Last Update: Thursday August 28, 2008

Pride in one's town, state, and country is the beginning of patriotism

They love showing their city to visitors.

Salt Lake City: What began as a love affair with their hometown of Salt Lake, working just part time as tour guides for the tiny destination management company, Sample Salt Lake became for Kathleen Barnes and Judy Cannon a study of business, values, and human relations.

Meet Judy Cannon and Kathleen Barnes. These two, and their cadre of part-time and full-time guides and planners, all love Salt Lake City. They love their State House. They love everything about this special place.

While working part-time as guides, quite unexpectedly, Kathleen and Judy were invited to buy the business from the founder. It was an offer they couldn't refuse. They changed the name to Meetings America and grew it to be strong enough to win the Winter Olympics as its client. In 2001, while getting ready for the 2002 Winter Olympics, the husband of one of the guides, Ralph Johnson, made them an offer they couldn't refuse! They sold the business!

Go to all the key ideas and video of this episode...

Or, if your pop-up blocker is on, click here to watch at least one clip each day.

Every time you open the window a new clip will play. Each is randomly selected.

Though the face of small business is diverse, there are common qualities!

On this website you get real inspiration, insights and ideation from actual business owners who are loved in their community and respected within their industry. Every one works everyday to make this world a better place.

Please log in to explore 2000+ Video Clips and 300+ episodes.

There are always four paths to walk and eight steps to climb:

	Meet Jimmy Fand, The Tile Connection. He came to the USA as a student from Columbia, South America. He traveled the world, but settled in Tampa. When he couldn't find tile for his new home, he started a business to import it! More... Key Question: How do I start a business?"
	Become a franchisor for exponential growth. Meet Don DeBolt, former CEO of the International Franchise Association. He introduces us to FastSigns, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, and Tires Plus. They all did very well selectively franchising their business. Key Question: What is a path for growth?
	...with your blood, sweat and tears. Read Hope Lancarte's story... how she took over her Dad's restaurant and then grew it beyond everyone's imagination. It's called the "Miracle on Commerce Street." Key Question: Can my business be my legacy?
	There are many ways to sell your business. Here are four stories to review: 1) eight pointed ways to exit your business with money for your sweat equity and intangibles (all the clips) 2) sell employee stock options (all the clips) 3) sell to someone like you (all the clips) 4) sell to a public-traded company (all the clips). Key Question: Who is the best buyer? Prior homepage (you can go back several seasons)

*Called a sliver of genius in the earliest days of the broadcasts of this show

(back in 1994-1995), it was a special segment until we began to realize virtually every successful business is built on that special focus.