It's Fun Recalling Events Along The Way
Nothing extraordinary - only simple paths traveled on my journey up to 2020. During the future decades, I am applying my master trade skills while maintaining my technical expertise. Below are a few selective time slices that help show my future interests.
Teenage, College and Early Work Years
Roll Top Refinishers
Miami University Redskins
Roll Top Refinishers
Possibly the entrepreneurship beginnings - money was earned refinishing furniture, remodeling rooms, painting house exteriors and being handy. No PC, no cell - just hands and creative brain power. My brother and I enjoyed our learning experiences.
Radio Shack TRS-80
Miami University Redskins
Roll Top Refinishers
The joy and power of Visi-Calc arrives, and Radio Shack was not going to miss it. The "Trash 80" dual floppy rocked it. Creating an income statement and budget for my Dad's business lit "the flame". I saw how technology complimented business and knew I would marry them together for my career.
Miami University Redskins
Miami University Redskins
Public Accounting - A Big "8"
Two brothers - two degrees - two different career paths. Accountancy/Technology for me, Industrial Arts (for Cabinet Shops) for Keith. Both of us will be successful with work careers as we "diverge" into our selective degrees.
Public Accounting - A Big "8"
Public Accounting - A Big "8"
Public Accounting - A Big "8"
A college degree, nice career - and I earned my CPA certificate. All in the era when "mid-size" businesses" were being introduced to the micro-computer. I enjoyed growing the C&L mid-west region's microcomputer practice and working Audit engagements.
Helping at The Cabinet Works
Public Accounting - A Big "8"
Helping at The Cabinet Works
Keith started it in the early Fall of 1988, with a 1 year plan before moving to Seattle. I bought the equipment and he built most of the shop. He did custom cabinetry and I helped some. The goal all led us towards building the desks, and me having a shop for future use.
Beginning M&A
Public Accounting - A Big "8"
Helping at The Cabinet Works
Started in December of '88, M&A gave me flexibility to work a bit more in "the shop" after leaving C&L. From 1990 to 2020, "Accounting and Management Information Systems" was my fulltime career. The great team and leadership will keep M&A going well into the future. I retired as founder during 2019.
The Roll Top Desk Project
The Reason Why and The Story Behind It All
Keith and I wanted to have a desk of our own - it was that simple.
In the late 70's - we refinished a walnut roll top desk for our parents. The picture on the right shows off the desk, the brass plate on the tambour roll, burn seal on the middle drawer, the brass drawer handles /backplates and the dove tailed drawers.
Our Dad promised the desk to another brother in the future. We were okay with Dad's decision, but knew we wanted a similar desk. So we decided to make 4 duplicates. 1 desk for each of us, and 2 extra to sell and cover costs and make a few bucks. In 1988-1989, we did just that - we made 4 solid walnut Roll Top desks.
They were fun to make - let's complete this story with a photo "roll" below of our Cabinet Works 1989 desks.
Dad's 1900's Rolltop Desk manufactured by the Indianapolis Cabinet Co.
Where Does This All Lead To?
TCW2a, LLC
A "2nd Act" of sorts. Everyone has a unique vision of their pre-fulltime retirement years. These visions aren't right or wrong. They are unique to each of us. For me - I envision enjoying two paths on the way to 2030 and 2040.
The Cabinet Works
Building cabinets and furniture, plus remodeling houses. Let hands and creativity produce results that need no firmware or software upgrades. Items are built and completed to enjoy for decades.
Technology, Coaching, Working
Seeing success in startups. Helping businesses with their Technology needs by both offering Coaching/Mentoring, as well as the financial Work needed for a successful enterprise.
In Closing, or Better Yet, have TCW2a, LLC help you
I hope you enjoyed my story's beginning - I am looking forward to the effort ahead.