Why I’m a Business Owner can be summed up in one word. FREEDOM!
Like many who have risked owning a business, to maintain our freedom we refuse to give in to temporary adversities, bad politics, or other bumps in the road. To be sure, business ownership takes courage and resolve!
Thankfully, our business has been able to maintain and continue to improve through this time. We credit that to good business systems, and the dedication of other like-minded business owners.
It seems I was destined to be an entrepreneur, having always had an insatiable curiosity for how to fix things, not to mention, having a desire to take the lead role. Consequently, I was able to build three businesses, starting at age twenty.
Looking back, it all started with a 3 Musketeers candy bar!
Humble Beginnings
It was my 8th grade year at Lewis Junior High School in Sulphur, Louisiana. There were no candy or soft drink machines there, as in schools today. We only had water fountains, which probably accounted for the very low number of over-weight kids back then.
That said, having no way to satisfy sweet cravings at school, I decided to take the matter into my own hands. One day, while waiting for the school bus near a little county store, I bought a 3 Musketeers candy bar for a nickel.
After lunch in the cafeteria, I ran to my locker to devour that candy bar. But, as I was about to open it, one of the boys next to my locker said, “Philip, I’ll give you a QUARTER for that candy bar.” Now, being good at math, I quickly figured, that quarter could buy me FIVE candy bars.
“Sure,” I said. For me, a quarter was a really big deal, seeing I only made fifty cents a week for cleaning my father’s church and mowing the lawn.
The next day, again waiting for the bus, I purchased another candy bar. Same boy offered me another quarter for my 3 Musketeers. Now, this was getting interesting. I thought this kid’s parents must have a lot of money.
The following day I bought TWO bars. Surprisingly, they sold for a quarter apiece.
This is where my entrepreneurial spirit kicked in. Not wanting to miss out on my lunch treat, but having a chance to make some easy money, next day I bought FIVE 3 Musketeers candy bars. All sold!
Yep, I was in business.
Business and Bumps in the Road
A close friend, seeing my success, wanted to get in on the action. Together, we bought a whole box of 3 Musketeers bars. You should have seen the surprise on that little store owner’s face.
As a result, we had kids lined up at our lockers, and nearly sold the whole box in one day. This went on for a couple of weeks and we were making a nice profit.
However, all too soon our little business came to an abrupt halt when the assistant principle of our school showed up during our lunchtime hawking of candy bars. “Boys, we can’t allow this kind of activity on school property,” he said grinning. Although he did commend us for our resourcefulness.
But to be sure, my entrepreneurial spirit was born.
Why I’m A Business Owner | Freedom!
Freedom to make the final decision for how a business should operate is why I am a business owner!
As a business owner, you have the freedom to build a business that your employees have pride in; knowing that ALL jobs and services adhere to a strict system of quality. To be sure, QUALITY should not be just a marketing slogan, but a FACT in your business!
On the other hand, owning a business also gives owners the freedom to run their business in a “loosey-goosey” manner, if they choose. At which point, “freedom” is a matter of opinion.
Did I mention? Great systems work to prepare for adversity!
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