I suppose it’s actually a dual love – free enterprise and entrepreneurship – as they work in tandem. The thought solidifies when I see ads for items and services I didn’t know existed. I’m not talking about big marketing campaigns for all the major products. I enjoy a lot of outdoor shows, especially fishing, and sure the Yeti commercials are always good. Then there is this incredible array of fishing equipment from the smallest of lures up to a wide variety of poles, some of which are created by individuals who simply found a new variation to design, produce and sell.

On the service side, take the Airbnb business that came about whenever. Whoever originally came up with the idea has now opened the way for related businesses; companies that handle everything for the owners; added “concierge” services that will link you to experiences as part of your rental. Now there are individuals who specialize in the management. Next up is a service for RVs where instead of a regular RV park, people who own property such as farms and vineyards are making spaces available – I don’t recall the name of that service. A few years back I did an article for the weekly paper about Swimply, where individuals can rent their personal pools (https://swimply.com/). This one came about because someone lived next door to a home with a lovely pool and they noticed it was rarely used (kind of like us). The individual approached the neighbor, made arrangements, and it worked so well, they approached others and the idea/company was born. How can you not love the freedom there is for such things?

Granted, there are lots of attempts that fail and the best one can hope for is the individual recognizes the pending failure and lets go before adverse financial impacts occurs. In fact, I know some of these failures and it can be devastating if the individual doesn’t face reality in time. The freedom to try though is what is important.