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:Â 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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Also read: Alec Hogg: Piet Viljoen regains his mojo
Despite the coronavirus delivering the now 77-year-old’s Mantis hotels group one of the toughest challenges imaginable, Gardiner remains optimistic. His story is just the ticket for those needing pepping up after this difficult year. Don’t we all? Have a listen by clicking here.
- PS – Don’t forget to join me today for the year’s final monthly update of the BizNews portfolio. To ensure only paid-up Premium members like you can attend, we’ve ended the automatic registration so you’ll need to sign up afresh. Here’s the link:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5906189847824912656
TO LISTEN…
Latest audio on BizNews Radio.…..(click on the link to access)
- The Alec Hogg Show: Meet comeback kid Adrian Gardiner
- Flash Briefing: Multinationals reimburse billions over State Capture
- Building wealth for the long-term with Dawn Ridler and friendsÂ
- Queen of the rink: Young SA ice skater targets Winter Olympics
- Inside Covid-19: Cracking interviews with Venter, Battacharya
TO WATCH…
Plenty to choose from on the BizNews TV channel on Youtube…
