Began my working career at the age of 15 (yes Taxes were taken from my paycheck) working in several different careers, including managing a gas/service station at 17. I started, what became my present career, in the furniture industry at the age of 19. I spent 11 years in retail and furniture repair and refinishing, then I opened my own furniture store at the age of 23 (the first "start-up" of my career) I did very well in Interior Design, Sales, Marketing and Advertising but my big challenge came in the early 1980’s when the bottom fell out. Interest rates climbed to 21% and unemployment grew to 13-20% around the country, nobody was buying and small businesses closed their doors. Thant’s when I really learned about advertising, marketing and sales. We changed our business plan To selling dollars instead of percentages and while others around us failed and closed their doors we grew in sales AND profit. After leaving my store I have spent the past 30+ years on the road as a manufacturers rep in the furniture business and I began my career in small business consulting. I’ve worked with entrepreneurs from other countries who wanted to bring their products and designs to America, I’ve worked with many of my own customers in helping them train their salespeople, and expand their Brand and increase their Profits. I look forward to more of this in my future as it’s now time for me to increase my consulting work helping small businesses Brand, Re-Brand, train their staff or their management and help grow their profits. If any of you who are reading this are needing/wanting help in any of these areas give me a shout and let’s get together.