For more than fifteen years, I had the privilege of helping thousands of entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through the Small Business Development Center. During that time, I reviewed business ideas, provided business coaching to new owners, taught workshops, and watched people transform their lives through entrepreneurship.
What surprised me most wasn't who made the most money.
It was who found the greatest fulfillment.
The entrepreneurs who achieved true entrepreneurial success weren’t necessarily chasing the biggest opportunities. They were the ones building businesses that reflected their values, solved real problems, and allowed them to use the skills and experience they had spent a lifetime developing.
Those observations shaped my philosophy.
I believe that entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful ways to create purpose, independence, and contribution, especially for people entering a new chapter of life.
That belief began long before I became a business advisor.
My parents lived through the Great Depression. They taught me to respect money, live intentionally, and give generously. My mother carefully tracked every household expense in a handwritten ledger and ensured part of every paycheck supported organizations serving those less fortunate. Watching her quietly help others taught me that success is measured not only by what we earn but by what we do with it.
Throughout my career, I've also become known for something else: translating complexity into clarity.
Whether I was explaining technology to business users, teaching leadership classes, or guiding first-time entrepreneurs through the startup process, I've always loved helping people understand ideas that once felt overwhelming.
Today, after retiring from full-time advising, I'm able to dedicate my time to reaching more people through workshops, speaking, and consulting.