Students
Paul and Helen Carney
Maxine Rice-Hackett

Persistence is Their Sixth Child

Paul and Helen Carney plan to open a hardware and general merchandise store with a garden center. Ever since Paul was a youngster he wanted to open his own business. He has worked in the hardware industry for over 20 years. He started at the bottom and worked his way up to the top, becoming president of the company. The Carneys tried to take the first step toward opening their business three times in the past, and each attempt was met with a different barrier of a similar kind. The problems encountered involved the lease and the funding. As a result the Carneys are now thinking of buying an existing business. Paul has taken various business classes not only in college but also through work and the SBA. "ASSETS was great! It put different things together. In college you take all these classes and that's it. You have to put the information together", says Paul. The Carneys hope to open their store this spring. They're hoping that this will not only give them the freedom to make the decisions and have a stake in the business, but to also have more time for the family. Paul and Helen have five children. "Paul used to be so busy. Now we'll have more time as a family," comments Helen. The two pieces of advice they give to other entrepreneurs is to believe in what you're doing and be persistent. "Never give up on your dream," states Paul.

  Maxett Cares Opens with Flair

Maxine Rice-Hackett, a tenth cycle graduate, opened her doors to the public on March 30, 2001 for an open house. Maxine combined her desire to help people and spare apartments, to enter the personal home care field. She started caring for people in June of 1998. From that point forward she has worked toward where she is today. Legally you can host three clients in your home. Maxine became licensed to host 13 clients on February 7 of this year and with a few minor changes, she will be at capacity with 16 beds. Her focus is working with elderly and mentally disabled persons. “The more you do, the more you receive,” said Rice-Hackett. Her biggest setback and success has been opening the doors. Maxine has converted a historic 1880 home on DeKalb Pike into her personal care facility. The upgrades needed to meet local requirements pushed Maxine, but she pushed back. She has determination and without that, Rice-Hackett says she never would be where she is today. Maxine claims there are two things that make a successful entrepreneur like herself: research and the ASSETS Class. “It’s not just a business. You have to do what you really want. It’s who you are.” Maxine does have space available so if you know anyone interested in her services you can reach her at 610-275-9361.