On July 18^th, Newsday published a story about Kozy Shack, a Long Island based rice pudding company. Kozy Shack is celebrating its 44^th year of operation and is still going strong. Business like this that were “born and raised” on Long Island can serve as a great inspiration to other businesses and entrepreneurs – after all, every great business starts with just an idea...

I recently returned from my honeymoon in Belize.  After experiencing the truly happiest day of my life, I was excited to relax and unwind from the pre-wedding stress.  Leaving my sales team wasn’t easy, but I knew I had provided them with the tools to handle everything while I was away. 

While dining out one evening, my new wife spied a beautiful handmade table runner that was being offered by a local vendor on the beach.  She went off to see it up close and get an idea of the cost.  While she was examining the piece, another local street vendor approached me holding a backpack.  He recognized immediately that we were Americans and encouraged me to have my wife negotiate for the price of table runner.  He informed me that the woman selling them would know that we were tourists and to be careful before jumping at the first price.  I thanked him and asked what was in his backpack.  I was caught off guard that by the fact that he didn’t immediately sell me his product, but he was looking out for me.  He informed me that he was selling hand carved wooden collectibles and asked if I was interested.  I shrugged slightly and said ‘thanks but no thanks...’ 

Exactly 234 years ago, a group of brave, brilliant and industrious individuals met in a steamy Philadelphia room and agreed to do something that had never been done before—start a revolution.  The risks were great; the price that was paid was high in terms of lives lost, lives destroyed and money, but in the end the reward was unmatched in human history.  The American Revolution gave us a country where freedom is sacred.

Today despite a challenging economy we have the freedom to express ourselves and pursue our business as well as our personal dreams.  For many the dream is being an entrepreneur or a small business owner or simply pursuing a career in a chosen profession or industry.  Having this choice is an integral part of our national character and a driver of the entrepreneurial spirit.  While entrepreneurs and small businesses are under attack from many directions, the American entrepreneurial spirit lives on...

I typically begin my day by browsing some of the newest headlines to stay informed with the latest business news. I came across an article on Forbes.com that showcased 11 movies that entrepreneurs should watch because of the long lasting lessons for those who aspire to be wealthy. I thought I would share with you the movies they listed and ask what outside forces or business related experiences you have been through that have taught you valuable lessons of aspiring wealth that have impacted your business strategy....