Progress

Still reading and analyzing interview notes and other material I've collected. Themes are starting to emerge that I'll be able to summarize soon and have "new stories" and lessons of success and failure for students.

I took a quick trip to San Diego this weekend with the family. As we was made our way through the various attractions and eateries, I couldn't help thinking how similar small business success stories really are, and the universality of such core principles as great customer service, excellent quality of product/ services, atmosphere, attitude of owner/ employees, etc. A neighborhood bookstore with a unique combination collectible books with current inventory along with bindery services caught my eye. I started a converstion with the owner and could tell immediately that the bookstore held a unique position in the local community. Customers felt at home and felt connected --- in my 30 minutes or so in the bookstore, I could already fell that this is a small business I would definitely frequent. Right next door, a family owned Greek restaurant where the owner was the chef, cashier, waiter, etc. I felt we had been invited into someone's home where food was prepared specifically for each person in our party. Another interesting and unique business, and there were many on this strip was a vintage clothing store that featured one of a kind outfits from the 1920's-1950's... talk about a narrow niche in the market place.

It was similar in La Jolla, in Coronado Island and all over San Diego. Small businesses still open for business as usual, operating successfully, serving customers, employing other people, albeit in small numbers... all the while the newscasts kept blasting away the latest unemployment statistics, the latest "bad news" about WallStreet and everthing else that seemst to attract an audience. On top of all that, 73 degrees!!!

Interviews & Analysis continue

Great inteview with Alonzo Russell of A.L. Russell & Associates in Gilbert. Another great referral from the folks at the Gilbert Economic Development Center. We discussed a number of topics related to small business success and how his firm has prospered. A.L's background included time spent as a financial planner and helping clients with estate planning and other financial issues. He sold his practice and decided to start a small business / medical practice consulting firm. His staff of 5 offer a variety of services to a wide range of small businesses but his focus remains the small 1-person medical pratitioner. Alonzo is also heavily involved in the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce as Chair of the Small Business Council. I gathered lots of useful information on his firm has remained successful in addition to an expert view on why small businesses fail.

Still planning to interview Joe from Joe's BBQ... scheduling problem continues....

Interview with Tri-Lite Builders

What a great interview with company president Linda Minde. Here's an example of a company that does well by doing great things in the community. From a remodeled bathroom for an individual with limited mobility to a home for a family through Habitat for Humanity, Tri-Lite Builders has really earned the numerous awards it has received over the years. I walked away with a great case study of a successful woman-owned business who fundamentally "changed an industry."

New Appointment

Confirmed appointment with A. Russell, business coach and consultant in Gilbert. Looking forward to the meeting on Monday. I checked out his company's website and although it has some interesting items, I'm wondering how focusing on the medical practice segment has helped the company. Also still reading the two books I mentioned below and continue making progress analyzing the previous interviews.