7. Read two inspiring short stories of starting up world famous companies and complete the passages with the right form of the verbs in Past Simple. What does it take to start up? A brilliant idea? A great team? Money? Yes. All of those things. But more than anything what it takes, is belief. It is really amazing how most large companies have such humble stories of starting up.
1. Fred Smith: “Federal Express”
Fred Smith was (be) an undergraduate at Yale University in 1965. As part of the coursework, he (write) an economics paper exploring the process of transportation of goods in the US. He (find) that the shippers relied on transporting large packages by means of truck or passenger airplanes. Smith (introduce) a more efficient transportation idea on how a company carrying small, essential items by plane (can be) a much better business. His paper was graded "C". But Smith (not give up) on the idea and (launch) the company in 1971. But within three years of the founding of the company, Federal Express (be) on the verge of bankruptcy due to the rising fuel costs. He (try) to take a bank loan but the request was turned down. What he (do) next is easily the boldest move by the founder of a company. Smith (fly) to Las Vegas and (play) Black Jack that weekend with the remaining company funds of $5000. The next day FedEx (have) $32,000 in its bank account, which was just enough to cover the fuel for their planes and to continue operating a few days more. Today FedEx is a global giant with operations all over the world and an annual revenue of US $45 billion.
2. Ferrucio Lamborghini: “Lamborghini”
Ferrucio was originally a farmer who (make) tractors. His business was very successful and he was among the most wealthy in Italy. He (own) Ferrari among other super cars. The Ferrari used to give him constant trouble. Being a mechanic, he (try) to fix the problem and (find out) that his Ferrari had the same clutch as (use) in one of his tractors. Ferrucio (go) to the service guys regularly to have a clutch rebuilt or renewed, but the problem with the clutch was never cured, so Ferrucio (decide) to talk to Enzo Ferrari. 'Ferrari, your cars are rubbish!' Ferrucio (complain). Enzo Ferrari was furious. "Lamborghini, you may be able to drive a tractor but you will never be able to handle a Ferrari Properly.' This was the point when he finally decided to make a perfect car. Yes, Lamborghini.

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