2 years, reflection
dave jeske
>Thank you all for the kind words.
The two years have seemed to fly by. I wanted to post this as an encouragement and reality check to those who are interested in starting there own business. Though the time flew by, I have never worked so hard in my life. Everyone always says how much effort it takes to start a business and it is all true! Dave Anderson is also right, there are parts of the business that are not very enjoyable. When you are a one person show you become the CEO! You also become head of marketing, sales, customer service, engineering, design, manufacturing, shop maintanence, personnel (family relations), accounting, collections, purchasing, receiving, shipping, and general janitor and go-fer. Ah, yes, self-medic too. Usually, there is something in the list that is not as much fun as designing and making the product. Also, one does not realize how tedious something can become when you do it over and over again such as turning 5000 chisel handles for one order. (Thankfully I was blessed with some wonderful, temporary help.) But at the end of the day, or year, or in this case two, there is a great sense of satisfaction. I am using the gifts that God gave me and it is good. I have received many nice emails from my customers and that keeps me going on the tougher days. I hope that my tools will help promote the art and craft of fine woodworking for current as well as future generations. I look back with no regrets and look forward with great anticipation.
Thaks again to all on this forum who have supported me both as customers and as encouragers. I could say a thousand words but I added a picture of my loving wife (not the best picture) who has supported me tirelessly. She has also turned over the living room at times to become packing and shipping central. Of course, the faithful benchdog is always helping.
Dave
