I work 10 to 12 hours a day most days, but rarely less than 9 hour. Weekends off are the exception rather than the rule. I am a hard worker.

I create useful products and services. I am constantly trying to figure out how to make things work more smoothly, more efficiently, more accurately. I am an engineer.

When everyone else has gone home for the day, and things seem quiet to most, I am still at my desk working. My mind is not quiet – it is making more plans, solving problems, making lists, designing new systems, methods, and products. Going over things step by step, questioning past decisions to make sure they were correct, asking, “Is there is a better way to do things?” Making new decisions. I am a worry-wart.

In the beginning when “money was tight” and the banks weren’t cooperative I took great personal risks and mortgaged my home, and then ran my credit cards up to the maximum, hoping I could pay them down when the next round of products and sales happened, or more accurately, IF the next round of sales happened. I am a gambler.

When a customer or an employee has a problem I make it my own to see that the problem is solved the right way and that everyone is happy with the results. I am a problem solver.

I worry about the people that help me. Am I doing enough for them? Are they happy? Do they have meaningful tasks to perform, and do they contribute to the goals I have set? Are they taken care of equitably for their contributions to the goals? I am a planner.

Are there creature comforts here for those that work with me? Do they seem eager to show up each day? If not, why? What do they need to make them happy and productive? When we can afford it, can we help them with insurance and their tax burden? Can we share the profits with those that work the hardest? Can we afford not to? I am resources manager.

When someone closes a door in my face, I look for the next door. I make sure that those I meet understand what I offer, and how it will help them with their jobs, their tasks, and their lives! I know that if I explain things the right way, they too will see the value in the products I have and they will want them. They will see that what I have will save them time, money, and aggravation. I am a salesman and a communicator.

I put on a smile, even when times are tough because I know that the right attitude is important, and I also know that moods are contagious one grump can make two, and two can make four, and even more. I am a positive thinker.

It never ends. The problems to solve, the new ways to do things, the new products and services, the new people... But I must make sure that I have time for my family. They benefit from my labors, but money is not their greatest need. They need my time. They need me. I must make sure I am there for them, too. I am a human being (and a time juggler).

But, when all of these things are added up, I am an entrepreneur.