[Column] 7 The Life of a Small Business President: A Lifetime Devoted to Work

I would like to introduce a column article.

I wonder how many business leaders I have heard say, 'When I turn 60, I will retire and do what I want to do.' However, the reality is often not so simple. This may be the fate of those chosen as business leaders. One president experienced rapid growth after 40 years of founding the company, at the age of 65. After graduating from junior high school, he moved to Tokyo from the Shikoku region and entered an apprenticeship. He learned the job and became independent with his wife. Business does not only thrive during good times; there were periods when performance was poor and bonuses could not be issued, and employees encouraged him by saying, 'Let's make this a profitable company.' When bonuses could not be issued, he consulted with the president and began helping to build the company's foundation. Most of the executives had only completed junior high school. However, they were honest and hardworking individuals. Everyone struggled with the unfamiliar task of building a management foundation while taking on challenges. It took 40 years to establish the company, but after the foundation began to take shape, it experienced rapid growth. Through the president's perseverance, conviction, and foresight, the company has now grown into an indispensable leading company in the environmental sector for the region. That president shares his dreams with his employees. He speaks about it with genuine joy. I truly believe it is wonderful that he is growing in the twilight of his business career.

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