Considered Opinions

Unlike most other items in the Business section, the few included here are less about history or personal experience and more about professional advice based on a half-century of first-hand experience. There is no attempt to be humorous or entertaining here. Instead, it is my hope that these observations might be helpful to anyone considering starting a business, taking over an ongoing business, restructuring a failing business, or even liquidating a business.

Some, if not most of these stories, are specifically intended for my loving daughter, Kelley, who is taking over my Patchen California hobby. I have never really considered the Christmas Tree venture as a business, but rather as a hobby that got out of control. Kelley’s task, therefore, with no prior experience in the business world, is to turn this overgrown hobby into a profitable business. We might think of these half dozen or so entries as management training by storytelling.

While some might interpret my comments as “mansplaining” or unjustified personal criticisms, I hope others will deal with them as opportunities to learn from the experiences of all who have gone before us. Be advised that all these stories are subject to change without notice, and at the whim and capricious discretion of the author. Any who might misunderstand or disagree with any of the content are cordially invited to share their point of view, or simply refer to My First Epiphany.

By: Jim
Written: January 12, 2025
Published: January 12, 2025
Revised: May 28, 2026
Revised: