20 Stories of Entrepreneurs Who Made It Big After 50

You know success has no age, right?

Cyra Sanchez
January 31, 2025
5 min read

20 Stories of Entrepreneurs Who Made It Big After 50 — fauxels on Pexels

There is no age for success as these entrepreneurs started businesses later in life. This recognizes people who challenged societal expectations and success late in life, thanks to life experience and wisdom. Their journeys show it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

1. Bernie Marcus

Bernard Marcus on Wikimedia Commons

Bernie was fired at 50 and sparked triumph from misfortune. He was the co-founder of The Home Depot, which transformed the way people think about home improvement. His resilience demonstrates that failures can lead to pioneering endeavors.

2. Ray Kroc

Halvorsen brian on Wikimedia Commons

Starving for more at 52, Ray took control of McDonald’s and built an international fast-food empire. His journey is a testament to the power of identifying unexploited potential and daring to dream big. He showed that it’s never too late to shoot for the stars.

3. Arianna Huffington

David Shankbone on Wikimedia Commons

Arianna co-founded The Huffington Post at age 54. She helped usher in a new era of digital journalism, and her success is a testament to the importance of perseverance and reinvention.

4. Harland David Sanders (Colonel Sanders)

Suissrael on Wikimedia Commons

At 62, Sanders sold Kentucky Fried Chicken in a franchise with his secret recipe. He created an iconic global brand when many retired. His story inspires all who believe in the transformative power of passion.

5. Alexandra Dunhill

Sarah Sinclair on Wikimedia Commons

At 60, Alexandra entered the wellness space with her brand, Lady A, which creatively paved the way for her niche — CBD-based products for women. Her journey demonstrates that age can amplify innovation and empathy.

6. Carmen Hijosa

Piñatex on Wikimedia Commons

Now 62, Carmen conjured up Piñatex, a sustainable leather alternative made from pineapple fibers. She redefined the meaning of eco-friendly fashion. She is an example of how experience can propel environmental innovation.

7. Lady Amanda Feilding

Jesse Noakes on Wikimedia Commons

Amanda entered the medical field at age 76, launching Beckley Psytech to study psychedelic therapy. She bridged disciplines in science and mental health, proving that age can never hinder curiosity and pioneering research.

8. Jim Butenschoen

Jim Butenschoen on Wikimedia Commons

At 65, Jim exchanged corporate life for the Career Academy of Hair Design. He changed tack to follow an interest in education. His move inspires others to make audacious career moves.

9. Rand Smith

eyeSmith on Wikimedia Commons

Rand founded eyeSmith Sport & Fashion Optical with his wife in his 50s. Drawing on decades of optical know-how, they filled niches in eyewear. Their journey exemplifies collaboration and deep expertise.

10. Chris and Susan Beesley

Chris and Susan Beesley on Wikimedia Commons

Chris and Susan started an online platform to assist new entrepreneurs in their mid-50s. They showed that it is possible to learn digital tools at any age. Their venture enables sharing ideas and adapting.

11. Ernestine Shepherd

Ernestine Shepherd on Wikimedia Commons

Ernestine started bodybuilding at age 56 and eventually became the world’s oldest female bodybuilder. Her determination and reinvention broke stereotypes. She reminds us that the pursuit of health is eternal.

12. Michael Grottola

overfiftyandoutofwork.com on Wikimedia Commons

Michael started a consulting business at 65 after losing his job. His company served more than 165 small businesses. His journey underscores the importance of relying on experience during hard times.

13. Martin Port

Martin Port on Wikimedia Commons

At 62, Martin founded Build Concierge, specializing in AI tools for homeowners. He transformed decades of knowledge into a state-of-the-art platform. This is a tale of endless possibilities when tech meets innovation.

14. Sarah Frame

Sarah Frame on Wikimedia Commons

At 60, Sarah took a personal tragedy and transformed it into “The Book Nook,” an award-winning community hub. Her project brought people together through literature. She also shows the healing force of purpose and connection.

15. Majid Hussain

Rasalghul1711 on Wikimedia Commons

Majid also sought ambitious real estate projects in his 50s, such as a 20,000 sq. ft. mansion. What defined him was his unyielding ambition. He shows that dreams don’t fade with time.

16. Graham Goodwin

Graham Goodwin on Wikimedia Commons

Graham, who co-founded Jigsaw Equity with his son at age 59, decided to take a second look at early retirement. The father-son pair used the experience for a new beginning. His story highlights the need to be present and active.

17. Susie Masterson

Susie Masterson on Wikimedia Commons

Early retired, she retrained as a psychotherapist at the age of 50. She went back to work as a way to nurture the joy she gets from helping others. Her story is one of personal growth and the delight of lifelong learning.

18. Joyce Hall

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A 57-year-old Joyce made Hallmark Cards into a company and turned it into a household name. Her entrepreneurial insight transformed emotional expression. He invented an industry for the ages.

19. Ronald Reagan

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Reagan didn’t become politically active until his 50s, before becoming the U.S. President. It was his communication and leadership ability that set him apart. His journey proves that age knows no boundaries.

20. Takichiro Mori

Business Insider on Wikimedia Commons

By 55, Mori had dropped out of academia and turned to real estate, eventually becoming a multi-billionaire and one of the richest men in the world. His risk-taking, which is the carefully calibrated kind, changed the legacy. He shows us the value of taking bold risks later in life.