How to Succeed in Starting Your Own Business

About the Book

I, Spiros, G. Raftis, at age 26, started a manufacturing business because I was fired.  I had no business plan, no real product, and more importantly, very little money –I was devastated.  I had devoted maximum effort, abilities, and long hours as a salesman for the owners of the company; in fact, I bought shares.  I was an owner and was fired.

My decision to start my own business was to:

PREVENT GETTING RIPPED OFF AGAIN.

I was convinced I could do it.

OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS AFFORDS THE ONLY OPPORTUNITY OF BEING DIRECTLY REWARDED – THE MAXIMUM RETURN OF ONE'S ABILTIY.

I wrote this book to share practical advice with anyone starting a business.  This is a no-nonsense book with non-MA-theories.  More practical advise than theory.  Most of the messages, lessons, and Chapters within are my experiences.  I did not anticipate most of these events.  I know now going into business one will have to face most of what is written in these pages.

For example, I thought after one year in business, getting a loan from a bank would be easy.  Instead, I got a lesson from my banker.  I still remember his words:  “Spiros, if something happens to you, how does the bank get back the money it loaned you for your valve business?  The bank does not want to run a valve company.”

The pages repeat ideas that have been proven to be valuable for anyone seeking success in starting a business.  It is a must-read, must-buy book.

About the Author

Spiros G. Raftis was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in Metallurgical Engineering.

Spiros married Anastasia, and they have two sons George and Chris, and a daughter, Cynthia.  All are involved in the Red Valve Company located in Carnegie, Pennsylvania.  His current endeavor is designing new-style valves for environmental applications.  He currently owns over thirty patents.