Electronic Repairs
Born into an urban Black family whose parents were neither college educated nor business owners, his self-discipline for hard work and helping others led to business ownership and community service over several decades.
FAMILY BACKGROUND
LM was born and raised in North Philadelphia. His parents neither attended college nor provided any guidance for LM’s eventual adult career.
CHILDHOOD
As a teenager, LM combined his desire to stay busy and earn spending money by finding work in a local store, where he learned the business of selling, installing, and repairing electronic equipment such as televisions and radios.
EDUCATION
After graduating from a ‘technical’ high school, LM later earned an Associate degree at the local Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in business management from a university’s night school so he could continue working during the day to support himself and his family financially.
FIRST ADULT JOB LEADS TO A BUSINESS OWNERSHIP CAREER
When the owner of the electronics business decided to retire, he offered to sell the business – on an installment payment arrangement – to LM. Once they agreed to an overall price, LM commenced monthly payments, which he took pride in hand-delivering on the first day of each new month, to the retired, former owner.
Eventually, LM expanded the electronics business by dedicating himself and his employees to learn enough about advancing technology, to be able to include sales and maintenance of computers, TV sound systems, car radios and other electronics.
USING BUSINESS SUCCESS ENABLES ‘PAYING IT BACK’ TO THE COMMUNITY
As soon as LM’s business provided a steady flow of income (above the monthly payments toward reducing the purchase price of the business), he managed to save enough to purchase two more properties on the same block, that operated over the years as a restaurant, water ice store, gift shop, computer store and other enterprises.
Drawn to young people and anyone who wanted to improve, LM also worked as computer and electronics instructor at a Technical Institute and other such adult education ventures. His daughter reflected about her father: “He encouraged everyone to be at the table and be a leader. He was a problem solver who also wanted to make it happen for someone else.”
LM collaborated with other local entrepreneurs regarding neighborhood development and employed many young people in the city’s summer work program. A tireless volunteer, LM served holiday meals at local nursing homes and directed Easter egg hunts and other activities for neighborhood children.
CHALLENGE – CRIME VICTIM
Editor’s note – Retail store owners and employees are never immune from criminals who see the business cash flow as the opportunity to grab ‘free’ cash which was hard earned by others. Unfortunately, criminal minds, often affected by drugs, have no regard for the health and safety of the shopkeepers.
Despite all his business success and community service, LM was once robbed and shot in his store. He survived, though with a protracted recovery time. Though his family and friends suggested that LM either sell the business immediately or let others run it, LM refused to abandon providing personal service to his customers – until he retired a few years later, selling the business to an energetic employee, thus providing the same business opportunity for someone else just as he had received it.
CAREER SATISFACTION
LM’s friendly personality, willingness to consider new business opportunities and dedication to his church and community made him popular in whichever circle he was moving. LM advocated integrity and personal independence. His motto was: “Be your own boss, and you can make your own rules.” He wanted people to figure things out for themselves. His mentoring advice always included: “Get a book. Go online. Figure it out for yourself.”
