This little book was born of a need to be able to offer advice and give a small portion of my time since I am not able to give larger portions. In our Mennonite faith we have seen a transition from our agriculture lifestyle to many seeking non-farm or agriculture related occupations and careers. Having been on the early plateau of this movement I often found my phone ringing. On the other end would be a brother with a "few" questions about starting his own hardware store. Somehow looking on at my life seemed like easy street and sure riches. The conversation typically took nearly an hour after which I thought of lots of other things I could have (and sometimes should have!) said. I suspected the caller went away overwhelmed and possibly only grasping what they wanted to hear! Several calls would follow and I'd begin to feel like I could do more if only I had more time. I'd realize there were gaps and misunderstandings and misquotes. I once ran into a poor fellow...