What does it look like to follow your passion and turn that passion into a successful business that has lasted several decades? 

This is the inspiring story of Jan Guenther, the owner of GearWest ( a specialty store focusing on cross-country skis, nordic skis, running, biking, apparel, and accessories). 

Discover how Jan took the leap from working all day and going to business school at night to starting her own bike store. 

Appreciate her insights on how Jan learned all she could about the outdoor sports industry by getting involved in the sports she was selling gear for. And resonate with her solid appreciation for the crucial role the customer plays in your business and how to take good care of them.

How did Jan get the word out there about her business in a pre-Internet time? What would Jan do differently if she could start over? And how did Jan succeed as a woman in such a male-dominated industry? 

Young asks some probing questions of Jan that take us back to an appreciation of old-fashioned values that involve doing the work yourself and then becoming a role model to others over time. 

And the bonus is that you build a successful business where your customers want to connect with you as you grow! Please join us in this delightful conversation. 

 "Your customers are your lifeblood." ~ Jan Guenther

In This Episode:

• How Jan left the big corporate world to start a small business
• Early business lessons: appreciate and look after your customer
• Why good service will last longer than most products
• Getting more women into sport by being a role model
• Getting energized by contrasts outdoors: working hard and playing hard
• The importance of supporting small businesses (and not taking advantage of them)

And so much more!

Connect with Jan Guenther:

• Website - https://www.gearwest.com/
• Email - jan@gearwest.com 

Connect with Young Lee:

• Facebook - Young Lee | Facebook
• LinkedIn - Young Lee - Host of the Chicago Business Review Podcast/Show