The Machinist and I have been partners in business for 30 years this year.
We hadn't planned to travel to a foreign land and start a business. It just happened by default. The Machinist was offered the use of $15,000 to take over a machine shop; an offer made by the owner of a company he was working for at that time. An owner who saw great potential in the Machinist. An owner whose desire was to retire and travel the country.
It was a great opportunity - from the land of opportunity: Australia.
We arrived with less than $1500 in our bank account, but with lots of determination to build a new life. We arrived with very little experience and lots of naivety.
We used only $5000 of the sum offered to us, which we repaid within six months.
Our new business miraculously survived through the recession. We learned as we operated.
We're still learning. We still feel like new kids on the block. We still occasionally feel like amateurs and that we don't know what we are doing. We are, however, now equipped with a new tool: Awareness.
And I have to smile as I think to myself
"...it's been a long time coming..."
Ever wonder what it's like 'behind the scenes' of a wholly family owned and operated business?
I'd like to share - via this blog and our Facebook pages - some of the ins and outs, ups and downs of running your own business. The reality. The nitty gritty. My intention is that it may encourage, inspire or even - help another to not feel so overwhelmed or alone.
Oh, and I'd also like to share a variety of conversations we have during our short coffee/ tea breaks - aka 'smoko' breaks. They are often a source of hilarity. I call them "Conflab in the Fab (Shop)"
Debco Engineering Pty Ltd - for business
The Machinist's Wife - for home and family
