It is very unusual to find a multi-talented person. Most people have some things they excel at, some things they can manage and some things they cannot seem to get a grip on.

It's a rare person who can do everything well and an even rarer one who can excel at everything they attempt. But sometimes it seems like the guy who runs a small business is required to do just that.

Obviously, a typical small woodworking shop owner has to be proficient at woodworking. But he also has to be an expert on hardware. He has to know how to set up run and maintain machinery. He has to be a designer and be able to produce conceptual as well as detailed working drawings. He has to be a decent finisher. He may also need to be a good turner and a millwright. He might also need to have mastery of bending, carving and shaping. He has to be able to plan and install casework and be a good finish carpenter as well.

But that's just the beginning. He also has to be an accountant, receptionist, PR liaison, mediator, safety inspector, purchasing agent, salesman, delivery guy, physiologist, first aid specialist, troubleshooter, problem solver, and custodian.

He must also be able to instantly shift from one to another of these tasks without so much as a second thought. He may be called upon to perform several of them simultaneously and he must perform all of them well. Of course this is a short list as there are many other areas in which the business owner must be proficient.

I am thinking that there is only one planet in the universe where such people can be found and that is Krypton. Of course, they must figure out a way to get themselves to a solar system that has a yellow sun so there's another thing they need to be… a travel agent.

D.D.