A person who claims to be self-employed, a small business owner, or an entrepreneur, but really just sits around all day thinking about those things. Nontrepreneurs frequently boast about "flexible" work hours, being their own boss, and not working for "the man." However, unlike entrepreneurs, they rarely start profitable businesses that provide a valuable good or service to the economy. Instead, they usually get wrapped up in pyramid schemes.
Successful person: "Hi, I'm Jim. I am a journalist. What do you do for a living?"
Nontrepreneur: "Hi, Jim. I'm sorry to hear that. While you were at the office today, I was on the beach taking a break from work. I am able to do that because I run my own company, and don't have to be a part of the ratrace like everyone else. My earnings potential is unlimited. If you have a few minutes, I'd like to discuss an opportunity for you to change your life forever - but you have to act now, or you might miss out."
Nontrepreneur: "Hi, Jim. I'm sorry to hear that. While you were at the office today, I was on the beach taking a break from work. I am able to do that because I run my own company, and don't have to be a part of the ratrace like everyone else. My earnings potential is unlimited. If you have a few minutes, I'd like to discuss an opportunity for you to change your life forever - but you have to act now, or you might miss out."
by preston pilford May 15, 2009
a 'company man' devoid of any entreprenurial spark who prefers the 'punching a time-clock' approach to work over taking any ownership
A great scene in True Detective is when Kohle calls out the two Detectives as 'a couple of company' men unable to think for themselves. He sees them as textbook nontrepreneurs.
by TheExpatreneur December 27, 2014