(Photo courtesy of ABC News via AP)

I think it's great, don't you? I mean, here's a man who started out as an office boy at a small New York radio station and today, owns a multi-million dollar communications company that spearheads world renowned productions like The Golden Globe Awards, the American Music Awards, the Family Television Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards. And if that were not enough, he licenses rights to several restaurants including one named for The American Bandstand show which was so popular in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

In December 2004, the 76 year old icon suffered a severe stroke. And after months of grueling rehabilitation, he was back two days ago -- just over a year after the stroke -- to host another of the shows he created, Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve. As he opened the evening, he said, "I wouldn't have missed this for the world." What an incredible attitude, slurred speech and all.

Of course it doesn't hurt that he owns the show. And isn't that the point. If he had been employed by someone else, he would certainly have been put out to pasture after his stroke. But Dick Clark created the show. Dick Clark owns the show. Dick Clark is the show. You go Dick! I applaud your gusto, entrepreneurial spirit, enthusiasm and determination.

When you love what you do, as Dick Clark obviously does, wild horses can't keep you away, much less an annoying little stroke. Thank you Dick for showing us that we can be vibrant and useful as long as we choose to be, and that building your own corporate ladder has benefits that last forever and spread around the world and back again!!