Launching my business

In October of 2007, when I was "down-sized" (I REALLY hate that word!) by my former employer of nearly ten years, I vowed never to let that happen to me again.  The only way that would be possible would be for me to start my own company, Green Packaging, Inc.   With 20 years of experience in selling traditional packaging materials (yes, I sold those dreaded styrofoam packing "peanuts), I wanted to make my company different from all of my competitors, and I wanted it to be a company I could be proud of!  

No plastic bubble wrap, stretch wrap, polyurethane foam, or polystyrene products would ever pass through my doors!   Those plastics are petroleum-based and they increase our dependence on foreign oil, and contribute to global warming.  My business plan was to sell only recycled, biodegradable, eco-friendly, sustainable packaging materials.  The goal was to help change the world for the better.  After all, we can't keep filling our already brimming landfills with more plastic packaging materials that won't decompose for a thousand years!   The goal was realistic, but it wasn't without a major bump in the road.  

When my former employer found out about my new venture, he decided to take me to court to try to enforce a non-compete contract I had signed during my employment.  Even though I was not competing with my former employer (they did not sell earth-friendly packaging materials) I was dragged into an extended court case that lasted almost a year.  In the end, the judge agreed with me that I was not competing with them.  I won my very first court case, woo-hoo!  

Green Packaging, Inc. has successfully converted many companies from traditional plastic packaging to our eco-sensitive, sustainable products. Our products have great names like Prairie Eco Pak, Paper Nuts, and Globe Guard Boxes.  We have successfully converted many companies from non-degradable plastics to our earth-friendly, recycled, biodegradable products.  Our customers range from "Mom and Pop" operations all the way up to Fortune 500 companies.  We have even sold our products to an Intuit company!

Selling products that are good for the environment made me feel good too!  But I wanted to do a little more.  I joined One Percent for the Planet, a group of companies who donate 1% of their annual sales revenues to environmental charities.  I believe that as a successful business owner, I have a responsibility to give back to our community and to the natural environment.

Advice for others

 First of all, my suggestion is to sell products or services that you really, really believe in, and that you would use or buy yourself.  Secondly, in business, you need to surround yourself with professionals who can help you succeed.  Your banker, accountant, attorney, insurance agent, web site designer must be top-notch professionals, for they are helping you guide your business.  Also, treat your suppliers as well as you treat your customers, because they are an integral part of your company