Economists know that entrepreneurship will drive the economy back to health, but many people may be surprised to learn that the baby boom generation is behind the wheel, according to a new study by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
The study, "The Coming Entrepreneurship Boom," found that several facts have emerged in the course of Kauffman Foundation research that indicate the United States might be on the cusp of an entrepreneurship boom—not in spite of an aging population but because of it. These factors include the shifting age distribution of the country, the continued decline of lifetime employment, the experience and tacit knowledge such employees carry with them, and the effects of the 2008-2009 recession on established sectors of the economy.
"The fact that the largest age group of our population is also the most entrepreneurial bodes well for the United States' economic future," said Robert E. Litan, vice president of Research and Policy at the Kauffman Foundation.
BOOMERS MEAN BUSINESS!
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Here are the stories and profiles of some of our local Small Businesses and Boomerpreneurs: (click on their photos to visit their website)
June Boomerpreneurs
- Dan Williams "Scooperman"
Randy and Nancy Montrie
April Boomerpreneur
- Tammy Leigh Brooks
March Boomerpreneur
- Bill Mugg
May Boomerpreneurs
L.A.U.G.H. - Kelly Gibson
Start an Epidemic
Three years ago, Kelly Gibson, working as an Activity Director with Alzheimer and dementia residents, had the fortunate opportunity to attend a World Laughter Tour workshop. She thought it would be something to share with the residents, little did Kelly know a few years later it would change her life.
Laughter is the best medicine and since last August the building block of L.A.U.G.H., Laugh And U Generate Happiness. Having an extensive background in the Senior Care industry, she shows how to stay healthy with moderate exercise, laughter and Good hearted Living ™ to reduce stress and prevent hardening of the attitudes. A program of emotional, spiritual and recreational well being is presented to groups of all ages, especially seniors. Seniors have the market on good humor. A presentation delivers valuable entertainment and education for all ages without comedy or humor that at times can be offensive to others.
L.A.U.G.H. has Kelly meeting a variety of many individuals. Her mission is to help individuals realize that laughter should be part of each day, as common as brushing your teeth. Through laughter, she hopes to make a difference to groups or connect to an individual that needs laughter for emotional release and balance.
For those starting a business, build on what you are passionate about, something that has a purpose. Have faith and one step at a time build on this passion. When you can reach out to someone, make a difference even in a small way, at the end of the day that is what is important.
Contact Kelly Gibson, Certified Laughter Leader at 704-724-3899 or kelnyclown@yahoo.com. She is also available on www.worldlaughtertour.com, click on clubs.
Start an epidemic, let it spread like the flu and laugh for the health of it!
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Legendary Motorcycle Tours - John and Diane Blizzard
John, a professional driver for 20 years, has been riding motorcycles since he was 14. With all of the time he has spent behind the wheel, John has learned the best routes to travel in and around the mountains of North Carolina. John rides at a relaxing pace that allows everyone to enjoy the ride. Diane is the events coordinator, office manager and resident history buff. She works out all the details so the motorcyclist can relax and enjoy the ride.
John is a natural leader, and his friends and co-workers asked him many times over the years to organize and lead rides. As a result, he has taken many groups, large and small, all through these mountains as well as to Myrtle Beach, SC and to Rolling Thunder in Washington, DC. One weekend he was leading a group on a ride when they saw a sports car touring group out of Charlotte. The group riding with John and Diane encouraged John to do the same thing, but on motorcycles. That day the idea for their business was born.
Originally from Maryland they wanted to live where the winter is mild and where the riding season is longer. They love the mountains and began exploring them upon arriving 6 years ago.
Their advice for other Boomerpreneurs: Have faith in yourself and step out and give your dream a try. You’ll never know if it’ll work until you try!
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Lakeside Laser Graphics - Wayne Searle
“I enjoy being independent and responsible for my own destiny.”
Wayne and his wife, Lori are entrepreneurs with over 20 years of computer network design and installation primarily in the U.S. Virgin Islands. After visiting the local area, they were eager to establish themselves in North Carolina to enjoy our changing seasons and the friendly people and moved here in 2005.
Laser graphics provided them with a perfect fit of computer design and graphic creation. Lakeside Laser Graphics specializes in custom laser engraving of plaques, awards, and personalized and special occasion gifts. They are able to create original and unique pieces from their clients’ photos and artwork on almost any surface including: leather, wood, marble, glass and stainless steel. Whether you’re looking for personalized employee recognition awards or a personalized gift commemorating a special family event Lakeside Laser Graphics can create a piece that will be cherished for years to come.
The fastest growing segment of their business is pet related, with people requesting personalized picture frames and stainless steel travel mugs with pictures of their fur kids as well as customized pet urns and marble headstones to commemorate their beloved pet.
Wayne’s advice to other Boomerpreneurs: “No one knows your abilities better than you.” He also advises: “ Become a useful and active member of your community by joining the local Chamber of Commerce, both the Mooresville South Iredell and the Catawba County Chamber have been invaluable to me.”
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Wild
Birds Unlimited - Joe and Sharon Kaestner
Joe and Sharon Kaestner are the owners of Wild Birds Unlimited of Huntersville, NC, a backyard nature shop, specializing in bird food and feeders, birdbaths, bird houses, garden and home decorative items, nature-related toys, books and gifts.
The Kaestners had been looking for several years for a family business opportunity. In January of 2008 they began planning their new adventure. They explored franchise opportunities, as well as independent operation, and eventually decided that the Wild Birds Unlimited franchise approach was the way to go. The guidance provided by the Franchise Support Center in Indianapolis would help offset their lack of experience in running a retail operation.
The greatest challenge came in opening the doors of their store a few weeks after the economic crisis began in the fall of 2008. It has meant using up a large portion of their retirement funds to keep the store going through the first year and a half. The hope now is that the store will continue to flourish and they will be able to rebuild their retirement nest egg. So far, they are right on track to meet all of their goals.
Their advice for other Boomerpreneurs: Treat each challenge or set-back as a learning experience - and, most importantly, learn to laugh at these situations.
Wild Birds Unlimited of Huntersville, NC is located in the NorthCross Village Shopping Center. Joe and Sharon can be reached at 704-895-5123, or via email at wbuhuntersville@gmail.com.
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Kerrigan’s Ice Cream - Ken & Sue Petroski
Kerrigan’s was developed with one original thought: FAMILY. Originally from New England, Ken and Sue spent several years working for a Fortune 500 company. In 2006, they decided that they needed more in their lives and the time seemed right to take that risk so they relocated their family of 5 children, ranging in age from 3-14, to Mooresville from Orlando and founded Lake Norman’s only old fashioned ice cream parlor. With colorful booths and chairs, black and white tile and 50’s style décor; it’s a delightful throwback to the popular soda shops of the ‘good ole days’. It’s a destination for friends and families to mingle and enjoy a wonderful atmosphere with 50’s music and games at every table. Their motto is “Come to Kerrigan’s and stay a while!”
People ask how they decided on the name of their business. They were on track to name the business Lake Norman Old Fashion Ice Cream, but realized it was too long and after several weeks of agonizing over the name, they simply called it Kerrigan’s Ice Cream after their youngest daughter. “It just felt right” said Ken.
Their advice to other Boomerpreneurs: It will not be easy, but as long as you have the right mindset you can get through any challenge that you face!
Contact Ken and Sue at 704-799-1335 or by email at: Kerrigansice@aol.com
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Get Your Pants On! - Kevin Cole
Boomerpreneur Kevin Cole founded Get Your Pants On!, an inspirational clothing line designed to get folks geared up and moving. The T-shirts are available in 24 different designs that contain a call to action because NOW is the time! Cole designed a sporty action figure named “Guy” in various poses with catchy captions like, “Get Your Smile On!” or “Get Your Peace On!”. The back of the shirts have one or two action words to promote positivity.
“The whole idea behind the “Get Your Pants On!” concept is to encourage and inspire an entire generation to think positively, and challenge them to TAKE ACTION and pursue their dreams, while helping others,” says Cole. Recently, Cole attended an ‘invitation only’ celebrity gifting event for the 2010 Academy Awards Celebration in Los Angeles. His GYPO T-shirts were a hit among A-list celebrities such as Jerry Mathers, Ernest Borgnine, Cloris Leachman, John Schneider, Scott Baio, and Chad Michael Murry, to name a few.
The high quality T-shirts are available in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes. A portion of the profits benefits local and national non-profits as “giving back to the community is an integral part of the GYPO mission,” says Cole.To learn more about Get Your Pants On! email info@GetYourPantsOn.com or call 704-699-2290
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The Lake Benefits Agency - Lou Mintzer
One of the most important things in life for me is to have a job or career that I really enjoy. After many years of searching I became an independent insurance agent working mainly with the senior market.
I own The Lake Benefits Agency in Mooresville. Just before making a leap to the insurance industry I worked with cancer and diabetic patients through their physicians. I sold medical devices and wound care programs that helped improve their lives.
I love what I do and I can hardly call it a job. I help people all the time. I look forward to seeing my clients and meeting new people. Most of my clients really like me and I genuinely like them and do my best to help them. In fact, I won’t even take on clients that I don’t like. I help my clients make sure they are financially stable for the rest of their lives. My clients have not lost a dime in the last 10 years!
My career allows me the freedom to pursue my other passions which include fishing, travel, outdoor activities, photography and writing.
When I grow up and retire my wife and I are planning to travel the world, write, take pictures and even get paid once in a while.
I followed my wife, Lynn, to Charlotte 27 years ago and married her. We have lived in Mooresville for 14 years. We have 3 children: Lee, Kelly and Jennifer and 4 wonderful grandchildren that live too far away.
Contact Lou at 704-663-5814
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Gold and Silver Recycling/Wismatic - Pam Yount
“Now I have control of my time instead of it having control of me.”
After many years working in the corporate accounting scene, Pam Yount decided that the time was right to chart a new course. In 2008, shortly after her 60th birthday, she decided that she was going to “live my life to its fullest” So she retired and opened Gold and Silver Recycling in Hickory while at the same time completing a labor of love - her book Wismatic.
Pam began writing “Wismatic” to chronicle a spiritual journey that she began in 1996. After the loss of her son, Tracey, to the AIDS virus, Pam felt compelled to share her uniquely personal experience. In 2009 she completed her book and began speaking to groups throughout the United States. Pam honors her son’s memory through her local involvement in ALFA to increase awareness of AIDS/HIV and the effect it has on the families and community.
When hearing that Pam was retiring, a friend encouraged her to train in appraising gold and silver. After completing her certification, Pam opened Gold and Silver Recycling Co. in Hickory. Rather than just recycling jewelry solely for its metal content, Pam’s store also offers estate pieces ranging from silver tea and coffee services to one of a kind brooches.
Gold and Silver Recycling Co. is located at 3034 North Center Street, in the Belle Hollow Shopping Center in the Viewmont area of Hickory. Contact Pam at 828-855-2352
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Darlene’s Catering and Special Events - Darlene Feege
A pinch of country and a dash of haute cuisine gets rave reviews.
After ending a partnership at 1859 Café in Hickory Darlene headed off on her own entrepreneurial adventure 18 years ago when she started her thriving catering business that serves the Unifour and Lake Norman areas.
She picks herbs from her own garden to season the fresh, locally grown, seasonal produce and specialty cuts of meat that are high on her list of what she must have to provide the quality her longtime clients have come to expect. Catering events ranging from a backyard gathering of 25 friends to a museum packed with 300 Western Piedmont Symphony supporters her food delights the palette of everyone. Her most sought after recipe is her pork tenderloin, but as Darlene says “it’s so secret that not even my husband knows it!”
Being able to host events around the pool in her backyard provides the perfect venue for an outdoor wedding, but Darlene and her great team of long-time employees also travel as far as High Point providing food for the dinners hosted by Century Furniture and Flexsteel during this April’s Furniture Market.
Darlene believes that her pride in what she does, the quality of her ingredients combined with the level of service and presentation sets her apart from her competition.
Her advice to others thinking about starting a business “Do your marketing research, provide quality and service and be prepared to do whatever it takes .”
Contact Darlene at 828-328-3175 or 828-302-3598 for your next event.
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Carolina Ribs on the Run - Randy Rodecki
With a passion for great food and community involvement, Randy Rodecki launched Carolina Ribs on the Run on August 30, 2009 with a fund raiser benefiting Preston Lloyd and raised $10,000.
A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, Randy and executive chef Eric Mulford, have a combined 30+ years of experience with five star dining establishments throughout the eastern U.S. Encouraged by customers and friends who raved about his barbecued ribs, Randy decided to bring his passion for food and desire for lake living to Mooresville.
Randy’s vision was to provide a place where people could enjoy high quality food quickly with their families and friends. But he took it a step further. With a phone call to Carolina Ribs on the Run, your order for their mouth watering char grilled ribs, pulled pork or chicken wings with your choice of 16 types of sauces (Raspberry Habenero and Honey Barbeque are the most requested) is ready in 10 minutes.
For those of us who don’t want to fight the traffic on Brawley School Road delivery is available. Even better, if you’re relaxing out on the lake and have a yen for barbecue – they’ll deliver to the docks at Stutts and Hager Creek Marinas. The Motherload – 6 half racks of ribs, 2 family sized sides and soda or tea for $60 is perfect to give mom a break this Mother’s Day. The Graduation Party – 15 full racks, 5 family sides and a 6 pack of 2 liter bottles of soda allows everyone to enjoy the graduation day festivities.
Check out their full menu at www.carolinaribsontherun.com or call 704-360-4145 to place your order!
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LawOffices of Jason E. Taylor - Jason E. Taylor
Jason began his law career in 1993 in Charlotte, NC and started a new firm in the spring of 1996. In April, 2005, he left the firm that he co-founded and founded the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor with offices in Charlotte, Hickory and Gastonia.
Jason believes that what sets him apart from his competitors is “the fact that I am personally involved with every case. While I have associate attorneys helping me, I still do all the trial work. I also know that I have the best work team around and my clients really benefit from my success in getting such great employees”.
Jason was visiting people he had never met and fell in love with this area and declared that weekend that he would be moving here one day and has lived in the Piedmont area about 18 years with his wife Andie and two fabulous step-children, Jack and Katie.
Jason said that “a defining moment in my decision to become an entrepreneur was when my greedy boss was getting rid of a long-time employee who really produced, thinking he could get me to do the same kind of production but for less money. I was not going to be the next one; I knew I could do it on my own”.
Some of the challenges he faced at the start were the same as everyone else, finding good people with whom to work, working long hours and putting everything back into the business to help it grow. His advice to other Boomers contemplating beginning their own entrepreneurial adventure is that “cash is king, debt is death. Keep your overhead low and regularly reassess your costs”.
Contact Jason at: Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor 800-351-3008
email address: jason@jasonetaylor.com
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Sign A Rama - Greg Guynes
Greg Guynes had almost 20 years of Manufacturing Operations experience before turning entrepreneur with the Sign*A*Rama franchise in late 2007. The decision to become an entrepreneur was simple: with a wife and two pre-teens at home, traveling throughout the U.S. was replaced with a business allowing him to spend nights at home.
He took over the Mooresville operation in early 2009 with an eye for growth in one of the best areas of North Carolina. “My attraction to the sign industry was simple, everyone needs one form or signage or another. And being a creative problem-solver, I was interested in applying those skills to help customers grow their businesses.”
Their business philosophy is simple: Our Business is Growing Your Business. They do this by offering a complete marketing package of products that meet all of your needs:
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Lighted signs, LEDS, Channel Letters, etc.
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Window Graphics, Door Graphics, Vehicle Graphics
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Menu Boards, changeable message boards
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Real Estate Signs, Boat numbers, Post and Panel
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Business Cards, Pamphlets, Flyers
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Promotional products: pens, give-away items, gifts, Logo products.
These products are just a few of the services and products they can provide.
They provide value by putting ourselves in our customers’ shoes, learning what is important to our customer, and providing solutions to meet their needs. “We’re not just a sign company, we are a marketing partner”.
Contact Greg at 704-799-7446 or greg@signarama-lkn.com
