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
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.
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.”
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!