I like working with small business owners. After I got my MBA from UCLA, it took me a very short time to discover that the corporate world isn’t for me. I like problem-solving with people who have a direct stake in the outcome; who will say, “Yes!” or “No!” and not “Well, we’ll bring it up at the next committee meeting.” Over the years, I have started and run a handful of small businesses, some quite successful and others not. A restaurant. A motel. An export management firm. Several real estate partnerships. A company that produced technical conferences. And my current company, The Business Group, which started in 1984. I’m sure I’ve made every mistake in the book. I also love to teach. I have taught at the University of San Francisco and Golden Gate University, and was Coordinator of the Creative Problem Solving Program at UCLA. Besides my Grow Your Business book, I authored Understanding Expert Systems (Bantam 1985) and Pacific Rim Trade (AMACOM 1989). I do a lot of public speaking and seminars. Much tougher than writing! You can see in an instant when you are losing your audience. 
 
Small business is one of the most dynamic sectors of our society. Small companies generate a tremendous amount of creativity, vitality, wealth, and new jobs. It is exciting to work with people who pour heart and soul into their endeavors, and to help them reap the rewards. I enjoy my work! But I don’t work all the time. My wife (of a quarter century) and I love to hike and sail and ski, and we live in a great place to enjoy it all. My family contributes to my business. Wife B.J. is the resident Human Resources Genius and daughter Rebecca is Office Manager. Life is good—and not all work! 
 

Mike Van Horn, San Rafael, California