We have two stories left to tell. Like the rest of the Complex Characters of Capitalism, these two are also real people, though we have obviously changed their names. We have purposely saved the best for last, as these two are the cream of the crop. The V.I.E.’s. (Very Important Entrepreneur). They are our customers, and they have inspired us as we have watched them through the years. You might say they are role models for the rest of us.

Meet Sarah Bellum. Sarah has always been crazy about ice cream. As a young girl, she dreamed of owning her very own ice cream parlor. Though she was successful in her career in the hospitality industry, the dream constantly resurfaced in the back of her mind. When the opportunity arose to make it a reality, she dove in full speed ahead. But Sarah did not quit her day job just yet. In fact, she spent two years writing her business plan, researching the market, and putting her ducks in a row. (If you know anything about ducks? They rarely form a voluntary line). Next she sought out retired mentors from the industry and enlisted their help in preparing and reviewing her plan. They worked like Willy Wonka scientists to create unique recipes, (white lab coats and everthing), and conducted elaborate taste tests to ensure they had thee best homemade ice cream on the planet. She then developed a rock solid marketing and brand strategy to make sure it represented her vision well. When opening day finally arrived, her business was so well managed and so well branded that people asked if she were a franchisee- the finest compliment she could ever get. She continues to innovate, to expand her menu with new flavors, adding a fundraising program, and introducing her brand into grocery stores. Nothing about her business is anything short of outstanding. Passion plus preparation were key.

Meet Vic Torious. Vic is a master builder. Not only has Vic built a successful company that provides industrial services to cities, but he has a stellar reputation inside and out. What is different about Vic is that he lives what he believes. His very behavior is an expression of his brand and his culture. His company values are who he is as a person.

Walking into the office for a meeting, he stops to pull a weed from the sidewalk. He wants everything, even the lawn, to reflect the kind of work his customer can expect at the worksite. He sees the landscaper across the lawn and treats him with the same respect as the VP. Because he has taken the time to build systems into his business, he is rarely flustered. He has ultimate confidence in those he has entrusted with those systems. He can leave for a month-long vacation at the drop of a hat, knowing everything will be in fine shape when he returns. Vic knows how to grow people. He takes interest in each employee as a person, frequently connecting them with other people who can enrich their lives and build their skills, making them even more valuable to him in the workplace.

Although we have given them funny names, Sarah Bellum or Vic Torious are serious contenders in free enterprise. While their stories are almost intimidating, it is not beyond any entrepreneur to learn how to manage his or her business in the same way. The point of all these stories is to realize your mindset and personality play into your businesses, for good or for bad. The pressures in our day to day business affairs will reveal what kind of manager you are.

Want to be a Sarah or a Vic? Seek out your own inspiring mentors. Invite them for coffee and ask if they would be willing to let you to learn from them. Often, the answer is yes. It takes courage to bring your business to the next level, but small business has a way of bringing out the best in everyone. You as a business owner have something to offer the world. The challenge is yours to become the best you can be.

If you missed any of the stories of the Complex Characters of Capitalism, you can find them here:

Adam Baum- I can only afford to do it all myself.

Alan Rench- No one will ever do it as well as I can.

Bill Bored- It’s so much easier to work if you don’t take it so seriously.

Frank Sanbeans- I’m setting the bar low enough so I can achieve all my goals!

Paris Stroika- If you know what’s good for you, you’ll do what I say.

Aunt Mona Lott- Oh, you poor little entrepreneur!

Rick O’Shea- All of this branding mumbo jumbo is just a waste of money.

Les Waite- We’ll wait to Brand till we’ve made some real money.

Owen Cash- I have no idea where all my money went.

Dwayne Pipes- I’m not out of money until I’m out of checks.

Andy Prayed- Spray and Pray is my favorite marketing method.

Bunson Berner- I am going to do research until I am sure sure sure this will work.

Jack Potts- I don’t care how I got all this money- I’m running with it!

Alma Knack- I’m well read, and I already know how to do that.

Sarah Bellum- I’m living the dream!

Vic Torious- I’m living what I believe!