One can't gain experience without living a while. I just turned 55 and, although that may seem old to some, it's a good mix between wisdom, knowledge and energy. Not as much energy as when I was 25, but I knew almost nothing then compared to now. I sure had a lot of energy, but it was unfocused.

 OK, this is supposed to be "about" me, so here goes: Before, during, and after college, I supported myself by playing drums with some good groups. When my daughter was born, I moved, bought a dumpy little sporting goods store, built it into the town's most upscale retail establishment, selling all the top name brands. But then Wal Mart opened down the street and cut my knees out from under me. I had taught myself computer graphics, screen printing and embroidery production, and got into promotional products.  I then recruited some talented associates and did an ad agency thing, where I served as art director and graphic designer for about ten years. Did pretty well over all. I still do graphic design for select clients and the link to my site is over there on the right.

I tired of the production stress, employees, all the bookkeeping and office work.  So, after downsizing for 3 years, I decided to come on board with Indoff. They seemed to appreciate my years of experience and accumulated industry knowledge, and I appreciate their organization, solid financials and open-minded attitude.

But getting back to the point, one can only gain this kind of knowledge from experience. I think our culture's infatuation with youth is waning (finally!) and we're starting to see realistic people in tv ads, rather than only 20 year old super models. Corporations are coming around to see that experience is more important that testosterone (and yes, women have testosterone too). With age comes wisdom and maturity. One learns how to do business. With time, one learns how to tactfully handle almost any situation that arises, make confident decisions, give knowledgeable advice, and customers appreciate that. They have enough stress already and buying promotional products is usually a responsibility they have in addition to their primary job.

I take my business seriously, but not myself. I usually make each person I speak with laugh at least once during that conversation. There's some humor to be found in most every situation.