[jane032657]

Check out todays article about Gary Morse. very interesting story about himself and The Villages

Businessweek - Business News, Stock Market & Financial Advice

[borjo]

I read it but that bond stuff left me dizzy. Never did follow it. Those dollar figures are over my head. I did have to respect him for his ingenuity on how to make a profit yet providing such a wonderful place where so many people find joy.

[missypie]

Really good article, thanks!

[jmac1031]

Bravo to him!!! It takes money to make money along with some good timing..he created a lot of happiness.

[RichieLion]

I couldn't link to the story with the above hyperlink, but found it here.

Hidden Billionaire Morse a Man Behind Curtain at Villages - Businessweek

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by RichieLion

I couldn't link to the story with the above hyperlink, but found it here.

Hidden Billionaire Morse a Man Behind Curtain at Villages - Businessweek

Thanks Jane...and Richie. I couldn't link either but your link works RichieLion.

And Thank YOU Gary Morse if you are reading this. We G's would have never realized this part of our life could be the best... but thanks to your family's hard work, and your ability to see Shangra La in this not very interesting part of Florida, these Golden Years of ours are now set with diamonds. Your careful planning, including putting the right people in the right jobs and expecting nothing but the best from them and your careful risk taking let us share the fruits of your brilliant concept.

Live Long Gary Morse and continue to prosper.

And hugs from

Gracie

[GaryW]

Hidden Billionaire a Man Behind Village Curtain - Businessweek

try this one

[redwitch]

Interesting article. Nothing new there, though. There do seem to some underlying hints at greed and ethic questions. I will admit I have never liked the idea that boards in TV were always 100% Morse employees. That just never seemed right to me.

I can't say I'm particularly grateful to the Morses or even Schwartz. I do believe there was great vision and a marvelous ability to turn that vision into reality. It wasn't done for some altruistic dream -- it was done to make money and the Morses have done that quite well. This takes nothing away from TV and our love of TV. To me, loving TV doesn't mean I have to love the Morses or even be particularly thankful to them. I thank them daily every time I open my purse and purchase something. Kudos to the Morses for showing the American dream is still alive and well.

[ssmith]

G Morse is 75. I sure hope he is VERY careful with the future of The Villages. I know the 3 kids have divvied(sp?) up the areas to run but also know that once they get older or health gets in their way then the next generation gets involved etc. Human nature and greed could sure cause some problems. I know this is all speculation but you have to remember I am still the Wannabe and want the place to remain WONDERFUL for many years to come.

Another thought about greed? I can't know the heart of the Morses but perhaps altruistism and greed both play a part. I just say that because I often have mixed intentions in my own heart over matters. Just sayin.

Love the Villages!

[Taltarzac725]

"'He’s kind of like the Wizard of Oz,' Andrew D. Blechman, author of 'Leisureville,' a book on retirement communities, said in a phone interview from his office in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. 'He’s the man behind the curtain. No one really knows him at the Villages.'” from Businessweek article.

I see that Andrew D. Blechman is back from Germany. He had been living there writing on some towns in Germany. Andrew D. Blechman - author of LEISUREVILLE and PIGEONS Magazine - What’s Eating Germany - The Atlantic

Interesting article. I would be fascinated though with what kind of plans for the future the Morses have once the building is over.

[graciegirl]

Whoa.

I am a capitalist. THERE IS NO SIN in being successful financially. but there is a lot of class envy going on here and you can quickly tell a persons political leanings by how they react to the Morse family.

In building it's fortune the Morse family also changed a seriously poor county in Florida into one of it's best in terms of employment and business. And...if you build a better mouse trap is not the same as robbing from the poor.

Gary Morse could be a really corrupt person, I certainly don't know him personally, few do, but I see hundreds of ways that he could easily have given us less and made more money. The next time you are in any of the rec centers, regional, neighborhood, just lift one of the card chairs in the meeting rooms. Wait, before you do that, look around at the room and see all of the really expensive things hanging on the walls, the too many chandeliers on the ceiling, the unusual and high end floors...than lift the heavy chair that matches the decor of the building. It could have been a folding chair and he could have kept the money.

If you have played golf all of your life as many of us have, than you know the expense that it entails. If you are a golfer you know what is offered here, enough said on that. If you are aware of landscaping and the cost to maintain it, than look at the lush places, blooming waving, and dazzling with their color and the flowers changed out every six weeks.

Gary Morse is a very rich man. I know some rich folks and it seems that they got rich by getting up early and working hard.

[Bonny]

Thank you Gary Morse & the entire Morse family. I love it here. You've done an awesome job !

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Whoa.

I am a capitalist. THERE IS NO SIN in being successful financially. but there is a lot of class envy going on here and you can quickly tell a persons political leanings by how they react to the Morse family.

In building it's fortune the Morse family also changed a seriously poor county in Florida into one of it's best in terms of employment and business. And...if you build a better mouse trap is not the same as robbing from the poor.

Gary Morse could be a really corrupt person, I certainly don't know him personally, few do, but I see hundreds of ways that he could easily have given us less and made more money. The next time you are in any of the rec centers, regional, neighborhood, just lift one of the card chairs in the meeting rooms. Wait, before you do that, look around at the room and see all of the really expensive things hanging on the walls, the too many chandeliers on the ceiling, the unusual and high end floors...than lift the heavy chair that matches the decor of the building. It could have been a folding chair and he could have kept the money.

If you have played golf all of your life as many of us have, than you know the expense that it entails. If you are a golfer you know what is offered here, enough said on that. If you are aware of landscaping and the cost to maintain it, than look at the lush places, blooming waving, and dazzling with their color and the flowers changed out every six weeks.

Gary Morse is a very rich man. I know some rich folks and it seems that they got rich by getting up early and working hard.

I admire the Morses too in creating the Villages. They took a tract of cow pasture and made it into a Disneyland for Seniors.

[Tom Hannon]

Originally Posted by ssmith

G Morse is 75. I sure hope he is VERY careful with the future of The Villages. I know the 3 kids have divvied(sp?) up the areas to run but also know that once they get older or health gets in their way then the next generation gets involved etc. Human nature and greed could sure cause some problems. I know this is all speculation but you have to remember I am still the Wannabe and want the place to remain WONDERFUL for many years to come.

Another thought about greed? I can't know the heart of the Morses but perhaps altruistism and greed both play a part. I just say that because I often have mixed intentions in my own heart over matters. Just sayin.

Love the Villages!

I agree with ssmith. Although unlikely, suppose the generation after this one takes over and says "No more free golf?" Or suppose they start playing Rap Music through the towns? Suppose this generation evicts people like Redwitch who don't bow down and pray to the the Almighty Moss God. We don't have to worry too much because in another 30 years or so, most of us will be dead and it won't matter.

Gary seems to be in great health and although he is a private person, he has to feel proud about his accomplishments. I've said this before. "Wonder if Gary checks in to TOTV once in a while just to see what people think of him."
I would.

[buggyone]

Originally Posted by redwitch

Interesting article. Nothing new there, though. There do seem to some underlying hints at greed and ethic questions. I will admit I have never liked the idea that boards in TV were always 100% Morse employees. That just never seemed right to me.

I can't say I'm particularly grateful to the Morses or even Schwartz. I do believe there was great vision and a marvelous ability to turn that vision into reality. It wasn't done for some altruistic dream -- it was done to make money and the Morses have done that quite well. This takes nothing away from TV and our love of TV. To me, loving TV doesn't mean I have to love the Morses or even be particularly thankful to them. I thank them daily every time I open my purse and purchase something. Kudos to the Morses for showing the American dream is still alive and well.

The Morse family had the vision to make The Villages as wonderful as possible and they certainly have succeeded. I cannot imagine a better place to live.

As for them making money - more power to them, I say. I know they make money off of my visits to restaurants, shops, and other Village places but I do not begrudge them one bit.