In America, it is a cliche that anyone can start with nothing and build a business and influence the society. This cliche is a good one and I hope someone reading this who has a desire to "start something" will take it to heart no matter what his/her age or situation.

I always wanted to have my own business and be my own boss. Throughout my 20's and early 30's, this desire was always in me but I did not act on it for some of the same reasons many people don't act on something they want but don't know how to start.

It's always great to have support and thankfully I had the kind of unswerving support I needed from my wife and partner, Diane. I also had the support of my daughter and family to supplement Diane's efforts and luckily I've had the good fortune to work with Danette, my sister, Georgette and now my son, Evan. It hasn't always been at their pleasure either, because I demand a lot from everyone and it looks like it's always hard to work for and suffer criticism from a family member.

I have also had the benefit of long-serving staff. Wendy Boyd has stayed with me through thick and thin for 20 years and Sandy Salvi allowed herself to be convinced to work for me some 18 years ago. These tenures are almost unheard of anymore as people switch jobs constantly it seems.

These women are a huge part of any success that this little business has enjoyed.

Finally, the support of mostly local people who are our customers and many, our friends, are the reason Abby's exists. With all the choices today for where people can spend their money, it is hopeful to note that they often want to spend it in their own community with people that they can build a relationship with. Or, at the very least, have a human being who will serve them in a pleasant manner, something that is largely lost in our age.

Yes, Abby's is just a small business in a small town in Pennsylvania. But like so many small enterprises, a business like Abby's is a part of the bigger picture that makes our country good, if not always great. We try to do things "the right way", mostly injecting into our business model the things our parent's generation taught us about being honest and truthful and treating people decently.
We believe that the attributes of good people doing things the right way is a big part, a huge part of solving many of our societal and economic problems. We've seen it in large companies and we see it in many of our neighboring companies and organizations and we hope to remain one of those good guys for the next 25 years or so.

And good luck with getting started with what you've dreamed of doing. You'd better get started because 25 years flies by with or without you.

Best,
John Carom