Joe, from your story you answered your own problem. You, at 25 made the decision to do better. That is the difference in you and a employee. I see this all the time, and from being in a association for the past 15 years of business owners in my area I hear the same thing from each and everyone of them. Every Tuesday we meet for lunch and it's amazing how the same thing happens in every business.

I've never had an employee that put as much effort in it as I do, mainly the employee looks at me as the guy with all the money. HA, what money.... Most of them only see their paycheck at the end of the week and have no CARE to figure out where each and every dollar goes when a job is completed. It's as if they think the whole thing goes into the owners pocket. But, if things start getting tight, and slow at the shop, they're the first to run down the street looking for work.

To have as many employees as you do and keeping it all together is an art. You've accomplished more than you think Joe... there's no shame in your game... You've done well.... step back from it a second, and look at the whole picture... you'll have pride in what you've done. Believe me, it's worth the look.

Joe, from your story you answered your own problem. You, at 25 made the decision to do better. That is the difference in you and a employee. I see this all the time, and from being in a association for the past 15 years of business owners in my area I hear the same thing from each and everyone of them. Every Tuesday we meet for lunch and it's amazing how the same thing happens in every business.I've never had an employee that put as much effort in it as I do, mainly the employee looks at me as the guy with all the money. HA, what money.... Most of them only see their paycheck at the end of the week and have no CARE to figure out where each and every dollar goes when a job is completed. It's as if they think the whole thing goes into the owners pocket. But, if things start getting tight, and slow at the shop, they're the first to run down the street looking for work. To have as many employees as you do and keeping it all together is an art. You've accomplished more than you think Joe... there's no shame in your game... You've done well.... step back from it a second, and look at the whole picture... you'll have pride in what you've done. Believe me, it's worth the look.

Thanks Gonzo, I just needed to vent a little. I guess what makes people like us go into business is our passion and to make a difference. You are right about the money, too. Employees (and customers) don't know how the money gets distributed.

Thanks for the pep talk. I needed it...

The reason we are called owners is that we own up to things when others run. At the end of the day there is You, Me, Us and them.

I ask myself that same question every single day. I always worked as if I owned the business and I think that is what made me who I am.

But I have to tell you after an episode I had the other day, I have a new attitude. You WILL be held accountable for you actions. Employee showed up late after being specifically told he better not. It was explained to him why. He showed up 45 minutes late anyway. I cancelled his training and told him when I get 6 months of "Good Behavior" I will send him.

Not backing down anymore. We are not the bad guys we give them jobs and benefits and other perks and they think we are the bad guys?