On Thanksgiving day, as many reclined on the couch, relaxed and
digested - Jewett Farms' Mike Myers was talking to the press!
We're thankful to the Portsmouth Herald for seeking out Jewett Farms and giving us opportunity to share our passion!
Success is passion, hard work.
By Kelly Hearn
business@seacoastonline.com
November 28, 2011 2:00 AM
Mike Myers is a co-founder of Jewett Farms and Co. cabinetmakers, based in York, Maine.
What was the spark that ignited your business?
Myers: For me, it's about an ideal. I guess it is best summed up by the word "quality." An experience that at its essence embodies quality throughout the process of what we do. But more concretely, it's about a desire to continue and to build upon the tradition of unsurpassed design and quality of cabinet and furniture makers of years past. There was a time when design and craftsmanship were synonymous, when a cabinetmaker was as much a designer as he was a craftsman, no more one than the other. The thought process is inclusive of both skill sets, not only one or the other. But the ideal goes further and not only seeks to continue this tradition, but works to evolve our craft within modern and efficient business systems that assure our place in the present and future economy.
What are two pieces of advice you would give to young people who want to become entrepreneurs and business owners?
Myers: First, be passionate about what you do. Passion is infectious. It inspires new ideas and keeps us open to thinking outside the box, always evolving and growing. Secondly, starting something from nothing is hard work. It requires persistence, dedication and devotion. You truly need to believe in the mantra, "failure is not an option."
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Myers: I would say, first, communicate effectively. Love ideas. Learn from others' experience, and make decisions and execute upon those decisions.
What has been your biggest business failure, and what have you learned from it?
Myers: I think it is important to validate that there will be failures. Failure is a given. I have learned more from failures than any other avenue, whether that is my failures or the failures of those around me. Failure is a powerful teacher and is certainly something you should not be afraid of. As an entrepreneur, risk taking and being on the edge is what we have to do, and that invites failure. It is okay to fail. It is what you do with that failure that matters.
What motivates you?
Myers: The ideals we spoke of earlier for sure, but a piece of that that we did not discuss is my strong belief that business is personal. Our business practices are a reflection of who we are. And through what we do, we impact others, our environment, and the future to come. This thought flies in the face of the common statement, "it's not personal, it's just business." Just think of all the things you can get away with or responsibilities you can shirk by simply uttering that. I am motivated by the concept and belief that we are who we are at work and outside of work. We impact the world around us in both roles, and it is all personal.
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