Entrepreneur
The Resume
(September 24, 1725-January 23, 1803)
Founded the Guinness Brewery (1759)
Godson of Dr Arthur Price, the Archbishop of Cashel
Opened brewery on St. James's Street in Dublin (Ireland)
Guinness company currently owns Guinness, Harp, Smithwick, Cherry and Macardle
Why he might be annoying
He looked like Thomas Jefferson.
He named his business after himself.
His water supply was cut off by Dublin's sheriffs because they concluded he was using more water than he was permitted. He armed himself with a pickaxe and threatened to attack them for the water.
His wife popped out 21 children.
Why he might not be annoying
He signed a 9000 year lease on the brewery for $70/year, which included a couple of malt houses, the mill, a dozen horse stables, the copper and a kieve.
Out of his 21 children, only 10 survived child birth.
He made it a point to pay his workers better than local average.
He provided benefits that were unusual for 18th century workers - paid vacations, medical coverage, education, shelter and pensions for widows.
He treated his workers to free beer every day.
He left the company to three of his sons.
Today, Guinness Draught is the best selling stout worldwide.
He started his company with £100 in 1759 and it merged with GrandMet in 1997 for $36 billion.
His image was on an Irish stamp to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Guinness Brewery (1959).
He is the namesake of the 'Guinness Book of World Records.'
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Year In Review:
For 2009, as of last week, Out of 31 Votes: 32.26% Annoying
In 2008, Out of 25 Votes: 44.00% Annoying
In 2007, Out of 85 Votes: 44.71% Annoying
In 2006, Out of 171 Votes: 46.20% Annoying
In 2005, Out of 301 Votes: 42.52% Annoying
In 2004, Out of 351 Votes: 41.31% Annoying
In 2003, Out of 688 Votes: 42.73% Annoying
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