I had no idea that I would become a designer, businessman, and entrepreneur. My experiences led me from the Bronx on a worldwide journey — an amazing career working on exciting projects and meeting wonderful people in the design field, many of whom became my friends and partners.

 

It was true that I had a very special feeling toward my clients. If I was chosen to work on their projects, I would treat them like royalty. Many of these client relationships turned into personal friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

 

I faced obstacles in my childhood and business life that caused me much distress, but I always persevered and found my way back to success. Along the way I had a lot of fun.

 

I would like to share my crazy experiences with you so that you might benefit from what I have learned since I started my first design company at age twenty-eight. Here are some of the key take-aways from my story —

 

•  How friendship empowers business partnerships

 

•  The importance of a trusted mentor

 

•  How to start and grow a successful design company

 

•  How to hire and retain the best and most talented staff

 

•  The importance of personality to business success

 

•  How to evolve a company as technologies change

 

•  How to take advantage of unexpected opportunities

 

•  The importance of understanding your own strengths and weaknesses

 

•  How to swim in sea of business sharks

 

•  There’s a right way and a wrong way to treat people

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•  How to still have fun while working hard

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       -Owen W. Coleman