In the early days of FedEx, founder Frederick W. Smith faced a challenge that could have ended the company before it even had a chance to soar. The company was running out of funds, barely able to cover essential fuel bills, and desperate for a solution to stay operational. With FedEx’s future on the line, Smith made an audacious decision that would go down in business history.
Taking FedEx’s last $5,000, Smith traveled to Las Vegas and sat down at a blackjack table. Against the odds, he walked away with $27,000—just enough to keep FedEx moving forward. This bold gamble provided the fuel to carry FedEx through its initial financial crisis, enabling it to survive and eventually transform into the global logistics giant it is today.
Smith’s unorthodox move is a testament to his unshakable belief in FedEx’s potential and his willingness to go all-in for success. This story of risk and reward continues to inspire entrepreneurs, showing that sometimes a calculated gamble can make all the difference in building an empire.
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