Self-confessed serial entrepreneur Jeff Lester, Founder, Fit-at50plus. Picture: Dorset Biz News.
Published: September 24, 2021 | Updated: 24th September 2021
By any measure Jeff Lester has led an extraordinary life.
From the peaks of business success – and all the trappings it can bring – to losing it all and ending up virtually penniless.
Then picking himself up, starting all over again only to see a re-run in the 2007/8 global financial crisis.
And, along the way, divorce, cancer and now – at the age of 59 – the launch of a lifestyle company with its own healthcare supplement plans.
Specifically aimed at those wanting to make the most of their 50s, 60s and beyond.
In fact, it would make a great book.
Oh, did we forget to mention that he’s also author of ‘F*ckd at 40 Fab at 50…’ available through Amazon?
“Yes, it’s fair to say my life has been something of a rollercoaster but I’ve survived and I’m now happier than ever,” said Jeff, who lives in Bournemouth.
Over the last 40 years the self-confessed serial entrepreneur has launched businesses in financial services, hospitality and property development.
His first brush with business failure came with a restaurant venture in Southampton.
After going on a holiday to Miami in America with a group of friends he returned to the UK, sold his successful financial services business and ploughed the proceeds into building a themed restaurant on Town Quay.
“It did very well for a year or so and then our landlord sent us a letter to say they were converting the whole of Town Quay into offices.
“It became a building site and killed our business.
“We went from making umpteen thousands of pounds a week to nothing and I lost everything.
“I was in my late 20’s, unemployed, broke and – after having an affair with one of the waitresses who became pregnant with my first daughter – having to support my first child,” said Jeff.
He returned to his career roots in financial services as a manager with Eagle Star Insurance, leaving after a year to found his own company, Hampshire Financial.
The business specialised in SIPS (self-invested personal pensions), small self-administered scheme pensions (SASS) and other employee benefits.
“We did well and I bought my first Ferrari.
“I needed a garage for the car and hit if off really well with the builders who were recommended to me to do the work.
“It resulted in all three of us forming a property development company, Courtfield Lester, which built up a property portfolio from Torquay to Salisbury and employed 15 people.
“I was very proud of the business,” said Jeff, who sold Hampshire Financial within a year of launching Courtfield Lester.
Ten years of success followed until the 2007/8 financial crash when the heavily geared company hit the rocks.
He said: “It was absolutely heart-breaking.
“I felt the same grief as when I lost my father.
“I found myself, at the age of 46, broke again.”
And not just broke.
Jeff was subsequently diagnosed with stage three prostate cancer.
A tumour was also found on his bladder while his then wife, and mother of his second child, was asking for a divorce.
He said: “I was at rock bottom.
“Within the space of a year the business had gone then health, cancer, divorce.”
But an earlier referral to an alternative health clinic to Switzerland had set Jeff on a new path.
“They told me simply, and in a very matter of fact way: ‘Jeff, if you don’t change your life then you’ll probably going to die.”
“That was a big moment for me.
“I came home and went through a massive life change including a new diet as well as a supplements plan.
“The divorce actually made me focus more on my health.
“I did by the textbook what needed to be done – and it worked.”
Among the interests Jeff took up was beach volleyball.
He said: “It proved to be a life-changer.
“I made a new circle of friends and it also introduced me to my future partner, Olga.
“I now have a six-month-old son and, without question, I am the happiest I’ve ever been.”
Jeff, who continues to have interests in property development as well as a range of other investments, is the founder of Fit-at50plus (FA50P).
The lifestyle company is launching two new supplement plans – for men and women.
Jeff, who told his life story to Warren Munson in his Evolve to Succeed podcast, said: “Our mission is simple, to spread great health to those over 50 who honestly want to live ‘Forever Young’ lifestyles.
“The FA50P plan has been formulated by a leading UK sports and nutrition company, environmentally packaged with as little fuss as possible and sent direct.
“The cost is £68 a month.
“It is especially formulated for people over the age of 50 from the finest ingredients available.
“There is absolutely no compromise on quality or strength.
“The plan is not designed with a price point in mind. It has been purely formulated to be the best.”
Jeff is now looking for 20 male and female ‘Top Gun’ test pilots to support the launch of Fit-at50plus.
They will have to be:
Jeff, whose prostate cancer has been kept under control without requiring surgery while the tumour on his bladder was discovered to be benign, said: “In return we offer a substantial discount on the plan.
“It also includes access to our outstanding independent health experts for advice and treatment if required on all manner of health mindset and sleep issues.
“We would want to track progress over six to 12 months offering support advice and assistance where required.”
