What drives people out of the commuting lane?
There are many reasons, and more than one often comes into play. The chance to be your own bossand have more control over your work and personal life. A layoff, or the feeling more will come next time your company merges. Limited job opportunities in your field or where you live. A desire to spend more time with family, especially young children. Advances in technology that have opened more doors to working at home.
Creating a winner
" 'No' was never an option. Looking back was never an option," Blake Wheeler recalled. "I was the breadwinner – I had to succeed." Still, his path to a home-based business took unexpected turns: "You adjust to the opportunities as they continue to present themselves."
Investing money from his savings, Wheeler opened his own business eight years ago after the homebuilder he was working for went under. He was tired of working for others and wanted a family-friendly lifestyle, but he had more than a dream of being his own boss. His experience in the construction field convinced him that he had a novel, marketable business idea, one that would help lumber yards better serve building clients.
Today, Wheeler Consulting serves 400 lumberyards throughout the Northeast, using proprietary software to develop lists of building materials they can supply contractors for specific projects. A solo business when he started, Wheeler, 49, now has people working for him – from their homes, part and full time.
His wife joined the business a year and a half ago. "Our commute is down the stairs - it’s 14 or 16 steps," he gleefully notes. "We’re successful and we have a wonderful life. Every single day I count my blessings."
Wheeler typically puts in more than 40 hours but adjusts his schedule if he wants to, say, catch his daughter’s track meet. He’s certain being home most of the time has helped him help his children – one in high school, the other in college – navigate the "land mines" of youth.
At the same time, they were taught not to interrupt dad willy-nilly when he’s in his office, which has three computers, digitizers, fax, printer, and lots of phones. Wheeler shaves before he starts work and doesn’t work in pajamas. That helps him start the day with the right mindset.