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Name: Martin S. Zucker
Age: 62
Company Name: The Chill Chair Co.
Company Address: Palmetto, Florida
Type of Business: Retail and wholesale
Years Incorporated: 10
Previous Job: Sales exec. with many different companies
Education: High School Grad, some college

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1. What is your official job title? Is there a more whimsical description that might be more accurate?

Sales and marketing of a one product company. Which means I do everything to make contacts, set up distributorships, and promote, promote, promote. etc.

2. What was the inspiration for starting your own business?

While attending an arts and crafts show on Long Boat Key, I met this guy who had this chair and I liked it. I made him a deal and ever since I have been promoting The Chill Chair.

3. What makes your company unique?

See # 2

4. How did your college major / graduate school degree help prepare you for your career?

I was a smart ass wiseguy when I was younger.

5. What necessary career information was missing from your studies? How did you pick up those skills and information?

Everything was missing. I read and read and read, then I learned how to use a computer and I read some more and then I tapped the minds of every business link on the Web. Then I put out my ego ranting E-zine by tapping the mind of a young undergraduate who did all the design and setup work and promised him 25% of everything I earned, and I made sure he got his money, and that's where I am today.

6. What difficulties did you encounter starting your business?

Not having enough capital. I had to do all the searching, sorting, writing, corresponding, and promotional work. But, at least I knew it was getting done. So a lot of time invested but a little money invested.

7. How many hours do you work in a typical week?

65

8. What three things are most frustrating about an entrepreneurship?

• long hours
• lack of capital
• the loneliness of being with your passion and no one to share it with

9. What three things are most rewarding?

• self accomplishment
• the realization that I can accomplish anything as long as I am willing to work at it
• not worrying about who is going to stab me in the back

10. What three things are most fun?

• the mind games with the business intellectuals.
• the sale
• the promotion of and the exhilaration of the conquering of the mountain of human creativity and making the money

11. How do you handle work stress?

I have become a very mellow person, but when all else fails, I sit and reflect and meditate in The Chill Chair for about 15 minutes a day and sometimes longer.

12. How big a role does technology play in your career path?

If I didn't know how to surf, I would be stranded on the beach and all the other guys would get the best girls.

13. How do you distinguish yourself from others in your work?

There are no competitors. Period. But I work as if I have thousands of competitors.

14. What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

First thing you have to do is get the best possible education you can get so when opportunity knocks, you are able to let him in.
Then if you have an idea, or if you like a product you see' or if something somewhere turns you on go for it. eat it up, swallow it, digest it, and then promote it and sell it.

15. Which popular song best describes your working life?

At my age, the song might not be so popular but here goes: "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head."