A tech tycoon was at a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The techie complimented the fisherman on his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.The fisherman replied it only took a little while. The techie then asked why he didn’t stay out longer and catch more fish. The fisherman said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs.
The techie scoffed. ‘I’m a Wharton MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds, buy several boats. Eventually, you’ll have a fleet. Sell directly to the processor, then open your own cannery. Control the product, processing and distribution. You’d need to leave this small village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC.’
‘How long will this all take?’ the fisherman asked.
’15-20 years.’
‘And then?’The techie laughed. ‘That’s the best part. When the time is right, you announce an IPO and sell your company stock and make millions. Then you can retire to a small coastal fishing village in Mexico where you can sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids….’
