http://www.papermag.com/magazine/branson/indexINFR.html

Up, up and away, in my beautiful, my beautiful balloon. . . Richard Branson, an entrepreneur of the twentieth century, loves to soar high. The Collins English Dictionary defines an entrepreneur as a person who attempts to profit by risk and initiative; Richard Branson has taken many risks and has been very successful. His success has come with the hard work and dedication he puts into his companies and innovations. Many people did not expect a dyslexic boy to become a leading world emperor; born in England, unrecognized by his many talents, with the love of music, flying, and challenges, Richard Branson has become a renowned name in the business world.

Richard Branson was born in 1950 to an English Lawyer and an airline stewardess. He was educated at Stowe School. Branson was not a very bright boy, possibly due to the fact he was nearsighted and dyslexic.  His disabilities made it difficult for his teachers to recognize his aspirations and drive. Richard Branson's ability to connect with people was not recognized until later years.

When Richard became an adolescent all of his abilities and talents became more obvious. Branson's first success was in 1960, he developed a newspaper titled "Student at the Age of Sixteen." The purpose of the newspaper was to bring schools together. It was focused on students and their teenage years. The newspaper was composed of politics, rock music, celebrities and intellectuals. Branson's mom donated money to help pay for the phone calls and postage of the newspaper, helping to make it a huge success. The headmaster at Stowe School was especially proud of Richard Branson, he remarked after the first issue was released, "Congratulations Branson. I predict you will either go to prison or become a millionaire."

Branson became very interested in music and entered the record industry.  In 1970, Branson and his staff from the magazine, thought that they could sell records for discount prices. Running adds in a mail order catalogue, more and more people bought records from Branson and Co. resulting in started a record discount shop. They found an old store, cleaned it up, installed shelves and became very prosperous; Branson decided that they needed to name their business. Three candidates for the name were: "Slipped Disc," "Student," and "Virgin." They picked virgin because they were all virgins at business.  Within a short time Virgin had gone from a rented discount store to one of the top music megastores in the world.

Virgin records was formed in 1972. The first recording studio was built in Oxfordshire, England. Mike Oldfield recorded the very first album which sold over five million copies. Other artists who record with Virgin today are Belinda Carlisle, Genesis, Phil Collins, Janet Jackson, The Rolling Stones, and the Spice Girls. Virgin records is one of the top six record companies in the world.

Virgin Airlines is one of Richard Branson's main companies. Virgin Airlines was formed in 1984. It is the second largest British, international airline that includes Boeing 747 and Airbus A340 aircraft's. The planes travel to New York, Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Athens, Johannesburg and Tokyo. Branson cares about his employees and wants them to feel comfortable and safe on the airplane. On December 31, 1999 to January 1, 2000 Branson is ceasing all transportation because he is concerned about his staff.  Virgin Airlines has won many awards; his most recent award was Airline of the Year.

Richard Branson has currently founded a Cola company. The Cola company is known as Virgin Cola. It is available in Europe and the Unites States and it is in competition with PepsiCo. and Coca-Cola Co. Branson has already become more successful than PepsiCo. Branson Quotes, "I want Virgin Cola to be as well known around the world as Coca-Cola."9 Virgin Cola continues to expand and become a very successful beverage company.

Not only has Branson become successful in business, but he is extremely adept at taking risks. Since 1985 he has been immersed in record breaking attempts.   In 1986 his boat "Virgin Challenger II'' crossed the Atlantic Ocean in the fastest ever recorded time. In 1987 Branson crossed the Atlantic Ocean in the "Virgin Atlantic Flyer", which was the first and largest hot air balloon to cross the ocean. He also crossed the Pacific Ocean from Japan to Arctic Canada. Branson plans to circle the world in his hot air balloon, and has already made a few unsuccessful attempts.

Richard Branson is a very inspirational person. He has set challenging goals and achieved every one of them. He is a true entrepreneur and a role model to not only business executives, but also children around the world.  Success is the first word that comes to mind when Richard Branson's name is mentioned.

For More Information:

Richard Branson's Virgin Success - This site features a biography of Richard Branson. http://www.execpc.com/~shepler/branson.html

Richard Branson Virgin for Life - This site includes a breif biography of Richard Branson.
http://www.papermag.com/magazine/branson/indexINFR.html

Richard Branson - This sit features a biography of Richard Branson, it also has information on his many companies.
http://www.newshook.com/files/virgin-bio.html