Death of a Canadian Hero...Ted Rogers (1933-2008)

In an earlier blog post, Rogers Communications was lambasted for charging obscene prices for, at the time, data plans of the newly incoming iPhone. Entitled "The Power of the People" http://www.onusconsultinggroup.com/2008/07/power-of-people.html), we applauded the successful grassroots effort to charge a more reasonable price and encouraged a greater consumer advocacy lobby in this country.

Today, though, those thoughts are put aside to mourn the death of one of the greatest visionaries Canada has ever seen. Like it was said when writing about Tim Russert, there will be no shortage of obituaries making their way into the press over the next few days, so we'll refrain from making this blog post one of them. However, it must be pointed out the contribution this man made to Canada in which he pursued a vision with unwavering dedication. His unrelenting ability to tolerate debt in order to achieve his goals was legendary. To take such risk, surely, it was not so much about making money, as it was about making a difference. Starting with FM radio stations, he went into cable and a great deal followed. Entering into new markets, successfully lobbying our government and winning licenses in a country where such a feat is challenging for any new entrant, he serves as an inspiration for any entrepreneur. It made this country a better one for all Canadians. In doing so, he went up against the titans becoming one in the process.

Canada is a better place for Ted Rogers. Thank you, Mr. Rogers, for being you.

'Z'