Pros
I started the company as a newco with my personal and former business partner. Starting with myself as the only employee, we trained individuals from the ground up. Over the 25+ years, previous employees have come back to me complimenting my marketing and teaching skills they have used for their future jobs. Being a mentor to hundreds of individuals who passed through our doors, was extremely satisfying. Today many remain in senior level positions within the music, marketing, publishing industries. I was on the cutting edge of multi-level marketing programs that were ground breaking for the publishing and music industry.
Cons
Unfortunately, going through ups and downs with a business is difficult as you mature and have to reinvent yourself to be fresh and keep up with the changes in technology. I still have the passion and love for the music. The accomplishments can never be taken away from me in regards to cookbooks, restaurants/live music venues, publishing, custom publishing and digital media. Knowing when it's time to move on, as I did, prematurely. The industry was rapidly changing unable to utilize my skills and keep up with the technology era for nearly 4 years was a crushing blow to my career.