We managed to survive another year! And, despite a couple of real bad months, I think we did more with less. About the same revenues as 1996, but accomplished with less labor and inventory. And we paid off at least one nagging note. Most people who are close to the situation think we are nuts and should do something else. Easy to say.

I liken this entire process (starting a new business from an idea) to digging a very large hole with me in it (the first seven years) and then slowly digging myself out a shovelful at a time. Can't do something else until I'm out of the hole. At that point, I expect people will tell me how lucky I am to be doing so well at what I love.

Anyway, a new year always pumps me up. Whether I can get done what needs to get done before it wears me down is another story. The new product is an absolute must. Efforts begin now. Discipline is always the key.

I continue to be amazed at how the employee part of the equation comes to be the most problematical. I had another key person leave with no notice in the heart of our Christmas building season. The job market here is such that anyone who needs a job can have three.

A local fast food restaurant is even paying highschoolers to do their homework on site a couple of hours a week! Anyone not working does not want to. But we are all in the same boat. There seems to be only a modest pressure on beginning wages, which is surprising.

Thanks to those who have "found" me on the Web and have e-mailed me. It's nice to hear from readers. Most business books and magazines target a far different audience than this publication and it's nice to feel that we reach some appreciative readers.

Someday I hope to be in the other audience. Then I'll write a book about my theories of business -- and how easy things can be if you are as smart as I am.