The Dreamer

“From sewage worker to millionaire, all before he’s even thirty!”

To see this headline was Dave Bretts’ ambition. And he was on course to achieving it.

In this inspirational book, “The Dreamer” – Dave - describes his journey from being almost destitute to living the high life – exclusive clubs, meeting prominent people, £5,000 suit, and nights at The Savoy.

Dave left school with no qualifications except the tag “special needs”. He got into some trouble, and in his own words was lucky to escape having a criminal record. He found a job laying tarmac and maintaining sewers. His boss was a severe taskmaster and taught Dave how to work hard and be responsible. Nonetheless, Dave fell into debt and semi-homelessness.

But Dave always had imagination, inventing things, having ideas for a business.

After a few dead-ends, Dave has another idea - creating a recruitment business targeted at the 16- to 25-year-olds (like him) who struggle to get a start in work… He scribbles thoughts on a scrap of paper and overcomes the fear of failure to receive a business start-up loan. He is scammed out of most of this. But his determination to make the business work leads him to learn how to create the website on which his business depends.

The business takes off… at an alarming rate. It seems that everyone wants a piece of Dave’s time – newspapers, the BBC, investors. He’s invited to be guest speaker at several large events. He is on the cusp of getting huge extra funding.

But then something unforeseen happens and Dave is forced to sell his business to survive.