Richard Branson is one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, and it’s no surprise given his entrepreneurial journey.
In 1970, Branson established Virgin Records, which quickly gained prominence by signing legendary bands such as The Rolling Stones and the Sex Pistols.
By 1973, Virgin Records had made its mark in the United States.
Today, Branson’s business empire spans numerous industries, including Virgin Games, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Publishing, Virgin Money, and Virgin Media.
As a result of his vast array of ventures, Branson has amassed a net worth of approximately $2.6 billion, according to Forbes.
However, Branson, now 74, wasn’t always financially successful; he initially faced rejection when attempting to buy Necker Island.
This 30-hectare island is located in the British Virgin Islands, and the name naturally piqued Branson’s interest.
Upon discovering that he could potentially purchase one of these islands, Branson was eager to acquire it. Yet, he wasn’t a billionaire at that point.
In 1978, Branson learned that an island was on the market and reached out to the realtor to express his interest.
The reason behind his interest? It was to woo a romantic interest.
“I had been madly trying to come up with a way to impress a girl I had fallen for, so I rang up the realtor, and expressed my interest,” Branson penned in a blog published in 2015.
“We were still in the early days of Virgin Records, and I by no means had the cash to buy an island. Luckily, the realtor didn’t know this and offered me an all expenses paid trip to see the Islands that weekend.
“I agreed to go on one condition – if I could bring a guest.”
The woman he was interested in agreed to accompany him on the trip, during which Branson ‘fell in love’ with the island.
Reality struck when he discovered the island’s price tag was $6 million.
“Smitten with the unspoilt paradise, and keen to impress my new love, I offered the highest amount I could afford: $100,000,” Branson recalled.
“As you can imagine, the realtor was less than impressed, and left us high and dry to find our own way back home.”
A year later, Necker Island was still available and the owner was eager to sell.
By then, Virgin Records had gained strength, enabling Branson to make a renewed offer of $180,000.
Miraculously, the seller accepted the reduced offer, provided Branson committed to developing a resort on the island within four years.
Branson’s acquisition of the island wasn’t his only success. The woman he had initially taken on the trip eventually became his wife. They married on Necker Island 11 years later.
Branson tied the knot with Joan Templeman in 1989, and they remain happily married to this day.