Former worker admits stealing nearly $170,000 from University Plaza Hotel edited news release from U.S. attorney’s office 2:10 p.m. CST, February 22, 2012 SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A former employee of University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Springfield pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday for stealing nearly $170,000 from the hotel. “JM”, 47, of [...]
Jack Boykin and his wife, Muffin…short for Love Muffin, own an electrical service company, The Sign Doctor. Not long ago, I suggested that the two of them take a weekend and put together a business plan. Family businesses can get a lttle kooky, and a focused plan can help. Jack reported in on the planning [...]
Once upon a time, I was a professional a ski patroller. I was part of an avalanche “control” team. I use the word “control” loosely because when it comes to avalanches, I know a couple things. #1: you are never in control. #2: given #1, you are well served to learn as much as you [...]
Recently I received an email from “Nelly” about his soon-to-be-open business. He had already put together his Bare Bones Biz Plan but wondered about his next step… “How do I get customers?” Dear Ellen, I’ve got my business plan (Thanks for the help!) I’m getting ready to open for business on August 1st. How do [...]
When we were first married, Hot Rod and I lived in a little cabin outside Whitefish, Montana. It was 11 by 15 feet, perched on four fairly flat rocks which served as the foundation. It had a single pitch shed roof, with corrugated steel sheeting for the rain to dance on. We called it the [...]
I adore a man who can work with his hands. I admire a woman who knows how to handle a channelocks. I appreciate a well laid-out mechanical room. I’m a huge fan of trades people. Trades people are more in touch with the truth than other people. They are a no-nonsense group. They know that [...]
Jeffrey Gitomer is one of my all time fav business gurus. He unabashedly LOVES sales and his hard-boiled delivery is grounded in goodness and integrity. Scratch the surface of this smart, tough guy and you’ll find mashed potatoes of love. However, I think Jeffrey is all wet – at least pretty damp – in his [...]
Recently I got this email from someone who had been accused of ripping off his customer… Dear Ellen, One of my customers called this morning and said I ripped him off. This was after my tech quoted a price, he accepted it, we did the work, and he signed for the work. This morning he [...]
I love our students at Davis Correctional! No one complains or gripes in this class. (That's not something I can say about many of my students!) These fellows want a better life...starting now. Their energy is inspiring. Their questions and discussions are focused on solutions. Even though they are in prison, they are free to [...]
Do you ever feel like you hate absolutely everything and everyone involved with your business? Do you wonder why you even show up in the morning? Do you fantasize about pitching it all and running away to Costa Rica? Do you doubt your ability to make the business a success, to make it WORK? On [...]
