Bank of Dave: The Loan Ranger is on Netflix and the film is based on the true life of businessman David Fishwick. Rory Kinnear returns as community bank owner, but the real David Fishwick has his own fascinating story to tell.
The 53-year-old was born in Lancashire and left school aged 16 with no qualifications. He opened David Fishwick Minibus Sales which would one day become the biggest minibus supplier in Britain.
After discovering big banks were not lending his customers money following the 2007–2008 financial crisis, he opened Burnley Savings and Loans. One of his first ever jobs had been working at a construction site for £27.50 per week.
He later began restoring old cars to sell on for a profit, then moved on to selling cheap clothes while spending his evenings performing as a DJ. This is how he met his wife Nicky, as he had been working at a nightclub.
She told him the music he was playing was rubbish, so, ever the charmer, he invited her to pick a record so long as she wrote her number on its sleeve.
David Fishwick appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss his new Netflix film
(Image: BBC)
Now his partner of 30 years, Nicky tries to keep her husband grounded amidst the fame.
He told Lancashire Live previously: “We have been together over 30 years and I was down yesterday on television and then I was with Netflix and I met half a dozen people from the telly.
“I come home and said to Nicky, ‘I’ve met Simon Cowell or I’ve met this guy or that lady’ or somebody mega famous off the telly.
“And she will say, ‘never mind all that nonsense, Dave, do you want corned beef hash or cottage pie for your tea?’ And it grounds you immediately.”
David Fishwick, the self-made businessman
(Image: Joel Goodman)
As for his net worth, he is believed to be worth around $10 million (£8.2million), which has come from various ventures.
He is also a bestselling author, penning the book Bank of Dave: How I Took On the Banks, to help aspiring entrepreneurs.
David also works as a motivational speaker, sharing his experiences across the UK and abroad.
Outside of work, he is a loving father and grandfather.
Bank of Dave: The Loan Ranger is on Netflix