BreathFree
Recycles dryer sheets
Not to take anything away from your friend, but luck played a huge part in his being able to retire at 50. I've known district managers who have worked for their companies 25-30 years and were let go when a larger company bought their company. Work ethic had nothing to do with their being fired. So, without some good luck your friend could have worked his way up to manager and then all of a sudden found himself applying for a job as an assistant manager at a Denny's.
I can't believe anyone who had the ambition and determination to successfully open, and operate several resteraunts, would just settle for any position in any capacity and never advance their position.
Luck often times appears to steer the course rather than determine the final destination.