I did have 2 full time shops in 2 different towns & indoor lanes from 1974 to 1980. From 1965 to the full timeshops I had a evening hour shop & full time job. 15 years. Full timeshops had leagues 4 nights per week after Nov. & one was 15lanes & the other 20 lanes.I also had (usually) 2 indoor tounys a month on Sundays through ALL the winter months.I averaged a 14 hour day 5 days a week & 8 on Sat.. Dedication it takes. It was not like working to me but unless your family is into it, it can be tough on that part of your life. I also had rented timber that I had a 28 target outdoot range for my SHOP CLUB MEMBERS & a tourny there twice a month plus outdoor league twice per week. I had 2 full time workers & 2 part time.
DON'T condem anyone for how they run their own business, no matter what it is-FEW are dedicated enough to make it.
I retired from being a Steelworker of 32 years also. Part time shop owner, full time steelworker 15 years. Vested my time & went into the Archery Business (remember, back then IllinoisDID NOT have the archers/bowhunters of today). 6 years of 7 days a week took it's toll. Closed up everything & went back to the steel mill, NOW RETIRED. I bowhunted LESS when in the Archery/Bowhunting business. I regret nothing & have experiences that I will cherish forever with MANY being with my customers. When I see someone venture into business, I only admire them & wonder IF they have what it takes. MOST, do not. I went into independant Bowhunting Video production in 1990. I still do a few every year or two but I DO LOTs of BOWHUNTING with this phase of my business. It's NOT LIKE A JOB EITHER & I have NO ONE telling me what I have to do for the camera. I have had a great & wonderful Archery/Bowhunting Journey-2008 is the start of my 52nd year in the sport.
Black Bears, Caribou, Elk, Whitetail, Mule Deer, Wild Hogs, Buffalo, Various Exotic Animals have fallen to my Bow-38 traditional & 100+ with the compound. That is not my success story though. The success is seeing my family, kids & Grandkids join me in the field to share in a great sport. Success in having known so many great people (& a few - holes too) & sharing fun time with so many. There is SO much more to this sport than how he runs the shop or a bloody arrow.
OH, I made more $$$ in 40 hours at the Steelmill than 70 at the shops...