2012 40 Under Forty: Ed Hardy

OWNER, Central Rock Climbing Centers

Company locations: Worcester, Hadley, Watertown

Residence: Worcester

Favorite movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Favorite book: “Against All Hope,” by Armando Valladares

Career highlights: Writing a business plan in college at the age of 22 that became a reality when I turned 24. Convincing a bank that a 22-year-old could run his own business. Opening a second and third location the right way, even after location one was a huge challenge. Also, hiring some key employees.

Community involvement: Central Rock Climbing Centers has donated thousands of free climbing sessions to kids in need. I am also a member of the Community Development Advisory Committee in Worcester.

Biggest success: Getting my wife to fall in love with me and then to marry me in July 2012. I still don’t know how I managed that one.

Biggest challenge: Finding a great team of people to expand our business. Joe (Hardy) and I are just about the luckiest business owners with the team of employees we have.

Mentors: My siblings and parents, along with Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet, Jeff Bezos.

Hidden talents: I can run around Indian Lake in 22 minutes, I can make a great photo book, and cook the perfect slice of French toast.

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