OSHA Regulation GHS Effective Next Week

A new OSHA law concerning the classification and labeling of chemicals, know as GHS, becomes law effective on May 25th, 2012.

Is that a sexy title or what?

From the feedback I’ve received, many different types of readers follow “A Clear View Through Clean Windows.“ For those running a window cleaning business or something similar, I periodically post important safety information.

Please let me know if you find this information useful.

Safety is a serious topic and our company, Fish Window Cleaning, adheres to all OSHA regulations.

Here’s some important OSHA related information from our company’s Risk Manager, Tom Patton.

Tom works for Barrett Business Services, Inc. (BBSI), our Professional Employer Organization (PEO), and helps make sure we receive up-to-date safety techniques and information, and he monitors us regularly to make sure we follow our safety training program and conform to all OSHA safety regulations.

Make it a SAFE Day!

John Gran – Owner
Fish Window Cleaning – Los Angeles South Bay

Remember: Safety is everyone’s responsibility!

—

OSHA GHS Final Rule Effective Next Week

Chemicals must be properly labeled

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) finally makes its debut. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of time yet to comply.

OSHA has announced that the final rule for GHS, or Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, will become law effective May 25, 2012.

The effective date of the final rule is 60 days after March 26, the date of the rule’s publication in the Federal Register.

The new GHS rule will be added to OSHA’s existing hazard communication standard, or worker right-to-know law.

OSHA says the GHS rule will help prevent 43 worker fatalities and 585 occupational injuries and illnesses from chemical exposures every year.

According to OSHA, the GHS rule will affect over 5 million workplaces and 40 million workers.

There are two primary groups of employers that will be affected by the GHS rule:

90,000 employers that are chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors
5 million other employers where their employees use, handle, or store chemicals

4-Year Transition Period

4 Year Transition Period

OSHA will allow employers the following phase-in or transition period to comply with the new GHS requirements:

December 1, 2013 - All employers that use, handle, store chemicals. Train employees about the new chemical labels and safety data sheets or SDSs (formally material safety data sheets or MSDSs).
June 1, 2015 - Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors Comply with all the requirements of the GHS rule, except compliance with GHS label requirements for distributors by December 1, 2015.
December 1, 2015 - Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors All shipments of chemical containers must include the GHS-compliant label (signal word, pictogram, hazard statement, and precautionary statement).
June 1, 2016 - All employers that use, handle, store chemicals Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards.

Options During Transition

During the phase-in period, employers would be required to be in compliance with either the existing hazard communication standard or the revised standard with GHS, or both.

OSHA recognizes that hazard communication programs will go through a period of time where labels and SDSs under both standards will be present in the workplace. This will be considered acceptable, and employers are not required to maintain two sets of labels and SDSs for compliance purposes.

What Will Cal-OSHA Do?

Cal-OSHA Website

Several of you highly knowledgeable recipients of my newsletter asked me if Cal OSHA will be adopting this Federal Standard.

I can only say this: Cal OSHA must be equal to or better than Fed OSHA Standards and I fully expect Cal OSHA to do the same with this Regulation.

It’s only a matter of time.

With the hazard communication standard already a regular fixture on OSHA’s most frequently cited standards list, it’s more important now than ever before to understand how GHS affects your hazard communication obligations.

It’s important to remember that your hazard communication requirements will not be reduced by the Globally Harmonized System (GHS); they will simply be modified to support the new system.

Though implementing GHS does not involve a total rewrite of the hazcom standard, there are still a lot of changes coming your way. Pretty much everyone who uses hazardous chemicals has some responsibility…but some more than others.

Chemical manufacturers and importers have some work to do around re-authoring MSDS and turning them into safety data sheets (SDSs). They also have to rewrite labels and warnings to make them GHS compliant.
Resellers and distributors need to get the new SDSs and labels and distribute them to customers.
And, of course, employers have plenty to prepare for, too.

Get Ready, Get Set

OSHA Website

Here are 8 steps your organization can take during the phase-in period to prepare for full compliance with GHS:

Have an hazard communication plan. Maintain a checklist of key plan components and review it annually.
Inventory your on-site chemicals and make sure you have a complete library of MSDSs and SDSs as you get them.
Prepare yourself for the eventual switchover from MSDS to SDS. If you’re still using paper, consider transitioning to electronic system.
Make sure your alternative labeling system is GHS compliant.
Start developing a training plan for your employees now. Have a plan and make sure employees are ready to read GHS compliant SDSs and labels.
Stay current on OSHA, including federal, state and local requirements. Keep an eye on GHS, looking out for key dates that will have an impact on your plan. (Note: That’s where Safety.BLR.com can help. This would be a great time to check it out!)
Request GHS-compliant SDSs from your chemical vendors. Talk to your chemical suppliers and ask about their plans to transition to GHS. Make sure your staff is on the lookout for SDSs with new shipments.
Stay SARA compliant. Update local and state emergency response agencies when new chemical hazard information becomes available.

(SARA is the Superfund Amendments and Re-authorization Act, (SARA) which requires facilities who are subject to OSHA’s hazardous chemical requirements to submit MSDSs or a hazardous chemical list to local and state authorities.)

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to preparing for the new requirements.

For Additional Information on GHS:

http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ghs.html#1.1

Be Safe Everyone!

_______________________

About the Author

John and Cynthia

John Gran (@FishSouthBay) is an entrepreneur and former marketing and product development executive who has grown his successful Fish Window Cleaning franchise in the Los Angeles – South Bay area to become a leading professional in window cleaning services for business owners and home owners.

With his popular blog A Clear View Through Clean Windows, John shares his window cleaning expertise by addressing topics and answering questions that customers continually ask him during his day. He also uses window cleaning pictures, inspirations and stories about his business to demonstrate the fundamentals for building a strong, healthy, thriving business.

John lives & works with his wife Cynthia in Redondo Beach, CA (she runs the business too!)

If you have a question or would like window cleaning services click Here or Call 310-973-3474 for a Free, on-site written estimate.

May 7 2012

Make Mom Smile…Clean Her Windows!

Want something special for Mom this year? Try cleaning her windows, she will love it!

Mothers Love Clean Windows

A couple of weeks ago I shared some fundamental elements about Fish Window Cleaning in my article, “Living Our Company’s Core Values (Feb 2012)“

Mike, Linda and Jill Myers, Regional Development Director, American Red Cross

Mike & Linda Merrick w/ Jill Myers, Reg. Development Director, American Red Cross

The Company’s first core value is “Honor God and Family”. This value is easy to say, but how do you actually do it?

Well, it hit me the other day when I thought about the unwritten rule we have at Fish Window Cleaning:

Your parent’s windows will always be clean. For Free!

My wife Cynthia and I learned about this national, unwritten rule when we visited Fish Headquarters in St. Louis, prior to purchasing our franchise.

During our “discovery day“, we learned that Mike Merrick, our company’s Founder and CEO, still cleans his 89 year-old mother’s windows. Mike and his brother Dave Merrick (also a Fish Franchisee) grab their ladders, buckets and squeegees and make mom’s windows sparkle regularly.

Mike is a humble man but he sure was proud when he shared this aspect of his life with us.

Everyone loves clean windows, but a child giving their time to serve their parent is a prime example of “Honoring Your Family.”

Especially when the child has grey hair too.

We Clean Our Moms’ Windows

Mothers love their home and they love spending time with their children.

And the thought of our CEO cleaning his Mom’s windows is quite inspiring.

So, each year just before Mother’s Day, I clean my mom’s windows and spend the rest of the afternoon chatting with her.

When I finish, she says the same thing each time, “John, it’s such a treat to have you clean my windows. I love that you take the time to clean them, and they sparkle for many weeks after you are done. I’m not sure which I like the most: The time doing them or the lasting sparkle!”

She says it with such sincerity, I almost believe that she’s truly perplexed. Wink. Wink.

Cynthia, Sonya and Tina in the Fish Window Cleaning Office

Our Employees Now Clean Their Mom’s Windows Too

Our employees are encouraged to clean their mom’s windows just like Mike Merrick.

The new cleaners usually balk until they realize they can save money while showing off in front of the easiest customer they have: Mom!

Recently, even our office manager Tina cleaned her mother’s windows. She did a great job, her mom was very pleased and I think she now has a better appreciation for the cleaners.

Our employees now get the message… Moms love clean windows.

As Mother’s Day approaches, do you want to get her something different than chocolate and flowers?

This year, try cleaning your mom’s windows, she’ll love it!

It may take a couple of hours and require some hard work, but I guarantee your mom will cherish every moment of it, just like our moms do.

Cleaning Your Mom’s Windows

There are two things to remember about giving the gift of clean windows:

The time you spend is almost as important as the windows being clean.
You must be safe or please stop reading this article and buy your mom some flowers like everyone else.

Because I own and operate a window cleaning company, I have the equipment and training to efficiently, and properly clean my mother’s windows.

Bucket, Mop, Towels, Squeegee and Dish Washing Soap (maybe a stepladder)

I realize this is not the case for everyone.

So, here are 4 ways you can clean your mom’s windows too:

Use Mom’s Equipment: Your mom’s windows have been cleaned at some point, ask her if she has equipment. If so, set a time, go over there and get to it!
Buy Mom a Mop & Squeegee: If your mom doesn’t have window cleaning equipment, stop by a hardware store, buy supplies and give them to her.
Here’s the important part: With this option, it’s very important to include a card that says, “I’m giving you this equipment so I can clean your windows for you.” If you just give the equipment, you are better off just getting her nothing!
Bring Your Own Equipment: If you have your own equipment, schedule a time, go over there and get to it (see option #1)
Hire a Professional Window Cleaner: Sometimes hiring a professional is the best option. Spend the time talking with mom and pay the bill – her sincere smile and thanks will be the same as the other options.

Whichever way you choose, have fun and do your best – your mom will love it!

Have you ever cleaned your mother’s windows? Please share your experience, we’d love to hear it.

Just remember: If you clean your mother’s windows, please be safe!

She wants them done again next year too!

Happy Mother’s Day!

_______________________

About the Author

John Gran & Cynthia Julian

John lives & works with his wife Cynthia in Redondo Beach, CA (she runs the business too!)

If you have a question or would like window cleaning services click Here or Call 310-973-3474 for a Free, on-site written estimate.

Apr 29 2012

Think Safe, Be Safe

Ladders can be dangerous. Using proper techniques and adhering to safe practices significantly reduces the risk.

When a Normal Day Turns Horrible

The phone is ringing... Is it good news or bad news?

In the course of running a small business, each day has it’s ups and downs.

A customer calls to say thank you and tip your employees. Another customer owes you money, rudely hangs up on you and refuses to pay.

One employee completes a job flawlessly and quickly. Another one loses his equipment and forgets to complete his paperwork.

That large check finally arrives in the mail. The rent is due and the van needs new tires.

As a business owner you get used to these normal highs and lows, learn how to manage your expectations, make it to the next day and do it all again.

On May 18th, 2009 at 12:36pm, I got the worst call anyone could ever receive…

John, there’s been an accident.

Accidents Happen, Some Can Be Avoided

Josh, On the Job, Enjoying the View

The day started off just like any other Monday.

The cleaners arrived at 7am and began readying their equipment and picking up work orders. I brought in donuts to celebrate our lead cleaner Josh’s 48th birthday. We all sang to him, had some fun and talked about his birthday plans.

Josh requested a light workload and early finish because he and his wife were meeting friends and family at his favorite restaurant, Red Lobster. Not an issue.

Today, he would be training one of our newest cleaners, Juanito, and I’d assigned to them some smaller route work and then scheduled them to finish with a larger job at a nearby hotel. It should be an easy day, they should be done by 1:30pm and Josh will be eating lobster by 5pm.

Before becoming a window cleaner, Josh was a painter and had always worked on ladders. Even though he’d had years of experience, we trained him on proper ladder techniques and usage when he was hired. Also, during our weekly safety meetings we continually review proper techniques, discuss ladder usage and administer quizzes to make sure each cleaner understands the material and our commitment to working safely.

The guys leave the office at 7:30am and the normal ups and down begin.

5 hours later, I get the call.

It’s a shaken Juanito, telling me that Josh has had an accident.

Improper Angle - This ladder does not adhere to the 1/4 rule

Improper Angle - ladder does not adhere to the 1/4 rule

Josh was using a ladder, he fell about 10 feet and severely broke his ankle.

By the time I got to the hotel, Josh had already been rushed to the hospital and I asked Juanito about the incident. He informed me that Josh had not used the proper ladder angle and it slipped out from under him.

I was finally able to see Josh about 5pm and it was not to share a lobster dinner. He’d been in 2 hours of surgery, was now recovering and I met his wife for the first time.

As I approached his bed Josh looks at me, begins to tear up, and says, “John, I’m so sorry.”

He’s the one in an emergency room with a broken ankle and he’s telling me he’s sorry?

He goes on, “We constantly train on safety and this morning I took a shortcut. It’s one I’ve taken many times before. Today I got caught. I’m so sorry that this happened, especially on my birthday.”

I’m speechless.

I begin to tear up too, we discuss what happened and start the healing process together.

Last November, 2.5 years after his accident, we cleaned the windows at Josh’s home. He’s had 4 additional surgeries, walks with a cane and will never regain full ankle mobility. Our Worker’s Compensation insurance has paid for all of his medical needs, but Josh will never work again.

It was bad. I probably would have closed our business if something worse had happened. I try not to think about the “what ifs”.

What I do focus on: This accident was avoidable.

Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

A spotter is required when working on a ledge

A spotter is required when working near a ledge

We constantly train on safety issues and employees are always reminded to follow the proper techniques and OSHA safety regulations.

Employees understand that anyone not adhering to OSHA safety regulations will be written up and are subject to termination.

We also instruct our employees to use common sense and listen to their inner voice: If they ever don’t feel safe performing a task, simply don’t do it. We’ll find another way.

Josh is experienced with ladders and received proper training. He knows our policies and he, like everyone, does not want to be injured on the job.

So, what was the real cause of his accident?

Mild distraction with an eye towards the day’s end.
Over confidence in personal ladder experience.
A momentary lapse in judgement.
All of the Above.

Phil's ladder properly uses the 1/4 Rule

Phil's ladder correctly uses the 1/4 Rule

Correct Answer: #4 – All of the Above.

a) He was looking forward to his birthday dinner and wanted to finish the job quickly.

b) Instead of going to his truck and getting a smaller section of ladder to properly lean it at the correct angle, he used an unsafe technique that he’d successfully “gotten away with” previously.

c) He climbed a ladder he knows was not properly set.

These decisions and series of events took just a couple of seconds.

With a little caution, application of his training and some common sense, Josh would have eaten his lobster dinner and would still be working for my company.

Instead, his “All of the Above” decisions caused an accident, and now he can no longer work.

It’s that simple.

Safety regulations are necessary and designed to keep you injury free.

Use them always.

At work or at home, remind everyone you know to be vigilant about safety.

Life is too precious to take unnecessary risks.

Employee Awareness About Ladder Safety

The proper angle for a ladder is as follows:

For every 4 feet of ladder, the base must be 1 foot away from the building. This is commonly known as the 1/4 rule.

OSHA Website

Here are some additional OSHA ladder safety regulations:

Inspect every ladder prior to every use.
Do not use ladders with structural defects; properly tag with “Do Not Use” and withdraw from service.
Carry ladders parallel to the ground.
Tie ladders down securely when transporting.
Keep ladders free of oil, grease and other hazards.
Do not load ladder beyond maximum intended load.
Use only for the purpose for which the ladder was designed (refer to manufacturer’s labeling and recommendations).
Barricade traffic areas in vicinity of ladder use. Lock, barricade or guard doorways in which a ladder is placed.
Keep area around the top and bottom of ladder clear.
Never “WALK” a ladder.
Use only non-conductive side rails around live electrical equipment.
Do not use top or top step for standing/stepping.
Do not stand on cross bracing.
Always face the ladder when ascending or descending.
Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder (two feet/one hand or two hands/one foot should be in contact with ladder at all times).
Carry tools in pouches around waist; use a rope to raise or lower large items such as tool boxes or materials.
Do not overextend sideways. Use the belt buckle rule: keep your belt buckle positioned between the side rails at all times, which should maintain your center of gravity between the side rails.
Never allow more than one worker on the ladder at a time.
Wear protective clothing and rubber-soled shoes.

For more detailed information on ladder safety visit the OSHA website.

Always Remember: “Think Safe” and Be Safe!

Thanks for reading!

_______________________

About the Author

John Gran & Cynthia Julian

John lives & works with his wife Cynthia in Redondo Beach, CA (she runs the business too!)

If you have a question or would like window cleaning services click Here or Call 310-973-3474 for a Free, on-site written estimate.

Apr 21 2012

The Reason I Bought A Franchise…Love

A behind the scenes look at why purchasing and running a local franchise is the right decision for me.

John, you say the reason you purchased and run a local franchise is “Love?”

That sounds pretty sappy… What’s up with that?

Owning a Business is Not For Everyone.

Work for Someone Else? Work for Yourself?

Which Path is right for you?

Before getting to the answer, you might want to read last week’s post entitled, “Finding Your Own Path (April 2012)”. It relates a story that changed my world view and set me on my career path as an Entrepreneur.

Here’s the Cliffs Notes version:

We make our own choices.
There are two fundamental career choices:
Path #1 - Work For Someone Else.
Path #2 - Work for Yourself.
My career choice: Path #2.
I’ve been an entrepreneur all my life.
Underlying Message: A career choice is a personal choice too.

Are we all caught up now? Great.

I do believe business and personal decisions are closely related.

When making a career choice, it’s important to evaluate options from both perspectives (business and personal), and weigh the common factors.

Here are 5 common factors that I use to evaluate options: Time, Money, Viability, Skills, Lifestyle. There are plenty others, these will do for now.

For my latest career decision in 2007, another significant factor presented itself: My New Wife Cynthia.

So why did I purchase a franchise instead of just starting and running a business like I’ve done before?

The answer: Love.

I Love Owning My Own Business

Bah Humbug, 2007 was a tough Christmas

I married Cynthia in 2005 and in early 2006 I was hired as a VP of Product Development for UnitedHealthCare (UHC).

I was responsible for building a new national department to serve UHC’s millions of customers. It was a large, challenging position. I traveled frequently and it was an exhausting but extremely gratifying time for an entrepreneur like me.

A dream job.

On Christmas Eve, 2007 UHC laid me off after I’d spent the previous 2 months laying off my entire new department. I knew it was coming, the economy was crumbling and UHC was entering “Survival Mode”. Survival Mode = Sole focus on core services, don’t invest in anything new.

Bad economy, I’m out of a job.

My career choices: Path #1: Find another Product Development Executive Position or Path #2: Start my own business.

What is my next career choice?

Here’s the thought process evaluating my 2007 career choice.

Path #1: Work for Someone Else

Time: It takes a while to find another executive position, will savings last?
Money: Executive pay is great, in this economy are companies hiring executives?
Viability: If UHC entered survival mode, other companies are too (nothing new built for a while).
Skills: I can run operations but my resume says I build new things. Tough to get hired.
Lifestyle: Executive positions require travel and maybe relocation.

Path #2: Work for Myself

Time: Starting and growing a new business takes time. Can I grow fast enough?
Money: I have some money and I’m blessed to be able to borrow more if needed.
Viability: Most new businesses struggle to make it, what could increase my chances?
Skills: I’m confident I can build a solid company, it’s what I’ve done and can do again.
Lifestyle: Building a local company means more time at home with Cynthia and family.

In light of the failing economy, the conservative, albeit still risky choice for me was to take Path #2: Work for Myself.

How to I reduce the risks involved with starting a business? Consider purchasing a franchise.

Using the same common factors, here’s how a franchise could reduce my risks:

Time: Help with Start Up and Beyond - You get a lot of help starting your business and running it afterwards.
Money: Franchises have higher start up costs but can be immensely profitable. (Think of Macdonalds and Tim Hortons, for instance.)
Viability: Independent businesses stand a 70 to 80 percent chance of NOT surviving the first few critical years while franchisees have an 80 percent chance of surviving.
Skills: A franchise gives you a business blueprint – but it won’t give you customers. I can work ON my business (selling) instead of IN my business (doing the work).
Lifestyle: Starting a business is stressful enough. Franchising can give you a head start. Leveraging a proven business idea focuses your efforts on growth.

So, a bit more up-front costs and ongoing royalties but I’m using a proven system with national support and I have a much better chance of surviving.

From a pure business perspective, my choice is clear: Path #2: Work for Myself and Purchase a Franchise.

(Check out: “Living Our Company’s Core Values (Feb 2012)” to see some reasons why I chose Fish Window Cleaning)

I Love My Wife And Family

In 2005, just before I married Cynthia, my Dad passed away from bladder cancer.

Quite a lot happened between then and Christmas 2007 – A wedding, helping my mom through the grieving process, starting and ending an executive dream job, the economy starting to tank and now I’m facing my first career decision as a married guy.

The question of finding another executive position and/or starting a business loomed. And now I have a wife to consider too.

What would Elvis Do?

To be honest, before marriage, I probably would have trusted my skills (again) and created a business from scratch.

As I considered my 2007 career choice, I looked to my Mom’s & Dad’s great life together (married 45+ years) and how Dad’s company (one he helped build from scratch in the early 70′s) provided financial stability for them, even after his passing.

Cynthia and I met later in life and I haven’t spent 30+ years building a company.

I love my wife and I want to take care of her.

What would happen if I passed away?

If I take another executive position – there’s my life insurance, but that will only help Cynthia for a couple of years. Then what?
If I build a company from scratch, even if she helped build it, could she take over if I’m not there? Possibly, but it depends on the business.

These options are not what I wanted for her and us.

If we purchase a franchise and run it together, and then I’m not there, she will still have the franchise systems, support, corporate offices and fellow franchisees to help her.

The choice is clear. We bought a franchise because we love each other and want to take care of each other.

Here’s what a franchise provides Cynthia if I’m not in the picture:

Time: She just steps in and runs the business, all systems are already in place.
Money: The money continues and grows as the business grows.
Viability: Cynthia has our employees, the franchise system, HQ and fellow franchisees to help her.
Skills: She’s already running the business with me and understands how to be successful.
Lifestyle: Though different without me, she’ll have financial security to keep going.

Path #2: Walking and Working Together

I’m not planning on leaving anytime soon, but I can tell you I do sleep better knowing that our choice, Path #2 – Work for Ourselves and Purchase a Franchise, will take care of both of us just fine.

So when a competitor or colleague asks, “why the heck did you buy a franchise when you could have just started a company?”

I smile, look down at my wedding ring and answer…

I bought a franchise because of Love.

So, am I a sap? Just a guy who loves and cares for his wife? What do you think about my thought process and decision?

Please leave a comment, I’d really like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for reading and Have a great weekend!

_______________________

About the Author

John Gran & Cynthia Julian

John lives & works with his wife Cynthia in Redondo Beach, CA (she runs the business too!)

If you have a question or would like window cleaning services click Here or Call 310-973-3474 for a Free, on-site written estimate.

Apr 13 2012

Finding Your Own Path

Understanding yourself and the life choices you’ve made enables you to clearly see and choose the path that lies ahead.

Owning a business is not for everyone.

We each need to find our own path in our business and personal lives. I’m going to stay away from the “personal life” side, except where it intersects with how you function in your “business life”.

Work for Company? Work For Yourself?

The way I see it, in business there are two distinct paths, and the one you choose is personal.

Let’s start with the fact that we are all our own, personal company – a “Company of One.” As individuals, we all have skills and time, and we choose where to use them.

Being a homemaker, getting a job, starting a business – these are all personal choices we make based upon our free will and circumstances.

You may combine your resources with a spouse, friends and family, but ultimately you choose your own path. You make the decisions.

The “Company of One” is you.

When you choose to accept money for your time, the paths are:

Path #1: Work for Someone Else: Perform tasks, get paid. Lower Risk, Measured Rewards

Path #2: Work for Yourself: Perform tasks, earn money. Higher Risk, Variable Rewards

The choice your “Company of One” makes is how much risk you are willing to assume. It’s a very personal decision and there’s only one right choice.

Yours.

I’m continually asked, “Why did you purchase a Window Cleaning Franchise when you could have built one one your own?”

The answer: Because it is the right choice for me.

Becoming An Entrepreneur

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I’ve been an entrepreneur all my life.

In fact, I come from a family of entrepreneurs though they’ve never really called themselves such.

My mom opened a cake decorating store, my sister started her own architectural firm and my Dad joined his fellow PHD graduates and started a prominent scientific research firm.

I even married an entrepreneur. My wife Cynthia is a musician and actress and it’s called show “business” for a reason. You are your own company and definitely your own boss.

Though as a child I sold lemonade and mowed lawns, I became a entrepreneur during my first “real” job in my senior year at college.

The Secret Key to Success

Working for a small computer consulting firm, the owner told me the following story that changed my life forever.

What is Success?

An enterprising young man is working for a large corporation and he really wants to know what success is and how to achieve it.

He works late every day and one day around 7pm he sees the company’s Founder/CEO walking down the hall. With some nerve and a good amount of naivete, he approaches this successful man and says, “good evening, sir. My name Mark and I’ve been working for this company for two years. I admire you and I would really like to know what success looks like, and how I can achieve it.”

The CEO looks at his watch, sees they are the only two still in the office, and realizes this kid is giving his all to this company.

“OK”, the CEO says. ”Meet me tomorrow evening at 7pm, on this building’s helicopter pad.”

The next day, Mark wears his best suit, puts in a full day and at 6:50pm walks onto the roof. At 7pm sharp, the CEO arrives, they board the helicopter and take off.

The CEO pulls out the Wall Street Journal while Mark looks out and reads the CEO’s name on the building. He looks at the city below and just smiles. Yes, this is success.

They land 20 minutes later in a grassy area and get out of the helicopter.

Mark is very excited and the CEO begins to speak. ”Mark, imagine up on that hill a large ranch-style home with swimming pools, tennis courts and horse stables. In this area, there’s a gated community and we are standing on the private golf course.”

Marks is awed and very impressed. ”Yes, yes. These are all examples that demonstrate a successful life. How does one achieve these?”

The CEO answers.

How do you define Success?

“Work hard every day, listen to your manager and exceed at your assignments. Focus on moving up in the company and take on more responsibility.”

“Yes, Yes.” Mark is soaking in every morsel of this wisdom.

“Motivate and inspire your fellow workers to also work hard and contribute to the company.”

“OK, I can do this!” Mark says with a smile.

“Find ways to innovate and grow this company and make it great.”

Mark nods and waits with baited breath, listening for the secret key to success…

The CEO points to the imaginary house, pools and golf course and concludes:

“Give everything you have to this company, and one day… all of this will be mine.“

I was changed.

The CEO (and my boss who told me this story) had clearly demonstrated his own Risk vs. Reward relationship. He started and owned a business and pointed to his Path – Path #2: Work For Yourself.

There are many secret keys to success, just as there are many paths to success. This one resonated with me.

Path #2 had worked for them and it could work for me too.

I worked with this computer consulting firm until graduation then joined the working world with a new focus – Being an Entrepreneur.

Do you have a similar story that changed your life? Please share in the comments below.

Next week I’ll answer why my wife and I chose a franchise and share with you our thought process.

Thank you for reading and have a great weekend!