Growing Pains - 11/96

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.

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

ET: No! Not in the same way.

ST:How would you change it?

ET: No brotherly partnerships.

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

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

ST: What do you like about it?

ET: 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.

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

ET: Doing the same thing for someone else.

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

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

ST: Any advice for would-be entrepreneurs?

ET: 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.

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

ET: 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.

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

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

ST: Do you enjoy being your own boss?

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

ST: Do you make company policy?

ET: I help. I make suggestions.

ST: Do you sign the paychecks?

ET: Yes.

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

ET: No problem.