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“
Here you go, kiddo. You’re going to make your own
mistakes. I’m going to try to keep you from making
any big ones, but you’re in charge
.”
The thought occurred, “
Now what do I do?”
His father did not completely retire and was
involved through 1985, mentoring and guiding
Michael through the rough waters of managing
a business. When an opportunity to purchase a
competitor arose, Michael saw it as the perfect
solution to expand the business. His father did
not want to assume more risk, so financing was
arranged with a bank, which allowed all parties
to receive the necessary funding. Michael was
able to purchase the new store, close a run-
down facility in a downtown location and his
father was able to fund his retirement, allowing
a move to Florida for the elder Kaplan’s.
In 2002, another opportunity presented itself
when La-Z-Boy offered Michael the exclusive
rights for a store. Upon deciding to pursue this,
he built a new store on the busiest intersection
in Lafayette, Indiana and it has worked out well
for his company and employees.
Michael’s past education, plus his experience
in operating and growing a successful business
serves him well as a business coach today.
He feels it is much more difficult to start a
business now than 30 years ago. Franchise
businesses seem to litter the landscape,
but Kaplan feels it is important that small
independent businesses thrive too. He supplies
the same type of information and guidance
provided to large franchise owners that is rarely
available to small independent owners.
With a passion to see small businesses survive
and thrive, he really likes to help people
overcome the things that get in their way, both
the physical things and their thought patterns
that hold them back from being successful.
His discovery of coaching began nine years ago
when he happened to learn about a business
program called SCORE. Score is comprised
of retired executives that work with young
startup business owners to develop business
plans and systems to get their businesses off
the ground.
Kaplan immediately knew this was for him as it
was the perfect combination of his counseling
skills and 30-plus years of experience. According
to Michael “
It’s my way of giving back to the
business community and helping people.
”
Right from the start after becoming involved with
SCORE, he saw a renewed vigor and excitement
in his life. In the evenings, when his wife would
ask about the day, he would become animated
and tell her howmuch fun he was having working
with new entrepreneurs.
SOAR TO SUCCESS
/
O
ctober
2016
/
Feature Article