Years ago I met Roy Ekrom, the vice president of Garrett Industries-a very large successful corporation based in Phoenix, Arizona. This was the man sent by Garrett to their subsidiaries around the world to fix internal problems. When we met, he had just returned from Japan after successfully restructuring a 600 employee branch of the company. Needless to say, Roy was the go to guy whenever the company needed a problem solved. His success parallels the amazing life and death insight Viktor Frankl, famous author of 'Mans Search for Meaning' learned while interred in the Auschwitz concentration camp in the mid 40's.

For first time entrepreneurs there is always much to learn. After a year in business, myself and my partners have learned a lot.

Thinking about starting a business? Well before you do it, make sure you have a conversation with your family and explain to them what you're looking to do. This is especially important if a spouse or other family member is going to provide financial support while you work to get the business up and running.