We are very excited to share our latest book release from our subsidiary Go Publish Your Book.
Van Arnem: Technology Pioneer.
Before Bill Gates, before Steve Jobs, before Elon Musk, there was Harold "Sonny" Van Arnem.
As early as 1964, Sonny began to recognize the possibilities available for computer applications during the computer age's infancy. Working at GE fresh out of college, Sonny realized this very quickly: "After all, if we were in the computer business, why were we still hand-matching all these pieces of paper when computer cards could produce the same data? I proposed installing an invoice-less accounts payable system that would use the original purchase order card to yield a receiver document matched with the goods when they arrived. The receiver card, in turn, would produce an invoice to be paid. This sounds simple and logical now because it’s the basis for invoicing systems by every manufacturer, but in 1964 it represented a new concept, the beginning of an Accounts Payable application that thousands of firms were soon to follow in the new automated world."
His business acumen continued to grow, eventually leading him to innovate things like computer leasing for businesses who could not afford to purchase a mainframe, and ways for multiple users to utilize the same mainframe at a location.
As time went on, Sonny crossed paths with Sports, Racing, and Hollywood legends, joining various business ventures in all those areas. Read about his adventures involving Roger Penske, John Delorean, and the heirs to the Revlon Empire.
This, in turn, led to an introduction to French producer Claude DuBoc and investment in the movie industry which in turn led to acquaintances with the likes of Rod Stewart, George Hamilton, and Cheryl Tiegs.
After an interesting but unprofitable run in Hollywood, all the while running his business ventures, Sonny turned his eye to South Florida and real estate opportunities. Investing in a venture in the area of Bonita Springs, between 1972 and 1975, Sonny helped bring about the construction of 300 condominiums and a commercial strip development to serve the new residents. There were other opportunities to be had. "Everyone has jokes and sad stories about Florida real estate, but my experience was positive and rewarding. Instead of taking a piece of the commercial development profits, I chose some vacant building lots that spiraled in value. Later, I purchased the airport at Punta Gorda for $80,000, and before the deal closed, I flipped it for $350,000. Hey, this was fun – so much fun that I moved my family there, buying one of the condominiums in Bonita Beach for a mere $25,000. Today, the same condo is valued at $1 million or more."
It was not all fun and success. Sonny dealt with unimaginable tragedies as well. Brutal business losses, betrayals and international business challenges, a broken marriage, the shooting and paralyzing of a daughter, and the eventual loss of two sons.
Read about how one man faced unimaginable challenges, had amazing triumphs, and became one of the most interesting people you've never met.
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