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From My Grandfather's Ledger, Part I

By
Real Estate Agent with Atlas Property Group and Abbey Church Properties

In my efforts to keep my New Year's resolution regarding simplifying my life and bringing order to my chaos, I came across my grandfather's ledger while I was cleaning my closet. I never knew my grandfather. He died about 11 years before I was born.

Gottlieb Klenk, of Defiance, Ohio was born in Germany and came to the U.S. as a young boy. He was definitely an immigrant success story. He ended up being a business man, a real estate investor, and an inventor.

He kept several ledgers, one of which also was used as a kind of scrapbook in which he pasted articles from area newspapers that he apparently found of interest  or importance. Some of these were news articles regarding himself or family members and many were health related tips.

The following article is not dated, nor is the name of the newspaper or magazine visible. The other articles in this book range from 1898-1920 or so. This could have been written anytime in that period or could have been written today, if not for some arcane use of language and phrasing. I found it fascinating.

"HABITS OF A MAN OF BUSINESS."

A sacred regard to the princples of justice forms the basis of every transaction, and regulates the conduct of the upright man of business.

He is strict in keeping his engagements.

Does nothing carelessly or in a hurry.

Employs nobody to do what he can easily do himself.

Keeps everything in its proper place.

Leaves nothing undone that ought to be done, and which circumstances permit him to do.

Keeps his designs and business from the view of others.

Is prompt and decisive in his dealings, and does not overload his capital.

Prefers short credits to long ones, and cash to credit at all times, either in buying or selling;and small profits in cases with little risk, to thec hance of better gains with more hazard.

He is clear and explicit in all his bargains.

Leaves nothing of consequence to memory whch he can and ought to comit to writing.

Keeps copies of his important letters, and has all letters, invoices, and business documents put away in an orderly manner, so that on any occasion they may be easily refered to.

Is always at the head of his business, well knowing if he leave it, it wil leave him.

Holds as a maxim that he whose credit is suspected is not one to be trusted.

Is constantly examining his books, and sees through all his affairs as far as care and attention will enable him.

Balances regularly at stated times, and then makes out and transmits all hs accounts-current to his customers, both at home and abroad.

Avoids as much as possible all sorts of accomodation in money matters, and lawsuits where there is the least hazard.

Pretty good advice, I'd say.

 

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Charlie Gantz
Keller Williams Commercial, Tampa Bay - Saint Petersburg, FL
J.D., M.B.A.

Great post; great advice for all ages.  Charlie Gantz, Greenwood, IN; J.D., M.B.A.; Owner/Principal Broker, Atlas Commercial Real Estate, LLC

Mar 29, 2010 01:57 PM
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

It's grand that you have a tangible link to your Grandfather.  Cherish it, and with this one it also would be worthwhile to pass it on to other younger family members.  It remains appropriate today as you've stated.  Thanks for sharing it here!  

Mar 29, 2010 03:07 PM
Trey Thurmond
BCR Realtors - College Station, TX
College Station , Texas Homes

Terrific guidelines that we could apply even today. I never new my grandad on my dad's side but he left some good wisdom for us also.

Mar 29, 2010 04:01 PM
Liz Wallace
Century 21 Sherlock Homes - Rockville Centre, NY
Broker C21 Sherlock Homes, Rockville Centre, LI, N

Our parents and grandparents had the most wonderful work ethics and such a simple and clear outlook on life.  They also had the most wonderful sayings.  My Dad always said, "if March was a person you would never hire him, too undependable" voila, some March this year.

Mar 30, 2010 02:50 AM
Kathy Clulow
Uxbridge, ON
Trusted For Experience - Respected For Results

Lisa - the older we get the wiser our parents and their parents seem to get.

Apr 03, 2010 12:01 PM
Russel Ray, San Diego Business & Marketing Consultant & Photographer
Russel Ray - San Diego State University, CA

Back when I went off to college at Texas A&M University, I realized just how special my wise old grandmother was, so I started a "Words of Wisdom" book with all her truths in it.

Apr 03, 2010 10:47 PM
Lisa Walston
Atlas Property Group and Abbey Church Properties - Greenwood, IN

Russel,

I did the same with my Great-Aunt Florence. She lived to be 101 and was active until almost the very end. One of my favorite sayings of hers was "You're never lost as long as you have a mouth". That simple thought has kept me calm many times as I'm wandering around in the wrong direction. Now, of course, there's GPS so it's not nearly as scary to be lost. But just knowing you can always (oh, my!) ask for directions was somehow very grounding for me.

Lisa Walston

Apr 08, 2010 01:07 PM
Andy Chaudoir
Professional Inspection Services - Georgetown, Texas - Georgetown, TX
Your Home Inspection Connection in Central Texas

Hello Lisa - What a great post.  I look forward to more of these.  Thanks for sharing them with us.

Apr 20, 2010 02:29 PM