How to Write a Business Plan

ChApter 5 | YOUR RESUME AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT | 83

The following statement is typical of
a person with good general business
experience but no work history in the
particular business he wants to start.
Stephen Brinkle is an attorney who wants
to start a gourmet, vegetarian, and low-fat
hot dog stand in downtown Chicago. He

needs to convince a lender that his general

business experience substitutes, at least in

part, for his lack of frankfurter fi nesse. He

accomplishes this by demonstrating that

he knows enough to hire a manager with

enough experience to squeeze the mustard

and shake the ketchup.

Resume

Stephen Brinkle

ATTORNEY iN PRiVATE PRACTiCE

Specialize in business law matters, along with some general civil law practice.

BUSiNESS iNVESTMENTS

I have successfully invested in a variety of small businesses, including an auto tune-up

shop and a sporting goods store, which I currently own (Bill’s Track and Court, 11 Van

Renseller Blvd., Chicago).

In some of my small business investments, I took an active role in management. For

example, in the tune-up shop, I had to fi re the manager and locate more qualifi ed

mechanics. After doing that, the business became profi table and I sold it at a profi t. In

Bill’s Track and Court, the manager and I agreed to concentrate on tennis and running

equipment. As a result, the store became considerably more profi table.

EDUCATiON

B.A., Northwestern University, History, 1994

J.D., Northwestern Law School, 1998

Passed Illinois bar exam, 1999

HOBBiES

Squash

COMMUNiTY iNVOLVEMENT

Active in various charitable organizations specializing in relieving worldwide hunger.