Arizona in the Saddle | Page 33

he had never seen a transplant go so smoothly. Normally there is at least a little “rejection” of a new kidney. Ms. Linda said the doctor told her she had basically won the equivalent of the “Medical Lottery!” The chances of all of those things lining up like they did in such a short time for her were a million to one! Back at the Trading Post, we were busy in liquidation mode. We sold a lot of inventory at bargain prices and things were going well. Ms. Betty was happy with her new position and we were quickly getting back our initial investment. After several months, we got together to reevaluate our business plan. My wife and I were actually having fun with the business as well. What started out a purely an investment to make a few dollars and help out a couple of ladies, was now turning into something else. I have always been an aficionado and collector of Western things. We had already taken several things from the store and put in our collection at home, which was a nice bonus. We enjoyed very much the type of product line we carried. Along the way, people would also come in and ask us to find this or that for them and we would run it down. A lot of people were bringing stuff in to sell as well. I was learning a lot more about Cowboy and Indian Collectibles and Western-type items than I ever dreamed possible—and was liking it. When we did our evaluation of where we were at after one year, the idea came to all of us, that none of us really wanted this to stop. We were having fun at what we were doing, the nature of the business fit us to a tee, and, we were making a little money at it. We decided to stay with the business. Now we had to change gears. We went from business liquidation mode to growth and expansion mode. We had to undo a year’s worth of “fire selling” and start to rebuild inventory. We looked around and found the perfect building right next door for sale at a great price (we were renting where we were at). So we bought the building and everything went very smoothly for a commercial real estate transaction. Then, other opportunities for rebuilding the inventory came along, at what seemed like perfect timing. Every time we had a few extra dollars, good deals would be presented to us it seemed. Things fell into place like the were “meant to be.” The last few years we have continually grown and expanded the business. Exciting things are happening. We all work together as a family. Each of us does different things we enjoy in the business. And, we now get to help out hundreds of people each year (by buying their products or goods when they need it). We also help buyers find quality products at decent prices and provide many community services through the business. Lord knows what the future holds. Each time I think about this little story it reminds me of old sayings like: Follow your heart. By helping others, you help yourself at the same time. Trust the inner voice inside—it’s your maker guiding you. Do something you love and things will work out. And a hundred other inspirational adages. MONTY ROBERTS FOR ALL HORSE LOVERS ON YOUR LIST! DON’T MISS THIS RARE “Bucket List” APPEARANCE OF The Man Who Listens to Horses! Arizona Equestrian Connection Proudly Presents: HORSE WHISPERER MONTY ROBERTS “FROM MY HANDS TO YOURS” World Tour Jackpot Ranch Arena March 14th, 2015 • Camp Verde, AZ Tickets Available Online • Seats are Limited • VIP Tickets Available ArizonaEquestrianConnection.com Email: [email protected] • Phone: 602-314-5413 AZintheSaddle.com January 2015 33