I am never afraid to change, in fact, I consider myself an innovator. Change is coming no matter the business, be creative, be proactive. As a successful entrepreneur I lead, but also recognize the value of team contributions which create even more success, a one-man-band never has a #1 hit. The term networking is overrated, but networking skills are underrated. I have developed those skills and networking has changed my life, professionally and personally. Nothing gets resolved by ignoring it - I always want to be direct with others and grow my executive skills, those go hand in hand. My best advice, the sooner you start the better.The satisfaction I've gained and the people I've met through volunteering have always made my life better! Sign up for something you're interested in and help others through your time, effort and care.Are you still reading? Awesome! Here's a little more about me... After five years in the corporate world, I started my entrepreneurial journey at 27 borrowing money from family to buy a bankrupt Shell station. I grew the business from those first four employees to a team that exceeded 100 members and $30MM in annual revenue. How did I do that?* I worked in the industry before I opened that first store and I consistently read a lot about the industry.* My people management skills included knowing every team members name, listening, collaborating, respecting their work and promoting from within the company. I also learned how to terminate people respectfully without creating animosity.* I treated EVERYONE like I wanted to be treated, not just my team, but customers, vendors, contractors, field reps. Shouting doesn't work, at least not for long, I saved that for when I was by myself.* There was never a cash register/computer in use that I didn't know how to operate, not always skillfully, but I knew how to monitor my businesses' receipts.* I learned to be a good problem solver. There's always a solution, if I didn't find it I'd have to accept someone else's solution. I also never made the same mistake twice.* My teams could always count on me being available. Knowing there was dependable leadership created an atmosphere of confidence & success.* I was never afraid to make a deal to sell a location, which I did many times. That included accepting an unsolicited offer which resulted in my exit almost exactly 25 years after it all began.