Beginner's pluck

GEORGE MORDAUNT has never passed an exam.

Leaving school at 17, he joined his father’s business, taking on more car dealerships and expanding into property. But when recession hit, he was in danger of losing everything.

He hit rock bottom, then, inspired by the love of his family, he took on the banks. And he has survived.

Who is George Mordaunt?

Date/place of birth: November 10, 1967/Clonmel.

Education: Christian Brothers then The High School in Clonmel.

Home: Clonmel.

Family: Wife Anne and children Emily, 14, and George, 10.

The Day Job: MD of the Mordaunt Group, and co-owner of Unique barber shop and the Wardrobe boutique in Clonmel.

Hobbies: “I’m passionate about movies. And I walk at 6.30 every morning.”

Favourite Writers: “I don’t read books. In business, I admire Michael O’Leary, Piers Morgan and Bill Clinton.”

Second Book: “I’d love to write a book educating young parents on teenager’s lingo and social media use. I’d call it, ‘Oh No, Not My Child’.”

Top Writing Tip: “Never say, ‘I’d love to write a book about that.’ Believe and be brave. If I can write a book, when I can’t spell and don’t read them, everyone can. And everyone has a story to tell.”

Web: www.georgemordaunt.com

Twitter: @GMordaunt

THE DEBUT

Shepherd’s Pie. Family Business, Recession & Recovery; Mercier Press, €14.99; Kindle, €2.87

A year ago, George Mordaunt, speaking at his local chamber of commerce’s National Enterprise Conference, brought the room to tears. He told of his failure, and of the turmoil that stifled his business ability and almost cost his life. A week later, he had a publishing deal. He wrote of his success, his failure, and of how he overcame the obstacles as a self employed person.

“My message to small business owners is to be active, to be decisive and to overcome the fear.”

The Verdict: Refreshingly honest. Mourdaunt writes of his giant ego; his reckless mistakes; and his fear.