Connections - March 2009 - (Page 11) with business cards,” said Ruffner. Alden is hands-on at the worksites. “He’s done everything from supervising to being the safety monitor and even helping me fabricate metal while he’s there,” said Ruffner. The youngster already aspires to run his own division of the company. “I just hope it won’t be a hostile takeover,” joked Ruffner. Similarly, Ruffner is teaching his oldest son, Gerrick, that at 11 years old, he’s still responsible to help with the business when his father asks. “Gerrick is older and stronger and when I need him to physically help me, he’s there. He’s not quite as outgoing as Alden, but he knows when dad says ‘I need help,’ he’ll suit up and come along,” said Ruffner. With a strong resolve in his heart, Ruffner has been able to overcome the depression that came with his father’s murder. He’s created a strong business which he will be able to pass along to his sons. The family owns shirts that read: Ruffner Roofing. The shirts are a visual reminder that the family works together to honor a family legacy. n local perspective The Phoenix Glenda Machia assets president and Ceo glenda machia knows resilience will serve her well in life and business. in november 2008, a kitchen fire burned her home nearly to the ground. machia said the love of her job pulled her spirit through the fiery misfortune. even though she was out of her home for more than three months, she was determined to rise up from the ashes and continue to inspire low-income individuals to become entrepreneurs. What Machia learned from the fiery adversity: i now realize i don’t need a lot of stuff. i can do without things i once thought i needed. i feel like i can better relate to the assets students. they are often low-income people in lancaster County who want to be entrepreneurs so they can achieve economic self-sufficiency. these people have already overcome so many obstacles. When i felt numb from the experience with my house, i’d look at my students and feel inspired to move forward. Key to success in moving forward during trying times in business: remind yourself that failure is not about falling down. Failure only happens when you don’t try to stand back up. When everything around you is burning to the ground you’ve got to look for new opportunities and reinvest time and energy in your business. if your business is failing, revamp your business plan. if the economy is failing, look for creative opportunities to continue to bring in income. look in places you never dared look before. you won’t look for new opportunities if life is simple and the economy is good. Best way to deal with the feeling of being overwhelmed in business and personal crises: look around at the people who support you. you’ll be surprised to learn you’re overwhelmed with support from friends, family and colleagues. Click to nominate an inspirational business person March 2009 | Connections | 11 http://www.entrepreneur.com/marketing/marketingbasics/marketingmaterials/article71900.html http://www.assetslancaster.org/index.html
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