Peninsula and Seagull Painting

Continuing with my art hobby, I thought it would make sense to post a picture here and there to see if anyone might be interested.

Lately, I’ve been sketching structures and objects in pencil before painting them. I’m currently working on a lighthouse piece using this approach.

Sketching in the Rough

If you’d like to purchase the 8x10" painting for $35, feel free to send me a message on the right. Shipping is free within the continental U.S. You can also use the scan below to purchase if you prefer. otherwise you can buy it at Peninsula and Seagull Painting Etsy

Peninsula and Seagull Painting Etsy

The Entrepreneur’s Mindset: Confidence, Grit, and Community Start-U.P.!

Entrepreneurs are a unique group of business men and women. They often have a level of confidence that others may not, and they feel compelled to create something of their own. This drive is powerful, as small businesses help revitalize downtowns, strengthen economic resilience, distribute wealth more fairly, and often foster stronger communities. While entrepreneurs are partly motivated by money, many are also driven by personal purpose or broader missions. A few ideas will help you gain a wider perspective on what it takes.

My AI version of a custom golf club store
with local sourced hardwood heads. 
Maybe someone could put somewhere on Ludington.
Something that can be exported 
and if it grew into a brand name one could 
move into the industrial park or 
larger facilities. I would suspect
many tourists would stop in if reasonably priced.
Steal the idea! Its free!

Starting a business doesn’t have to mean risking everything. Many people begin on weekends, in their free time, or even as a hobby. For example, if one runs a micro business they can do much of their work in their house or garage. The key being to find a unique product that fills a niche and the big companies can't compete in that market

 (Start-Up Idea: For example something like custom fishing poles, golf clubs, etc. might work well in dowtown Escanaba. Good for tourists, can be exported, could grow, etc. Escanaba is becoming an entrepreneurial digital nomad industry friendly location with 4 seasons, good people, affordable coastal living, beaches, marinas, environmentally clean area, nightlife and arts. Some industries have taken notice as well and investing in housing and tourism has also risen.)

Here are a few lessons I’ve learned during the startup process:

1. If you want to do something, just start—learn, do, practice, grow.

2. Unless you have capital to spare, make sure investments directly improve your bottom line.

3. Some days will go well, others won’t—grit is what keeps you moving forward.

4. Maintain balance between business and life so one doesn’t come at the expense of the other.

5. Focus on your customers—their needs, exceptional service, and individual care matter most.

6. Never stop learning; life is a journey where knowledge gained and shared creates growth.

7. Be generous and treat others well; money fades, but the legacy you leave behind lasts.

The article below provides some interesting statistics on who succeeds and who does not,

The Surprising Psychology of Successful Entrepreneurs and Why They Take the Risk

Taking the Time to Understand Shared Values-Preventing Hate and Corruption

It is important to understand the best ways to draw people into a shared vision of any organization or society. Hate and corruption are two forces that limit both personal and societal growth, while positive relationships and genuine understanding open new doors. By connecting with people from different backgrounds, we begin to recognize the universal aspects of human behavior through diverse cultural lenses.

I recently came across an interesting study—Leveraging Organizational Performance through Effective Mission Statement—which highlights the role of mission statements as a guiding framework for shared values.

One reason I stand firmly against hate and corruption is that they impose narrow beliefs, restricting individual and collective progress. Corruption diverts resources societies need for development, just as hate undermines human potential. At the most fundamental level, treating one another with fairness and respect fosters long-term growth and the greater good. A shared commitment to common values is both a sign of maturity and a pathway toward personal and societal advancement.

Another resource I found thought-provoking is the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR. It addresses the prevalence of hate crimes, legislative gaps, and the importance of strengthening protections.

In general, rushing to judge others is unwise. Taking time to understand different perspectives allows us to see the strengths within each culture. With cultural awareness, societies can draw from the best elements of diverse traditions to build shared values and commitments. Ultimately, every community—and every individual—seeks to create the best life possible, and a shared sense of togetherness remains the most direct path to that goal.

Global versus Local Brands and Brand Identity (Small Town Micro-Manufacturing Example)

Global products

Companies today operate on a global scale, with products and services often spanning multiple countries. A single item might be produced in one nation, painted in another, and then shipped elsewhere for assembly. Just as production is spread across borders, brands themselves have become increasingly global. Effective brand management therefore requires both a domestic and international perspective. This means understanding how a brand resonates within a local market while also ensuring it aligns with the larger international brand identity.

(For more on shipping, see International Freight-US Dept. of Transportation)

To succeed in both local and international markets, executives must develop tailored strategies. A local company may focus narrowly on one approach, while an international company may need an entirely different branding strategy. As firms expand globally, they study local markets to identify niches or problems to solve, while also ensuring people know what their products or services offer and can reliably access them.

(An example: Let’s say I run a small business producing goods in my hometown Escanaba—a micro manufacturer of sorts—and I want to sell internationally. One option is to use existing distribution networks, such as mail carriers, though the brand may remain relatively unknown at first. For a small niche market, building awareness might start with simple steps like sending out letters or flyers and offering deep discounts to those most likely to use the products. The goal being to grow your brand within certain heavy user demographics. Early adaptors.) 

At the same time, companies must maintain a level of brand continuity. While different markets may highlight different product attributes, the overall brand message should remain cohesive. When marketing strategies and messages across the globe are combined, customers should clearly understand what the brand represents.

(In my example, I formulate my marketing flyer to early adaptors and message align with my desired brand such as quality, lightweight, crafted, sustainable, good works. I may use different message but ultimatley they all should fit within these brand values so that no matter where my products are sold they share those central attributes.All the pictures, all the messages, and where they are sold.)

By contrast, brand confusion occurs when a company tries to be too many things for too many audiences in too many locations. This dilutes the brand, leaving customers uncertain about what it stands for. As a result, they may abandon the brand altogether, struggling to recall its identity or the feelings and perceptions associated with it when making purchase decisions. 

(This link offers an overview of local and global brands Global and Local Brands in Developed and Developing Markets: A Systematic Literature Review and New Directions)

Keep it Secure: VA Program of Free Gun Safety Lock

Guns and gun safety are important for everyone. The VA works to raise awareness about firearm safety and the challenges many veterans face. Suicide remains one of the most tragic outcomes, and prevention is critical. Below is a resource that may be helpful to veterans—please feel free to share it. You can also contact your local VA office to receive a free cable gun lock.

Keep it Secure VA Webpage

*Side note: I do try and help out our local veterans so I receive information to share from time to time. This is one that is definately worth sharing. Part of a different project. I brought a few in for local vets a few weeks ago.

Selling Art: Ocean Beach Pier at Sunset

I recently sold this piece as prints, specifically greeting cards, which turned out to be a great fit for the image. I also noticed that when I shared it on X, it was one of my posts that received a lot of engagement. Every once in a while I get a piece that people buy and want. The art world is not an easy world and I am not the greatest artist. But......

While art is a hobby for me, it also brings other benefits: it sharpens awareness of the world, offers insight into sources of knowledge, and deepens understanding of the natural environment. The very act of viewing the world from a different perspective fosters creativity and innovation.

If you want me to print you one send me a message to the right. It will be cheaper to go through me then buy off of the site. A lower mark up as well. (Btw I am still waiting to see if I sold the painting or two pictures in the 'More than a Uniform' exhibit. I may submit to a few more exhibits once I have the time to look for them and figure out what kind of art they are looking for.)

This isn't a bad way to see the world....

Ocean Beach Pier at Sunset

Our World Data Corruption: The Story of the Clan

I came across a piece on corruption and its prevalence in some societies. Corruption creates a drag on the economy and limits human capital development. It affects quality of life, weakens competitiveness, and erodes trust. Even though it is widely recognized as a net detractor, corruption can sometimes become normalized, making it important to consider both its short- and long-term risks. The following is a method of understanding how corruption and hate may function and some of the benefits of good governance. 

The Story of the Clan is a philosophical tale about moral conscience, where corruption and hate shape decision-making and harm the wider community. It is a reflective piece meant for contemplation, best taken with a grain of salt. One can switch around the elements and come to a different understanding and conclusion. Historically at various times and places human rights, civil rights, and justice sometimes have been defined by in-group and out-group dynamics. Racial and religious prejudices influenced who was deemed worthy of justice and who was excluded through hate narratives (....almost always the victim's fault because it requires no accountability or change.). In such contexts, witnesses and whistleblowers were often sidelined or harmed to protect the in-group. Pointing out or reporting corruption can lead to open retaliation in life, career, and safety (Threw in a touch of extremism for good measure.).

Some philosophical considerations...

As a hypothetical thought experiment based on some of the worst aspects of human behavior, the story raises questions about what happens if the normalization of corruption spreads more widely. Would it affect economic performance, human capital development, or social progress? Could a society remain competitive in the long run if corruption takes too strong of a root? The evidence strongly suggests not. Research consistently shows that in societies where corruption is normalized, we see weaker economic performance, lower respect for human rights, greater social division, and more mistreatment between groups. Resources are misallocated for the benefit of insiders and leadership becomes defined by specific group gain and group loss versus win-win that benefits wider stakeholders. 

The accompanying publication shows levels of corruption around the world. Consider why some countries experience higher levels than others. Possible factors include the normalization of bribery, racial or tribal hostilities, or entrenched nepotism. There are other reasons as well. Greater awareness of the dangers of corruption and hate highlights their damaging impact on society and reinforces the importance of upholding shared values and ideals (In Theory). 

Our World Data-Corruption

*The Story of the Clan is a philosophical story as a learning thought experiment.