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April 13th 1987 I went to work on Monday morning and the boss told me that he had sold the business on Saturday, and they were closing it down. I was the general supervisor, and had not seen this coming. I said, Cool, I've always wanted to start my own business. Later that day I went to City Hall and paid for my business license, and Strokes by Don was up and running. I have been having a ball for the last 30 years, but then, I always did enjoy a good rollercoaster. It has had it's ups and downs, and a few loops, but for the most part it has been fun all the way.
I will be closing the doors tomorrow to take my wife to Garden of the Gods for her birthday, but I will be back on Monday morning with 4 new projects to start.
-------------------- Don Hulsey Strokes by DON signs Utica, KY 270-275-9552 sbdsigns@aol.com
I've always been crazy... but it's kept me from going insane. Posts: 2273 | From: Utica, KY U.S.A. | Registered: Jan 1999
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i always look at the line.......FIND A JOB YOU ENJOY AND CAN DO TILL YA DROP....... we got that))) just look at BILL RIEDEL)))
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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Big Congrats from the Mudflap! I to have been in business for 30 years.
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3812 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6451 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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Good for you, Don. The same kind of thing happened to me just about that same time. I started free-lancing in commercial art. I was good at the work (had been the main strength at my boss's place), but I was not good at hustling up the business. Struggled along for a few years with the help of some savings, but finally ended up as a San Francisco cab driver (which I loved). Did that until I retired. Now, I just paint for myself, whenever I find time between the chores.
-------------------- dennis kiernan independent artist san francisco, calif, usa Posts: 907 | From: san francisco, ca usa | Registered: Feb 2010
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I have been thinking about, "What IF Charlie had not sold the business."
I would not have found the one "job" that I actually look forward to going to "work" everyday.
I would not have found Letterville.
I probably would never have seen all the places where we have been for letterhead and walldog meets.
I would never have met all of the great friends I have "met" here or the ones I have met in person at all of the assorted meets.
I "might" have made more money in the last 30 years (not sure about that one), but I would not have been as happy. I would probably be looking forward to retirement now instead of looking forward to the next project and the next meet where I will get to see a lot of my friends again.
All in all I think it is a "SIGN" of more good things to come.
-------------------- Don Hulsey Strokes by DON signs Utica, KY 270-275-9552 sbdsigns@aol.com
I've always been crazy... but it's kept me from going insane. Posts: 2273 | From: Utica, KY U.S.A. | Registered: Jan 1999
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I still consider myself a newbie after 23 years. Go figure!
-------------------- Mario G. Lafreniere (Fergie) J&N Signs Winter did show up! Posts: 1257 | From: Chapleau, Ontario | Registered: Jun 1999
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Congratulations Don, now all you need to do is figure out how much longer you want to stay at it, now start to figure an exit strategy to help with your retirement.
-------------------- Brian Vinyl Signs Pittsburgh, PA. Posts: 159 | From: Pgh., PA | Registered: Mar 2009
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Congrats. That's quite a milestone. I started in 1981 but mine was just a part time hobby business until 1995. Getting ready to make this a part time thing again.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5396 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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