Simon Cowell’s sharp tongue and cantankerous character has made him a television icon which talent show the X Factor wouldn’t be the same without. Who would have thought the music mogul started his career at 23 years old, clad head-to-toe as a disco dancing dog?
Simon Cowell had a restless youth, threatened with expulsion at school and quitting jobs because he’d disagree with colleagues and bosses. It was only when Cowell’s father, a music executive giant, managed to get him a job in the mail room at EMI Music Publishing, that Cowell’s passion for business was ignited.
He worked his way up, eventually being promoted to music publisher. His first office was based in a converted gentleman’s washroom in a London Soho car park. Never regretting his start in business, Cowell recalls: “In many ways, I was glad that I had started my career on the very low rung of the business. It was there that I learned how to deal with people.” These ‘lows’ include Cowell’s appearance on Top of the Pops in a Wonderdog costume to promote the song Ruff Mix – a song entirely made up of dog barks.
His first real break in the music business was as a partner in the indie but decidedly ‘pop’ record label Fanfare, where he enjoyed a number of chartbusters, particularly with artists Sinitta and Hot Gossip. Sinitta sold over half a million copies of her debut single, and Cowell not only found a singing sensation but also found love, sharing a 16 year off-and-on relationship, and great friendship with the singer
While the record producing trio, Stock, Aitken and Waterman helped produce several smash hit singles for Sinitta, Cowell said in his own words he “followed Pete Waterman around like a dog,” in order to learn as much as he could about the industry.
In many ways, I was glad that I had started my career on the very low rung of the business. It was there that I learned how to deal with people.
Simon Cowell
When Sony music group bought Fanfare, the serial entrepreneur Cowell became an artist and repertoire consultant for the company – scouting fresh talent. The dark horse proved himself by discovering Westlife, enjoyed unrivalled success through the 90s.
When Cowell was once asked the secret to his success, he replied: “Work hard, be patient, and be a sponge while learning your business. Learn how to take criticism, follow your gut instinct and don’t compromise.” Budding entrepreneurs can learn from Cowell’s perception and single-mindedness, as his rise to fame has earned him a reputation not only as a great record producer, music executive, and television personality, but also a stealy entrepreneur.
Cowell is now worth an estimated £130 million according to The Mail. He shuttles between an £8 million town house in London’s exclusive Holland Park, and a £15 million Beverly Hill’s mansion. The property includes a 20 seat cinema, a garage for eight cars and of course a professional tanning salon! Cowell is also building a £9million home in Barbados and has a weekend home in Malaga, showing keen interest in property investment.
How did he manage such life-changing success? Cowell’s company Syco developed the Got Talent franchise, one of the fastest growing international franchises on television, with spin-off versions in over 20 countries from Sweden to New Zealand. Cowell was executive producer for the USA show and a stalwart judge on the UK broadcast, with a contract that paid him £22 million a year.
The main driver behind Cowell’s disposable income is undoubtedly X Factor. In 2009 it celebrated a sixth season, and it is the reason people choose to stay in on a Saturday night. The series five final attracted over 13 million UK viewers, with Cowell ‘gracing’ our screens with infamous insults that ensure compulsive viewing.
According to Cowell understanding any failures along the way are what make for a great success in the end. He advises: “I think America is a hard nut to crack, but once you get a toehold it’s a great place for an entrepreneur because people are so enthusiastic.”
Cowell’s currently on the brink of signing a three year deal to the American Idol franchise worth £83 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Also, Cowell has reportedly joined forces with fashion behemoth Kate Moss to launch a global entertainment company worth over half a billion pounds. The future looks bright for Simon Cowell, and with his refusal to compromise or conform – he is a force to be reckoned with.
