This is a great story, but it's not much different from the Zuckerberg-style too-good-to-be-true stories the author laments. Near as I can tell, this person didn't risk much because, like most (or, at least, many) who make a successful business, he had an abundance of luck favoring his ambition, particularly in the form of his work arrangement.

Most companies would see his proposal and think "this guy's position can be eliminated" instead of "this guy's giving us the same output for 60% of the cost!"

In other words his particular circumstances simply aren't broadly applicable.