GrowFL’s Stage 1 Roundtables
Stage 1 business leaders can also benefit from the PeerSpectives methodology. Hear what two graduates of GrowFL’s inaugural Stage 1 roundtable have to say.
The window of opportunity begins with a peephole
Entrepreneurs are usually seen as “big idea” people. But as they used to say in the Michigan towns where I grew up, a great idea and a dime will get you a ride on the streetcar.Dimes Into Dollars The “Eureka moment” — when you get that inspiration that will somehow change life as we know it — is a prerequisite
Start with your head, leave with your heart
This may be the last thing on your mind right now, but unless you’re carried out in a box, all entrepreneurs eventually must leave what they started. That’s what I did after more than 40 years at the helm of what became Edward Lowe Industries. I unearthed the cat-box-filler industry, and maybe some people expected me to be buried in it. But in a move that surprised many who knew me, I sold it.
Don’t forget where you came from
When I was growing up, there was this old man who lived just outside town. When strangers asked directions, he unfailingly replied, “Mister, all roads lead to Cassopolis.”
Hire the best, then let it rest
When I invented Kitty Litter in 1947, being an overbearing boss was the last thing on my mind. Quite simply, there was nobody to boss around. Employees weren’t even a pipe dream back then — I was often using the proceeds of a sale during the day to pay for my hotel room that night. From bagging the clay to changing countless litter boxes at pet shows to demonstrate my product’s prowess, I did it all myself. It would have been great to have help — especially for the litter boxes!