Jim Kilroy, owner of Danish Country Antiques, knows what it takes to be a small business owner. Listen as he shares how he’s stayed motivated for over 30 years, his best advice, and what it really means to think like an owner.
Small Biz Stories tells the story of some of the bravest people you’ll ever meet — small business owners.
You’ll hear how they got started, their biggest challenges, and their dreams for the future.
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Jim: There was no hard part. You just did it. You had to do it. There was no choice. I wasn’t going to go apply for a job. I just had to do it. And I had to succeed one way or the other. My wife was pregnant. You know what I mean? I had no money. I had to succeed. It was as simple as that. And I did. I was lucky.
Dave: Jim Kilroy, owner of Danish Country Antiques, is the sixth business owner we’ve interviewed for Small Biz Stories. Since starting the project three months ago, we’ve talked to people like Andy and Jackie, who sold their home to start their own artisan bakery. Then there was Peter, a man who loves cheese enough to roll a 400 pound wheel of it down a red carpet during his annual cheese parade. We heard from Marie, who keeps her business going by displaying her talent both online and off. And most recently, Jason and Chris shared how their efforts contribute to community development and make a lasting impact.
With each story comes a new adventure, shaped by the owners and their unique points of view. But look closer and you’ll start to see some unmistakable commonalities. These are people who hit the ground running on day one, and have followed through ever since. Their motivation comes from a strong desire to call the shots, as well as an unwavering belief in the value of what they do.
Like a handcrafted Danish cabinet from the 1760s, these traits can’t be forged or copied. When you see the real deal, you just know it.
Today Jim shares how he has stayed motivated for over 30 years, his biggest business regret, and what it really means to think like an owner.
More than fifty percent of small businesses fail within the first five years. These are the stories of those who beat the odds. My name is Dave Charest and I’ll be your host as we share the stories of some of the bravest people you’ll ever meet, small business owners. You’ll hear how they got started, their biggest challenges, and their dreams for the future.
Dave: Starting a small business, it doesn’t take long to realize what you’re up against. Listening to Jim talk about the early days of his business, you’ll hear his determination, as well as the importance of having a support system to make it through some early challenges.
Jim: I was going to do an antique store one way or the other.
Dave: What year was that when you started the shop?
Jim: That was in ’84.
Dave: ’84?