Profile of Success: Paul Orfalea

The name may not instantly ring bells, but the business Paul co-founded and helped build to juggernaut status will: Kinkos.

Kinkos is, essentially, a chain of over 1,200 McDonalds-like copy/office services stores. His new book is a lot more than a collection of business strategies; it is one of the all-time great true-life stories of achievement against odds.

Paul flunked two grades in school, was expelled from four of eight schools, graduated near the bottom of his high school class, and was diagnosed with both dyslexia and hyperactivity, thus the book title: COPY THIS – Lessons From A Hyperactive Dyslexic Who Turned A Bright Idea Into One Of America’s Best Companies. Stories like Paul’s should give inspiration and motivation to all entrepreneurs.

From the book:
“My disorders contributed enormously to the building of Kinko’s and my life. They propelled me to think differently.”

Those fortunate to be free of personal handicaps have to think: I have no excuse! Those with a handicap, have to think: there’s proof handicaps are to be overcome.

— Chris

P.S. – If you fly United/USAir this month, check out their magazine for a more indepth feature on Paul’s story, too.