5 knockout business strategies inspired by George Foreman

In this Article:

• Who was George Foreman? A life of grit, glory, and growth
• Five knockout business strategies
• Final bell for boxing champion: A legacy that lasts

George Foreman wasn’t just a champ in the boxing ring—he was a powerhouse in business, too. Most people know him for winning Olympic gold and becoming heavyweight champion (twice!), but after the gloves came off, he built a wildly successful second act as an entrepreneur.

George Foreman passed away on March 21, 2025. As we remember this larger-than-life legend, there’s a lot small business owners can take from his story. He showed us what it means to reinvent yourself, believe in what you’re selling, and connect with people in a real way.

Who was George Foreman? A life of grit, glory, and growth

George Foreman grew up in Houston, Texas, and rose to fame after winning a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics. A few years later, he became the world heavyweight champion, known for his strength, grit, and knockout power. But after a tough loss to Muhammad Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle,” he walked away from boxing in 1977 and became a minister, dedicating his time to community work. However, it was during the “Rumble in the Jungle” where Muhammad Ali whispered those iconic words to Foreman around the seventh round, “That all you got, George?”. In fact, no, he had so much more.

In a bold move, he returned to boxing in his late 30s—an age when most fighters were retiring. Not only did he come back, but he reclaimed the heavyweight title at age 45, proving everyone wrong.

Around the same time, he stepped into the world of business. He took a chance on an idea that didn’t look like much at first—a fat-reducing grill. But George believed in it, brought his personality to the pitch, and turned it into one of the best-selling kitchen products ever made.

Fittingly, George Foreman had a special connection to the number five. He had ten children, five of them sons, all named George. And in 1975, he famously fought five men in one night. In honor of his legacy, here are five knockout business strategies every small business owner can learn from “Big George.”

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1. It’s never too late to reinvent yourself

George made his comeback at 38, and at 45, he shocked the world by becoming champion again. Most people had counted him out, but he didn’t let that stop him. Then came his next big reinvention: businessman. The George Foreman Grill would go on to earn him over $200 million, all because he believed in a product and gave it his all.

🥊 Heavyweight tip: Your story’s not over just because you’ve hit a roadblock or reached a certain age. Whether you’re starting something new or pivoting your business, don’t count yourself out.

2. Your name is a brand—use it well

George didn’t invent the grill, but he became the grill. People didn’t just buy it because it reduced fat—they bought it because they trusted George Foreman. He was real, likable, and stood behind the product 100%. As he shared in this interview, authenticity and belief were everything.

🥊 Heavyweight tip: As a small business owner, your name means something. Your honesty, your values, your voice—you are your brand. When people connect with that, they come back again and again. In addition, they are excited to share your brand with their inner circles, giving your brand an organic word-of-mouth marketing boost.

3. Say yes to the unexpected

The grill pitch? It almost didn’t happen. George wasn’t sure it was for him—but he took a chance. That decision ended up being life changing. He saw the potential in something others overlooked.

🥊 Heavyweight tip: Sometimes the best business opportunities don’t come looking like a perfect fit. Stay open. That idea or partnership you almost ignored might be your biggest win.

4. Simplicity sells

The grill wasn’t fancy. It was easy to use, cooked fast, and cleaned up quick. That’s all it needed to do. George kept the message simple, and that simplicity is what sold millions. His business philosophy was all about connecting with everyday people.

🥊 Heavyweight tip: Don’t overcomplicate your product or service. Focus on doing one thing well and make sure your customers know exactly why it matters.

5. Let people in on your story

Foreman wasn’t afraid to share his highs and lows. From financial struggles to spiritual growth, he opened up, and people connected with him because of it. That realness made people want to support him. His biography reflects the power of authenticity. See more of Foreman’s incredible story in Big George Foreman, streaming on Disney+ and other platforms.

🥊 Heavyweight tip: Don’t be afraid to share what got you here. Your story—wins, failures, and all—is your superpower. It’s what makes your business human.

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Final bell for boxing champion: A legacy that lasts

💡✍️ George Foreman didn’t stop after winning big, he kept evolving. From boxing champ to grill king to inspirational businessman, he showed us that life has more than one round.

If you’re a small business owner facing doubts, delays, or big decisions, take a page from Big George’s playbook: keep swinging, stay true to who you are, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

This post is a tribute to the late George Foreman, who passed away on March 21, 2025 at the age of 76. His legacy lives on—in and out of the ring.

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