John Ilhan – A Crazy Life
Last modified: April 8, 2010The following synopsis is from
www.booktopia.com.au
John Ilhan – A Crazy Life (written by Stephen Dabkowski & Annie Reid)
John Ilhan – A Crazy Life tells the fascinating story of John Ilhan, a working-class immigrant who overcame incredible odds to become one of the richest men in Australia. He Founded the phenomenally successful mobile telephone company Crazy John’s, Ilhan tragically passed away in October 2007 at the age of forty-two.
As told through the eyes of his family, friends and colleagues, this poignant biography reveals new and interesting insights into the man behind Crazy John’s. His wife and four children he left behind and his David and Goliath battle with Telstra.
John Ilhan’s inspirational journey shows how self-belief, passion and a never say die attitude can see you achieve your dreams.
‘When you share your life with a true achiever it’s hard to fully comprehend the impact they can have on the broader community. Unfortunately for my family, I learned about that impact the day John passed away.’ Patricia Ilhan – co-founder, Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation
‘When John passed away we lost a truly wonderful person who was a giant at everything he did and a truly free spirit. The amazing thing was he’d only just started to make his mark on the wider community.’ Brendan Fleiter -Chief Executive Officer, Crazy John’s
‘… he was a migrant from Turkey who grew up in Broadmeadows and rose to a very senior position in our community. To my mind John lived until he was 100; he just did it in forty-two years.’ Eddie McGuire – President, Collingwood Football Club
I took away away a few things from this book about what it required for John to succeed in a rags to riches story. This story could have turned out a lit differently if things hadn’t gone John’s way but he backed himself as did his Dad and ultimately the risks he took paid off. Tragically he died aged 42 from a rare hereditary heart condition.
What I like was as a teenager he showed characteristics through his sport that showed he was persistent and prepared to do what it took. From sitting on the bench in juniors to playing at the highest level and captaining his side it confirms what I believe in that the attitude we have to other areas of our lives cross over. I could relate to his him with his sporting achievements.
I also admire that he was prepared to stand up for what he believed in and was not prepared to let the big boys bully him. He was very generous and well respected. Well worth a read!