A Potpourri of Advice from Business Owners
As the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) marked 20 years of service to
entrepreneurs in Wisconsin, it asked the business owners its staff has worked with to
share their best "success" tips. Hundreds of owners and managers responded. They sent words
of advice that came from months, years or decades of nurturing an enterprise. These included
exhortations to work hard, to be patient, and to treat others fairly.
Here's a sampling from the owners themselves:
"Hang in there and stick by your dreams."
Donna Kramolis, Life Enhancement'
Ashland
.,
"Don't be afraid to ask questions, lots' of them. Then apply what you've learned."
Foley Quinn, Northern Edge Products
Spooner
"Attitude --and a little help from the Superior SBDC -mean everything!"
Marge Retzlaff, Payroll's Us, LLC
Catawba
" Always give the customer value for his or her dollar with a professional and respectful
service."
Michelle Swanson, Sign-Banners & Computer Graphics
Poplar
"Work smart and watch the check book."
JeffDahl & Matt Paulson, The Superior Fly Angler
Superior
"Be truthful as to what you have to offer and people will be more inclined to try your
service."
Marvin & Janet Rivard, Rivard's Bashaw Lake Resort
Shell Lake
"Getting started is always the hardest, but with a little luck and a lot of time you will be
very successful."
Dave Ante, Dave's Landscaping & Snow Removal
Ashland
" Build your business on the sale of quality products with a meaningful way of showing your
gratitude to customers."
Marv & Elaine Schaefer, Schaefer Apiaries
Shell Lake
"Be prepared to put your personal needs last and to work seven days a week - 12hours a
day. With that there are no guarantees." ,
Rod & Gen Neff, Graphmark Inc.
Superior
"Keep good records and keep up certification standards. Computers and Internet have
changed everything."
Virginia Riley, Certified Social Worker
Park Falls
"Expect to be in business for the long haul. You don't get rich overnight in small
business."
David Skinnes, Wildwood Innovations Inc.
Ashland
"Your customers are the most important part of any business. Quality products -quality
service."
Dan & Connie Loden, Hurley Coffee Company
Hurley
"Publish a newsletter and inform the public of your services."
Jim Shattuck, Stay In Touch Massage
Trego
"Return calls as soon as possible -within that day! Show up 10 minutes early or call to
let them know you're running late!"
Ken Bluse, Oakwood Landscapes
Spooner
"Never give up! It takes time and patience to build a successful small business. Give
yourself five years and plan to dedicate 95 per cent of your time to it those first five
years. Don't give up on your dream."
Carol Moravchik, CMN Doll Shop
Ashland
"Deposit all income, disburse only by check. All other accounting needs will fall into
place."
Dale Schleeter, Roscoe Butterfield Well & Pump
Hayward
"Take advantage of all the available advice from the SBDC; it can make or break you!"
Pete Kozak, Shoreline Designs
Hayward
"Pay attention to details, never rest on your laurels. And give all clients the highest
quality of service."
Roger Hansen, R. W. Hansen & Associates
Ashland
***
This information is compiled by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). If you
would like more information about the SBDC at UW-Superior, please call
(715) 394-8351.