Dear Andrew – My husband and I began our security business 20 years ago. We have been very successful in running our business from home, working together growing the business than selling it in 1999. Our son who was 23 worked for the company we sold the business to, but within 2 and half years decided working for himself was the way to go. He left year 12 & came on board with us till we sold.
When he was 26 and the week of our 3 year non competitive period he was tragically killed in a horrific motor vehicle accident.
Chris and our other son, Tim, who had just completed year 12 decide they wanted to keep Brett’s business going and I knew we had to keep busy to survive so we took over his business and now, 5 years on we have survived, I think, well I say that because grief is a process and a journey so to speak.
I have gained in the past 24 hours from reading your book an overwhelming sense of pride in our journey. We have all battled with our demons and amazingly the tool of what we knew the, security business, the challenge of starting again and building what we have has been courageous on all our parts. I will never be without your book as a reference as I recognise so many of the points as valid often current in my life. Thank you for writting the book and I look forward to reading the others.
Our only daughter started her own business as a realisation for us all when she blew us all away singing at her brothers funeral. She was 22 she hated school never went back to any job after the first weekend but attended every karaoke night in town. During Brett’s funeral I was blown away by her courage, pouse and unbelievable voice.
She was the one who everyone loved as she kept the karaoke nights great. Knowing committment was an issue for her Chris and I offered to buy her own equipment get yellow pages advert etc etc so long as she made the commitment to pay us back. In 6 months she’d payed back the $ 20,000.00 and 5 years later has built an unbelievable small business on her talent. She enjoys every moment of it and has a 4 year old son and 2 month old daughter and is now a single parent. She is amazing and I’m so proud of her.
I actually picked your book up at the airport on my way with her to the PINK Concert in Brisbane 2 days ago. I’m so grateful Lisa who is half my age enjoys my company and will involve me in her wonderful journey of life. She now has a goal to do a tribute night at one of our local night clubs for PINK. She will and it will be a huge success.
Thank you for reading my jottings!
Loosing my precious son has taught me to live in the moment and reading your book has made me appreciate even more the successes we have made as a family in small business.
Beryl Wilson
Wagga Wagga NSW
Dear Beryl,
Just happened to be checking my email and I received your beautiful note. I am lost for words (which is rare for me). Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with me, I can only imagine what a challenging time you have had over the past few years but like all truly successful people, it’s clear you have risen above some very hard knocks that life has sent your way.
I think that life is not about how many times you fall over, it is about how proudly you stand up.
You should share your story with as many people as possible. They will draw strength and courage from it and your pain will be eased by knowing that you have helped others.
With much love to you and your family.
Andrew