Michael H. Piro:  

I always wanted to be a successful entreprenuer and retire so that I can be lazy, when I grew up. My family and friends thought that was a fairly attainable idea given I was halfway there. As it turns out, they were not completely wrong. Once I made the decision that Foot Locker at the Sunnyvale Mall was not for me...I started a business and became my own boss. I'll never work for that shithead again - he doesn't even allow vacation time. Long hours and barely making enough to get by, I built a solid business and learned one of life's most valuable lesson; never consume Top Ramen noodles for more than 5 consecutive days. Actually, it was a direct result of overextending and almost going under. After navigating a multitude of industries, and armed with some solid customer references, I took my dog and pony on the road, made a bunch of money doing what comes naturally and sort of continue to do so today. I would have much rather started up a recording studio or built hand crafted furniture, not the particle board garbage that Indonesian sweat shops and IKEA turn out; but I can't complain as ironically, I do own my little piece of the american dream, right next to all my dysfunctional driving asian cousins in Cupertino. <<grin>> So what's next? I don't know... start a Guitar Hero Band to open up for Judas Priest. The only reason for business, money, etc. was to trade it in for independence and to have the time to enjoy life...after all, we trade one for the other until the bittersweet end. My kids are constantly r...Expand for more