Richard, Good for you! Negativity is what you stay away from when you want to be successful in any endeavor. Stay positive.
Sharron
Richard, Good for you! Negativity is what you stay away from when you want to be successful in any endeavor. Stay positive.
Sharron
I love this story and this thread. I have had the experience similar to richard where I ignore the negative comments and trust God to finish in me what he has began. When I began to dream about Private Law Enforcement I was a martial arts student and I had others tell me I would never become anything with my kungfu 0000. I now own a Martial arts studio in NY.
Next, my brother and I began to get a vision for our company and learn about private investigation and again people said we wouldnt be able to be successful. We signed up to take a bail enforcement certification in 2003, incorporated and then found out that we couldnt do anything in NY without a PI's license and we couldnt get that without 20 years of law enforcement or 3 years of FT investigation in NY.
Then the rumors about what I was trying to do got around at my hospital security job and I got put on 1 week suspension without pay. My wife thought I was crazy too and because I ended up losing my job we split up and I was in a tight spot.
Five years later I can say that God has truly fulfilled what he promised me, just like the Joseph story in the Bible. After two years of separation me and my wife and 3 kids are together again. I work as a NYS Peace officer at a military base and now have just gotten sponsored by a PI firm that has agencies in 3 states.
I decided Id take the PI test in NY just for laughs and I passed that too. I can only say thanks to organizations like IPIU and people who dont give up on dreamers like me.
Thanks
Mark.
Richard you are the MAN. That's really encouraging for those that have doubts that this program could work, I ran a clinic for twenty years and I know what it is to put in the work. There is a saying man: "The harder I work the lucker I get". And you're still young, you are to be admired. Thanks for your Courage...Aj
What a great outcome for you Richard. For anyone that has had setbacks, I just want to let you know to stay with what makes you happy, and eventually, the tides can turn in your favor.
I have owned and operated my business since March 2002. There have been many, many months where I have had to use my own money to stay afloat because the business just wasn't there. I have other months that I only made as little as $8.00 after paying the bills. But the pride comes from those times that I find an extreme appreciation in making a difference in others lives knowing I have helped them.
To all that venture into this field I would ask only one thing..be honest. There have been many people I have encountered in this job field that are crooked and dishonest. To these people, making the money is the only priority and they do not care how they acquire it. I have also watched others attempt to do this job and fail due their lack of professionalism.
I have sustained and maintained being in this business because of one important thing..word of mouth. It doesn't matter the amount I have put into advertising, because my reputation spreads bigger and farther from referrrals. I will not try to pretend I am someone to give advice or instruct others on how to run a business, but the way I run my own shows incredible results.
When someone walks away feeling like you are a very trustworthy individual, passing along their story of doing business with you always follows. Make sure the story they pass along will make others want to seek you out.
I wish the very best for everyone.
My wife is the most negative person on the planet. She says I wasted my money getting my C Private Investigator License, joining IPIU and anything else that has to do with Private Investigation. She thinks I should just apply for Lt. and Capt. at DOC but then she'll complain about the hours and not enough money.
Well Richard, I suggest that you make this thing work. Some people are
just made that way, that's what makes them great, they give us our
balance. You have all of us standing with you. I spent some time in
the Marine Corp., and this program seems to be "Semper Fi": Always
Faithful. Don't you love these forums, we meet great people! hang
in there. Aj
Way to go Richard. After working in corrections for thiry years I decided it was time for a change. Although I can live comfortably on my retirement and annuity, I decided to get into the PI field. I guess I still need some excitement in my life. I am not looking to get rich or famous, but to try and make the world a better place.
I agree that it's not about the money that would motivate someone to get involved in this industry. However money helps to pay the bills, and Im not against making a living. The biggest reason I like this industry is to be able to be a part of a team that is helping put a stop to bully's. That falls into the same reasons why I do martial arts. I believe in a nation "for the people by the people" and that we all need to help each other to keep our place a free nation.
As of 5-8-2009 I am OFFICIALLY RETIRED from Law Enforcement. 23 Years takes a toll on the body. Now it's time to relax and enjoy life!!!
Congratulations !!! Enjoy, you've earned it !
Mark.
Hey Richard!
Stories like yours and remembering how far “I” have come, gives me faith that if you want something bad enough and you work hard enough, it will be yours.
Do for yourself and for the ones you love most and you will go wherever your heart desires.
Thank you for sharing your story. I appreciate being able to relate with your post. Great job with your firm and I wish you all the best in the future,
Leia
More power to you and more power to you,,,
that's very important never give up...great things is ahead ...
take care and good luck
dannyguda
Hello All,
Very inspiring story. However, it was many, many, many years ago and a recession away. It would be interesting to hear an update on how Richard is doing today with his company.
I have not spoken to Richard recently, but when I did we both shared the same criticism in the early days. For myself, there were ups and downs until I finally got my time management together, but the fools who laughed at me are all on unemployment, drugs, alcohol, or battling ex-spouses, child support, wayward children, or a host of other maladies and unhappiness that comes with raining on someone's dream or parade.
As Frank Sinatra said, the best revenge is massive success.
Michael Newman
Licensed Private Investigator