I've been self-employed for over 30 years and love teaching aspiring entrepreneurs how to turn their passions into profits and make a difference in the world.

How did you get to where you are now?

It never occurred to me that I would NOT start a business. I just didn’t know I couldn’t stop. I dreamed of my own Creative Arts School, but started an ad agency in my early 20s almost on a dare. I was hooked. 

 

While my friends sat at jobs dreaming of escape, I went on vacation and dreamed up businesses. For myself, for friends, for anyone who showed an interest. Helping people create meaningful, profitable business that make a difference and improve lives gives my own work more meaning.

 

When young people say “If only I had wealthy parents to help me”,  I cringe. I attribute my success to wisdom from my dad’s poor immigrant upbringing. The last time I saw him, my dad told me that if he could live his life over, he’d still start out peddling fruit from a cart, that he’d still prefer to be a merchant than a high level professional and he’d want to live exactly as he had. What a legacy-for a parent to die with no regrets. 

 

When I decided to open my own agency, my dad didn’t offer to loan me money.  He said, “I’m glad you’re resourceful.”  He knew then what high level executives finally realize: that entrepreneurs possess the creative problem solving abilities to make it through tough times. My dad left a priceless inheritance.  He showed me that my most valuable asset is my own resourcefulness, that the only true job security is the job you create for yourself.

How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?

I don't worry over periodic or seasonal lulls and dips in business because I know now that is the nature of any business and that as long as you watch and listen, the solution to a problem can be the impetus to start an additional profit center. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In ten years I will be 66 but I can't imagine completely retiring because I won't have exhausted my idea bank. I continue to  make daily deposits into my IRA,  Idea (un)Retirement Account-  more than I will ever be able to use in a lifetime. It's the stimulation of making ideas come alive as businesses that will keep me actively engaged.