Why the Founder of IKEA is my Favourite Billionaire | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why the Founder of IKEA is my Favourite Billionaire

He likes going to IKEA for a cheap meal -- he gets me, he really does.

423
Why the Founder of IKEA is my Favourite Billionaire
Brandwatch

IKEA is a magical place. It's a college student's heaven, with cheap furniture, accessories, and adorable night lights. Walking through the showroom makes you feel like an omniscient third person narrator in some weird story about a full size dollhouse. And most importantly, they have amazing meatballs.

But the best thing about IKEA isn't what you can find in its stores, but the person behind all this genius. Allow me to introduce you to Ingvar Kamprad, founder of this giant home store chain, and the most relatable billionaire ever.

Kamprad sold matches as a kid

As a young boy, Kamprad would sell matches to his neighbours on his bicycle. He soon realized that he could continue to make a profit while keeping his competitive prices low if he bought matches in bulk from Stockholm. Now that's what I call entrepreneurship.

He knows how to save up

Kamprad drives a modest 1993 Volvo 240, always flies economy class and encourages his employees to use both sides of a sheet of paper. He's also known to recycle tea bags and take salt and pepper packets from restaurants. You're really connect with me, Kamprad.

He named the store after his hometown

IKEA stands for Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd, derived from the founder's name and hometown. Moreover, the name Småland (for that place where people leave their children with the ball pit at IKEA) doesn't just mean a land for small children. It comes from the province of Småland in Sweden, where Kamprad grew up. Talk about loving your roots.

He likes to go to IKEA for a cheap meal

Not much to add here. I mean, who doesn't? Hopefully he also gets a nice discount on his food when he goes.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

441
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15383
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3155
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments