How a fired employee became a successful entrepreneur at 66 years old is an inspiring story of resolve and strength of character. As Paul prepared to leave for home from Method Products, where he worked, there were issues. The company in San Francisco he had dedicated most of his life to had other plans. He was called into an abrupt meeting. Little did he know that the new CEO didn’t like his face and was offloading him from the company. It was an exit interview. His position as Senior Director of Operations was gone.
A trained engineer, Paul Tasner had no passion for engineering and chose the path of engineering where he would rise through the ranks in several companies in a career spanning 40 years in corporate America. All these came to a halt that fateful evening at the age of 64 years. Furthermore, Tasner had so many things pending in his life and still wanted a source of income or to serve.
Where does one go at 64 years when the only source of livelihood stops in one fell swoop? Paul called his wife Barbara and another friend that evening he was terminated and got “silly drunk” as if to drown his frustrations.
The next day he woke up sober and decided that retirement was not an option and that he was going to pull himself up by whatever remained in him to make a difference. At an age when many would have chosen to throw in the towel and retire, Paul took a leap of faith in the world of new entrepreneurship littered with young people.
In an era of young people churning out cutting-edge business startups, Paul shattered the stereotype by launching Pulpworks, a company that designs and manufactures eco-friendly packaging.
Veering into Consultancy
As Paul Tasner weighed his options, the idea of using a bird in hand crossed his mind. He decided to use his knowledge, connections, and networks acquired over his 40-year career to start consulting in manufacturing. He had to find quick money to bridge the sudden loss of income. But this too was not for him. The Industrial Engineer with a Ph.D. in Mathematics still felt inadequate and craved a higher calling. He had to jump into other ideas.
He felt he wanted to do something else with his last chance, not consulting. We find out how a fired employee became a successful entrepreneur at 66 years going against all established norms.
Founding PulpWorks and becoming an entrepreneur at 66 years of age.
Tasner’s motivation to start Pulpworks emanated from a deep-seated concern for the environment and the negative effects of plastic waste on the environment. Leveraging his background in manufacturing, packaging, and distribution, Paul decided to take the plunge. He designed something that could minimize waste while offering practical alternatives to plastic using paper and agricultural waste.
Tasner teamed up with Elena Oliveri, an architect looking for a new job that could give her a stronger feeling of purpose. A second treasured partner was his wife Barbara, a registered nurse who had experience in entrepreneurship through her healthcare startup. And Pulpworks was born.
With no experience in mobilizing funds, invoicing, or anything about starting a business, Paul soldiered on and began the difficult process of creating his dream. In his own words, “It was a slow organic grind that finally spat out an answer at the end.” Furthermore, it took him two years to attain what he had all along been dreaming of from the day he was terminated.
And now using sugarcane bagasse, cotton, bamboo, and PCR paper, Pulpworks manufactures packaging for all purposes including personal care, pharma, food, consumer goods, and many more.
The company has won over 20 awards and from humble beginnings is now a multimillion dollar company.
Looking Back
Paul says being fired made him develop the building blocks that led him to become an entrepreneur. Otherwise, he would have worked all his life under somebody else’s instructions all his life. “My dismissal was the proverbial blessing in disguise for me.”, he says.
He looks back at his 40 years in employment and working in corporate America as 40 years of preparation for the higher calling to start up Pulpworks and give the world eco-friendly alternatives to plastic packaging.
Lessons in Business and Life from Paul Tasner and how a fired employee became a successful entrepreneur at 66 years.
There are valuable lessons to be learned from the story of Paul Tasner, his amazing determination and focus, and the odds he surmounted to create Pulpworks.
- As he clearly stated in his TED Talk, you are never too old to start over or to make a difference. And it is never too late. Fired at 64, he was up and running and participating again in the corporate world much better, much bigger, and on his terms.
- Push what you think is possible. Never give up.
- Find a good partner to share your joys and pain with. Paul found solace in times of adversity in his loving and understanding wife Barbara.
- Identify gaps in the market and address them. Paul felt there was a need for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging and capitalized on it.
- Effectively utilize your network. Equally important is building relationships you can then lean on and connections for advice, mentorship, and business opportunities.
- Be a continuous learner either through formal systems or through self-education to keep you on top of your game.
- His mindset was the most important asset he had.
A major lesson we also learn from Paul Tasner is the persuasive impact of storytelling. Through TED Talks and numerous other platforms, Paul has enthusiastically told his story, thereby inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Because he has proved that “olderpreneurs or boomepreneurs,” like their younger counterparts, can also start a business and thrive in their lifetime.
Conclusion
In summary, Pulpworks’ success story debunks the stereotype that start-ups can only be created by young people and proves the resilience of the human spirit amidst considerable odds. Additionally, combination of experience, wisdom of old age, a never-say-die attitude, and a forward-thinking mindset were assets. They catapulted him to business and financial success and above all global adoration.
His journey once again proves that age is merely a number and with the right vision and mindset, anyone can help drive change and innovation, no matter their station in life.
