Five Sheets of Plywood: A Practical Guide for Starting Your Own Business - Softcover

Raftis, Spiros

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1410745740 ISBN 13: 9781410745743

Publisher: AuthorHouse, 2003

Synopsis

A company in 2003 that has customers worldwide began with an office constructed out of five sheets of plywood can you believe it? Red valve company's existence, and the testimony given by Spiros G. Raftis, its founder, recounts the journey

About this title

About the Author

I, Spiros G. Raftis, at age 26, started a manufacturing business. I had no business plan, no real product, and, more importantly, very little money ... because I was fired. I was devastated. I had devoted maximum effort, abilities, and long hours as a salesman for  the owners of the company; in fact, I bought shares. My decision to start my own business was to ... PREVENT GETTING RIPPED OFF AGAIN. I was convinced ... OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS AFFORDS THE ONLY OPPORTUNITY OF BEING DIRECTLY AWARDED THE MAXIMUM RETURN ON ONE'S ABILITY. I did not write this book to make money; I want to share practical advice with anyone starting a contemporary business. This is a no-nonsense book with non-MBA-theories. Most of the messages, lessons, and reflections within are my experiences. Perhaps, to some, these confrontations would not be extraordinary. I did not anticipate any of these events, but I know now going into business everyone will have to face what is written in these pages. For example, I thought after one year in business getting a loan from a bank would be easy. Instead, I got a lesson from my banker. I still remember his words, "Spiros, if something happens to you how does the bank get back the money it loaned for your valve business? The bank does not want to run a valve company." The pages repeat ideas that have been proven to be valuable for anyone seeking success in starting a business. It is a must read must buy book. Spiros G. Raftis was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in Metallurgical Engineering. Spiros married Anastasia, and they have two sons, George, Chris and daughter, Cynthia. All are involved in the Red Valve Company, Carnegie, Pennsylvania. His current endeavor is designing new style valves for environmental applications. As an overview, or as I look back, I have come to realize that my biggest assets were my self-confidence and determination. You will need both of these to succeed. Spiros G. Raftis

About this edition

• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1410745740
• ISBN 13: 9781410745743
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 164