‘If I can start a business selling buckets, anyone can start their own business. It doesn’t matter where you come from. What matters is where you’re going, even if you’re not clear what the final destination is.’
John Concannon wasn’t supposed to be a global CEO. He grew up on a farm in County Galway, struggled at school, and spent his teens and twenties wheeling and dealing in cattle and sheep. By 31, married with four young children, he was desperate to work for himself. He had one simple idea – stick three buckets together to make feeding calves easier. That ‘half-cocked notion’ changed everything.
An appearance on The Late Late Show in December 1987 made him a household name and launched a company that today turns over €150 million. JFC has twelve locations around the world and employs hundreds of staff designing and manufacturing products used in agriculture, construction, aquaculture and other sectors.
The Bucket Man is the raw, funny and fiercely honest story of how John, his family and the JFC team built a thriving global business from a small town in the west of Ireland. Packed with hard-won wisdom, it traces his journey from cattle marts to boardrooms and trade shows across Europe. Whether he’s flying hot air balloons, going undercover on The Secret Millionaire TV show, or facing down hard-nosed dealmakers, John is living proof that if you believe in yourself, you can build a legacy that lasts.
‘An account of how success was achieved from a standing start in the rural Ireland of the 80s.’
Matt Dempsey, former editor, Irish Farmers Journal
‘A compelling, instructive – and very entertaining – read.’
David Burke, retired editor, Tuam Herald
‘John Concannon is one of the most determined and inventive people I have ever met. This book captures not only his remarkable journey, but the resilience, generosity and optimism that have always inspired my admiration and affection.’
Joan Freeman, founder of Pieta House
‘This is a remarkable book on the remarkable achievements of a man with little formal education but with a lifelong thirst for knowledge matched with a capacity for hard work. John Concannon gives a blunt account of his life from a typical West of Ireland farm, working alongside his father, to where he is now: a businessman of international standing with a multinational enterprise. What shines out is his commitment to family, especially to his wife, Patricia; his thirst for knowledge; his willingness to take a risk; and his overall sense of how we all have a duty to play our part in improving society.’
Matt Dempsey, former editor, Irish Farmers Journal
‘I have always had enormous affection for John Concannon. Behind the entrepreneur and innovator is a man of great warmth, courage and generosity. His life story is a testament to persistence, creativity and belief in new possibilities. This book reveals the character that lies behind the achievements – a man who never stops dreaming, striving and reinventing himself.’
Joan Freeman, founder of Pieta House
‘From selling calves at the fairs and markets of the west of Ireland to running a multi-national network of businesses, John Concannon’s story is a unique and unvarnished account of how boundless energy, burning ambition and a shrewd knowledge of human nature can overcome all obstacles.
In his own inimitable vernacular, it’s a compelling, instructive – and very entertaining – read.’
David Burke, retired editor, Tuam Herald
John Concannon is the founder and chairman of the JFC Group, a global manufacturing firm headquartered in Tuam, County Galway. Since launching the company with his multi-bucket invention in 1987, JFC now spans nine countries and employs hundreds of staff to manufacture products used in agriculture, construction, aquaculture and other sectors. John lives in Galway with his wife, Patricia. They have four children – all of whom are now involved in the business – and ten grandchildren.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.