Rikkn
US Veteran
How many members own a small business ? Tell us about it, and, do you enjoy it ?
Small Business Owners...
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Rikkn
US Veteran
How many members own a small business ? Tell us about it, and, do you enjoy it ?
m657
Member
I'm just retiring after 30 years running my own small business.
Life was good working for myself.
Life is better on my new schedule.
I still have 'hobbies' and go to the office about an hour or 2 a week.
Bittersweet memories. The time passes far more rapidly than we think it will.
I've got a lot of catching up to do on things I've put off way too long.
Don't make the same error in priorities.
Life was good working for myself.
Life is better on my new schedule.
I still have 'hobbies' and go to the office about an hour or 2 a week.
Bittersweet memories. The time passes far more rapidly than we think it will.
I've got a lot of catching up to do on things I've put off way too long.
Don't make the same error in priorities.
gunsmith11
Member
I owned my small business from 1977 till 1981 had a small gun shop,, interest rates got to 23% and I said Fu** it, closed the doors. But it was the best job I ever have had
I started a portrait studio / wedding / school photo business in 1988 when I got out of the service. I ate a lot of macaroni and cheese for the first 8-10 years but it is pretty good now. I do really like it because it gives me a lot of time to talk to people, I'm much better at face to face than keyboards. The staff runs the lab (fondly known as LAB RATS) and I get lots of free time. Check out my web site below.
My wife and I own a small boat business, she is the President of the company, and we love it. I run all over the southeast US demonstrating our boats. Who can say their annual bonus is based on how deep a tan they get during the season. http://www.pbfcatamarans.com/
truckemup97
Member
I own a very small trucking company. So small that I still drive our only truck.
I do enjoy it most days. Paperwork days kind of suck. I've been doing it for the last ten years. At this point, I'm starting to consider what I want to do with my life. I don't know yet what it will be, but I will most likely be self-employed in some capacity. I've gone without a boss way too long to go back to having someone looking over my shoulder.
ingmansinc
US Veteran
I worked for myself all my life and wouldn't change a thing.
truckemup97
Member
I thought your kids were supposed to take over on or about your 85th birthday.
ncy54
Member
Son owns a bicycle store www.cycles54.com. I go down to help, usually wrenching) about once a week. He employs about seven, most part time and some seasonal.
In business just over two years. Nice store, solid business plan, growing on schedule, even with the current economy. Goal this year is $1M in sales.
While he carries everything from beach cruisers (the store is one mile inland from the NJ shore) and kids' bikes on up, the store caters to mid to high end bike customers and competitors (racers and triathletes).
The "mom & pop" stores are really hurting. Some closing their doors as more of their customers head to Walmart to buy there. The more "educated" customers go to bike shops for even a basic bike, because of product quality, proper assembly and fit, and customer service, all for a few dollars more.
The mid to high end bike customers know what they want and this part of the market is still there, from bikes to clothing, equipment, and accessories.
He's OK for now.
In business just over two years. Nice store, solid business plan, growing on schedule, even with the current economy. Goal this year is $1M in sales.
While he carries everything from beach cruisers (the store is one mile inland from the NJ shore) and kids' bikes on up, the store caters to mid to high end bike customers and competitors (racers and triathletes).
The "mom & pop" stores are really hurting. Some closing their doors as more of their customers head to Walmart to buy there. The more "educated" customers go to bike shops for even a basic bike, because of product quality, proper assembly and fit, and customer service, all for a few dollars more.
The mid to high end bike customers know what they want and this part of the market is still there, from bikes to clothing, equipment, and accessories.
He's OK for now.
I was involved, part owner, of a small business for many years.
Form what I see of hired help in many of the place I deal with now I'd have to think twice if it meant I had to have employees.
Steve
Form what I see of hired help in many of the place I deal with now I'd have to think twice if it meant I had to have employees.
Steve
3rd Gen Neal
Member
Own a place here in Houston, we service airless paint sprayers..love being my own boss, HATE the constant employee headaches..people, especially in there 20's, do NOT understand what hard work really is.
If you can be a one mans shop, and don't have employees to hire, fire, evaluate, train, counsel, etc. you may like being self employed, provided you have a product/service that is still in demand and you can make a living.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Sole practitioner-Stressful, and I really hate it at times, but in all honesty I can't think of something else I'd rather be doing.(more likely-I am too old to start leaning how to do something else
) I work when there's work to be done and if there's no work, nobody is standing there teling me I can't go screw off.
mxbob
Member
I have 28 years in my own business. Pretty small, mostly just family for the first 18 years. Hired help is the problem. I now have two of the worlds best employees/friends so i am down to three days a week.I still do the paperwork which is several hours a week and keep in touch by phone. Dealing with the various bureaucracies from the fire dept to EPA is always a pain. My business also is dealing with the walk in public which is a new trip every day and attitude is is important.
All in all I wouldn't change it but sure not for everyone. I always say that the only reason I have stuck with it is that I get along with the boss so well.
Bob Ray
All in all I wouldn't change it but sure not for everyone. I always say that the only reason I have stuck with it is that I get along with the boss so well.
Bob Ray
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Rikkn
US Veteran
Creede !!!! AWESOME LITTLE CRAFT !!! None on my lake, you need to send me a demo unit, I can sell a bunch of those around here. I have owned pest control companies, licensed in 5 states, sold out to the BIG guy on the block, and now run www.bellissimoto.com , check it out Ducati guys.
Bassamatic
US Veteran
Sandy and I just sold our restaurant last year. It was a lot of fun and we met some great people but the 14 hour days were getting to us a bit.
She's still working but I am officially retired now.
She's still working but I am officially retired now.
rundownfid
Member
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2007
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- 239
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- 4
Great thread.
Creede those really are nice little boats.
Rikken; If that picture is of you, what long legs you have.
Creede those really are nice little boats.
Rikken; If that picture is of you, what long legs you have.
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Rikkn
US Veteran
They are a real pain to keep shaved too rundownfid!! Actually, Amy is my sons girlfriend, ( soon to be appearing in the girls of the southern conference in the bunny mag ), maybe I'll karma an autographed picture !!!
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