Inc.com has an article about Gert Boyle, chairman, Columbia Sportswear. You might remember her as the one that does "animal testing" on their clothing sending her son through a car wash.

The article details the growth of Columbia Sportwear from a small failing company to market leading success today. At one point, according to Columbia's web site, bankers told her they needed to sell the business. After realizing that she would only get $1,400 off the sale she said:

For that kind of money I’ll run the company into the ground myself.

Her story reminded me that as a business owner you can't choose what life gives you, whether death of loved ones, multiple labor strikes, or whatever. But what you can choose is how you will respond. Being in business is tough, she showed some great characteristics such as working hard, not giving up, trying new things, and humor.

It is a good read and when you get done check out the hilarious ads of "animal testing" on their site.