Sir Richard Branson
Richard Branson was born on July 18, 1950. He started becoming a serial entrepreneur at the tender age of just 16 when he published a student magazine. Branson did not go on to graduate school, however in 1970 the Virgin brand began when Richard opened a discount records mail order business with his friend Nik Powell.
Two years later, Virgin Records opened its doors on Oxford Street in London in conjunction with Branson’s own recording label (also named Virgin Records). The record label was able to sign top music artists like “The Sex Pistols”and “The Rolling Stones”. The Virgin Records Group was sold in 1992 to THORN EMI for $1 billion USD!
In 1996, Branson made a comeback in the record label business by starting V2 Records, backing famous artists, such as ”Stereophonics” and “Tom Jones”.
Richard Branson had begun creating one of the most recognisable brands in the world, spanning from his humble beginnings in the UK to America, Austrailia, Canada, Asia, Europe and South Africa! His empire has expanded into the following…
- Virgin Atlantic - An international airline flying to many major destinations.
- Virgin Megastores - Music Super-markets.
- Virgin Books - Publisher and distributor of books.
- Virgin Credit Card - Reasonably priced credit card.
- Virgin Holidays - Book a holiday and fly Virgin Atlantic!
- Virgin Trains - Currently only in the United Kingdom.
- V2 Music - Largest UK based independent recording label.
- Virgin Active - Chain of fitness clubs throughout the United Kingdom.
- Virgin Cosmetics - chain of stores selling Virgin branded cosmetics.
- Virgin Galactic - Branson’s planned affordable flight to space venture.
- Ulusaba - Luxury game reserve located in South Africa.
- Necker Island - Branson’s own private island located in the British Virgin Islands.
There are plenty more businesses that wear the Virgin name throughout the world and there will probably be more to come as Branson is always looking for an interesting business to start. You can view his entire empire at Virgin.com
Persueing goals has been an objective for Branson since he was a little boy. His craving for success has also led him to attempting to break World records by boat and hot air balloon. Several distance and speed records have been attempted and achieved, but his attempt to be the first person to circumnavigate the world in a hot air balloon was never achieved. Branson makes each record attempt a media event with his Virgin logo prominently displayed during every launch, which has been an excellent source of free advertising and brand placement for the Virgin Group.
Branson was awarded a Knighthood in 1999 and became Sir Richard Branson for his contribution to entrepreneurship. Branson is married with two children and currently lives in London. His company homepage is Virgin.com.