Mike Couture — My First Blog
Blog #001_03–29–22
This article is also published at Medium.com
Having recently tuned 70, I think back about the things I wanted to accomplish in life. To have a loving wife to share dreams and aspirations with. To have healthy children who would pursue and enjoy whatever dreams and goals they would want for themselves. To be self-employed and have a successful career based upon a business I would establish. To build that business into something that would provide my family and those working with us a sound financial base, as well as being a valued contributor to society.
I have so much to be thankful for. My wife of 32 years who is my best friend. My wonderful grown children, their great spouses, and my beautiful grandchildren. A business career which began as an employee working for other people. Before long, I was able to transition from employee to entrepreneur at the age of 28. For the next 30+ years I experienced and enjoyed the ups and downs of being self-employed, being an entrepreneur, growing a successful business, expanding our team, bringing on partners, and in my estimation, contributing to society.
And then, on September 13, 2012, at the age of 60 I failed. Our business at that time was employing dozens of good and hardworking people. Our company was headquartered in Bentonville, AR. We were doing business with the world’s largest retailer and others. We had support locations both domestic as well as international. In addition to our valued associates, we worked with other domestic and international companies, contracted with outside professional attorneys and accountants, and maintained valued banking relationships. We were financially profitable, well-established, and growing.
What did I do to cause this colossal failure in my business life? I could not believe it was my fault. I couldn’t believe it then and I can’t believe it now. At the time, I knew in my heart I had done nothing that deserved losing the business I had founded. And yet, I was no longer part of the organization I had originally founded and planned the foundation for the Holding Company which still exists today.
As an entrepreneur, I was used to coming up against obstacles which many times seemed unsurmountable. But with determination, perseverance, assistance from others, and just plain refusal to quit, we always found a way to get through and move forward. I have spent the last 10 years of my life trying to do the same. I wake up every night thinking of ways I can overcome the emotional pain and recoup the financial loss I and my family have experienced. However, I have yet to be successful in accepting my failure or recouping the financial loss I would have realized over the last 10 years had I not failed.
As I enter the final chapter of my life, it has been my desire to write my memoir which would serve as a sort of legacy I can leave for my family. Since I had not been ablet to provide them with the financial security I had original planned and worked for, I want them to know I had at one time built a sound financial platform from which our family could leverage for succeeding generations. I want my memoir to be meaningful to them and provide some personal value. I would like to inform others of the pitfalls I fell into starting and growing my own business. The pros and cons of bringing partners into the business. The importance of even though you think you know the character of the people you invite into your business; you need to have safeguards in place to secure your and your family’s financial security.
After researching and talking with various writing coaches and self-publishing groups about writing my memoir, I find it difficult to write when I don’t yet have an ending.
That brings me to where I am today— starting and writing a blog. I have not given up the fight to bring justice to my family. I intend for my blog to be an open, honest, detailed, and chronological story of the facts which led to my failure. In addition, my blog will document my continued efforts to earn part or all of the financial losses we have incurred since that fateful day of September 13, 2012.
I would like to believe this blog will be a story worth following, and hopefully provide some insight into the inner workings of a relatively small, partner owned business. Future blogs will include details of the 2 lawsuits played out here in the Benton County, AR courts, where in my opinion, some ethically questionable lawyer tactics, and questionable “expert-witness” reporting took place.
As a longtime entrepreneur who believes in collaboration and always seeking opinions, advice and counsel of others, I welcome any and all comments and suggestions.
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