To get his life back on track, Kevin Hartford mustered the qualities that used to be commonplace in self-reliant America. Today, most people are averse to any risk. Despite a speech impediment that seemed to be preventing him from getting a job, he ventured into his own company with a friend as his partner, as chronicled in this incredibly inspirational Wall Street Journal story.
For several years, he did odd jobs, including delivering packages, gluing together medical supplies in a factory, sorting mail and working on a crew that mowed as many as 20 lawns a day.
Ms. Hartford fretted about her husband’s loss of status with his pals: “That is how men relate to each other,” she says. “You are what your job is.”
Finally, a neighbor suggested buying a metal-parts shop of the sort common near Pittsburgh. Mr. Hartford began looking into that possibility and mentioned it to Ed Newell while they were setting up tables at a high-school football banquet for their sons. Mr. Newell had experience supervising operators of lathes, drills and other machinery. The two became partners.
How are they doing? They’re building a new facility, employ three dozen people, and now boast sales of $6 million.
Great story of why/how free enterprise is the key to self sufficiency, economic prosperity, and job growth.
