The following interview took place recently. The interviewer is an entrepreneur trying to bootstrap a small manufacturing operation into profitability. The interviewee is his wife, business partner, life companion, mother of his children and witness to the growing pains.

ET: If you had it to do over, would you?

ST: No! Not in the same way.

ET:How would you change it?

ST: No brotherly partnerships.

ET: What has been the toughest part of being in business for yourself?

ST: It's a tossup -- cash flow and dealing with employee issues. (At this question, Justin, the family son, answered "being so dirt poor"!

ET: What do you like about it?

ST: I don't know. I'd have to think about it. I guess dealing with the customers, making the customers happy. Creating jobs and contributing to people's lives and to the community.

ET: If you weren't doing this, what would you be doing?

ST: Doing the same thing for someone else.

ET: But you said you wouldn't do it again.

ST: As an employee, I wouldn't be responsible for cash flow and employee problems.

ET: Any advice for would-be entrepreneurs?

ST: Don't give up your day job. I don't know... I just think the hardest part is not having any money. Bill collectors at work and at home.

ET: What are your hopes for the future of the business?

ST: Make money. Grow the business to the point of being able to pay ourselves a decent salary and the ability to cash our paychecks on payday.

ET: Did you think the company would make it this long?

ST: Yes, but I thought is would tbe easier after five and a half years.

ET: Do you enjoy being your own boss?

ST: I don't really think of myself as the boss.

ET: Do you make company policy?

ST: I help. I make suggestions.

ET: Do you sign the paychecks?

ST: Yes.

ET: Then you're the boss. Thank you for your time.

ST: No problem.