The Hero, The Challenge, and the Family

The Hero and His Family Business

     Erick Slabaugh started young. At the age of 19, he started working for his father’s business in hopes that he would become the next boss in charge. Many of the lessons will keep the family and business relationship healthy.

     ·      Courage. Erick noted that his friends and colleagues were making money, having fun and seeing success. Erick was working and he was not receiving much. He realized that he needed to overcome the fear of failure, and the fear that comparisons would distress the business owner is something Erick learned.

     ·      Mentors. Just like many entrepreneurs we have heard from before, it is important to have someone with a little more wisdom in the industry to help you. It is important to have someone that can keep you in check or in a position that will help the business tremendously.

     ·      Mistakes. Focusing on the core business structure is going to make the business more successful, instead of following risky trends, especially if the business doesn’t have a background in it.

     ·      Values. When one realizes the importance of a family member’s safety, health and well-being, it is smart to protect those feelings and values that will benefit the business and the individual/family member in the long run. Think of this as a way to protect your loved ones.

The Challenge, and Family?

     I have been really busy getting the challenge underway. I have already created the logo, started creating product, starting working with suppliers, and distributors for future sales, and various entities that I feel I have started to make successful strides in creating this business. There are many times where I feel scared, but this past video has reassured me of what it takes to run a business. Values and Courage! Not having good values is not my problem, but having the right values to take me to the next level is my weakness. I have become fearful that what I am doing is not the right thing, but this fear and doubt is going to take the best of me. I, like Erick Slabaugh, need to remember that it isn’t about comparing ourselves to peers that are making money, it is the long-run impact that the business is going to make is what we need to focus on.

     I am getting ready to finalize this project for next week. I feel that I have made important realizes and changes as I was able to create the business and sell the product.
     One thing that I realize is important is how much my family has to take a part in this. I feel since this business is meant to be operated by my family, it is going to be important to start including them in decisions and projects. I do realize that family is important, the business is helpful, and our lives are busy. But, I do know that as a family, we can support each other, just as Erick's father was willing to help him go to school