Who may wear this title of entrepreneur?

Few qualify, to be sure.

Is it wearing a “business owner’s” hat?

No, anyone with some ambition can do that.

Pure entrepreneurs work day and night

Because they think they are always right

A sacred calling? It’s self-ordained

They’re so obsessed, it’s seldom explained.

Absorbed in duty to a point diabolic

Way, way past the familiar workaholic

Ignoring failure is a standing rule

Setbacks are converted into fuel.

Bravery past the ol’ nest egg

They’ll groan and scramble, but never beg

Always pledging heart and soul

To some seemingly elusive goal

No reason to stop for a mealtime plate

So few of the clan are overweight.

Exhausted or weary, slow not their speed,

Cost and weather get little heed

They run free, but keep the rules

Get by without the latest tools

Fly well by seat of the pants,

Unafraid to take a chance

Often near edge of debt and starvation

And it’s always next year for a vacation

Single-focused, they tromp on toes

And tolerate critics who stick in their nose

Banks will avoid them; some friends will flee

Takes years for a tiny profit to see.

Is there a finish line? They’ll never tell

And “budget’s” a word they can’t even spell.

In world of maybes they willingly dive

Wondering why others work only 9 to 5.

To any sickness they seldom yield

If there is fear, it’s well-concealed.

Why do they seem to never tire?

They transform duty to desire!

If reverses are looming, they’re the last to admit;

A real entrepreneur knows not “quit.”

Don Aslett of McCammon is the founder of The Museum of Clean, 711 S. 2nd Ave., Pocatello, and still enjoys giving tours to all visitors. Check out the museum’s website at www.museumofclean.com.