Dedication
This book is dedicated to the memory of my late grandmother,
Elizabeth Eudora Woodall Darby, whose influence I acknowledged only
recently.Acknowledgments
After more than a decade of working with many people, I am amazed at the
uniform spirit of goodwill and cooperation.
My first editor, Ralph “Jake” Warner, showed patience working with a
first-time author. My second editor, Lisa Goldoftas, challenged the grammar
while gracefully deferring to my knowledge about the subject.
Also at Nolo: Steve Elias designed many charts; Adam Stanhope
educated me about computers; Mark Stuhr tuned sections on computer-
related material; Stephanie Harolde worked her word processing
wonders on the manuscript; Terri Hearsh designed the book; Eddie
Warner gave helpful suggestions on online information; and many more
folks at Nolo improved the book greatly.
A special thanks to a number of generous individuals, each of whom
knows a great deal about starting and operating a small business. Peg
Moran, Terri Hearsh, Roger Pritchard, Jason Wallach, Harry Keller,
Dan Peters, Sharyn Simmons, Larry Healy, and finally, Hugh Codding
and Leroy Knibb of Codding Investments. For these and all my readers,
clients, and students who have shared their hopes, dreams, and problems
with me over the years, thank you for your help. The best parts are
yours—all the mistakes are mine. Many of your stories and suggestions
appear here in disguised form. I hope all the readers will profit from
your wisdom and generosity.
Mike P. McKeever
Santa Rosa, California