The Peebles Principles
by R. Donahue Peebles
Buy book: $15.71

Part Art of the Deal and part Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?, this book tells the story of Mr. Peebles’ journey from a HUD appraiser of low-income housing to a developer of office buildings, hotels, and luxury condominiums in cities across the nation. Highlighting the key business lessons he learned on the road to building a quarter-billion-dollar personal fortune, Peebles offers a first-person, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur and businessperson from the ground up. Packed with practical, hard-won wisdom and personal business insight, The Peebles Principles provides valuable lessons – and fascinating anecdotes– for both aspiring and successful entrepreneurs.

I can't wait to read the whole book. How did he find his niche so quick? Was it his passion? Sometimes I think, why is it always have to be in the line of real estate? Donald Trump did it too. What if it's not your thing? How can I find my niche? I have a good and stable job currently and I just got promoted. The only problem is that there is always something missing. I landed into a profession which is not really my passion. It pays my everyday expenses. Is it too late for me to switch a career? What if I don't make it? Should I go back to school to pursue my new career? I am over 40 yrs. old and still confused...

your message reminded me of a statement by my brother, "my career has gold handcuffs". The pay is good, it may be all you seem qualified for, you can't imagine doing anything else, and you paid a lot of money going to school to learn this. I've always been suspect about people who tell you just pick a job you like don't worry about the money, and of course what they like is very lucrative. What about the poor starving artist who's passion is not lucrative?

I am really excited about this book. I have been reading along all week at home/work starting Monday. Thursday night after work I began looking on the internet at different franchises. I started out with Avis Car Rental, then I found a Cruise franchise. In between these two I saw hotels/motel franchises, all related to the TRAVEL industry. I remember listening to the Steve Harvey morning show and hearing about the low percentages of blacks owning hotels in the USA, yet black and hispanics spend billions of dollars in this industry. I then googled black owners and operators. Well on the front page of the National Black Hotel Owners website, I found R. Donahue Peebles! Wow! I was blown away. Such a coincidence. www.nabhood.org
I plan on attending the conference to learn, Learn, LEARN! Check out the agenda, I am sure learning about financing and how to get started in this business will be an eye opener to how moves are made in the startup period. Best Wishes.