As I approach the groundbreaking for our new building, I must admit it has been a very stressful experience. My dream of growth for my business has come close to a nightmare. When the business originally outgrew the existing building, I imagined having an additional building almost magically in place. You would think being in business for 18 years would have made me more realistic.

The reality is that this project required more preparation and planning than I thought possible! Yes, we had outgrown the existing building and had done all we could to best utilize it. Being so busy with the business, where could I find time to prepare for a new building? This was the biggest fallacy of my dream.

The regulations and restrictions that slow the rate of new start-up businesses were waiting for me. I am in a flood zone so I needed a permit from the Department of Natural Resources. I will also be facing mandatory flood insurance. Next in line are an Area Planning Commission state permit and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Of course, zoning and variances are part of the process.

Who would put up my building? Not me, I was already busy enough. I called several contractors whom I was willing to consider. I took bids, listened to sales pitches and worried. The bids were written but did not compare. By adding some items and leaving out other details, the contractors each had unique bids. I charted the bids and then called sub-contractors to fill in the blanks. In this way I was able to compare bids and select a contractor.

Financing has been interesting too. I have been reading that these days a business plan is required for a business loan of the size I need. Although writing a business plan was a challenge, it was also stimulating and made me put on paper the specifics that had been mere generalities in my head. The next step was to shop for a loan. According to what I had read, I knew I should apply at several banks. The purpose was not just to get a loan, but getting the best loan available. Presenting my request at banks was good for me. I put conviction to what was on paper. By the time I had completed six bank appointments, my confidence was strengthened and I was ready to move forward. The banks were impressed with how prepared I was, and I therefore had a choice of banks to use. That felt good.

Now I am up to my hips with a survey, title insurance, an appraisal and trying to find a way to make flood insurance affordable. Once all these things come together, then maybe it will get easier. Payments, oh yes, then payments!

Is it all worth it? Yes! If your dream has no challenge, it would be too easy. Where would be the sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of reaching your goals? Of course there is risk and hard work; if it was too easy, everyone would own a growing business.

What makes me feel best about all this growth is my personal growth. As my business grows, so do I. Yes, financially and in my status in the community, but more importantly, I have grown spiritually, in confidence and in the ability to run a business the size I have. My business could fail, but the growth I have gained personally will be with me as long as I want to use it.

When we fail to use our courage and strength, they go to waste - like a lion tamer who stops going into the cage with the lions. He then becomes a zookeeper. Zookeepers are not as valued as lion tamers. As business owners, it is easy to become zoo- keepers and complain about how bad things are. We need to become lion tamers once again. That is where the rewards are. Lion tamers seldom have the time to complain - they are just too focused.

I have had lots of help growing my business: from my wife, family, employees, clients, ASA and many others. As I succeed, it is my privilege and responsibility to appreciate and pay back all who have helped me along the way. It is also my obligation to help others succeed as I have. If I do these things, my existence may have been worthwhile. If not, I have been a drain on society and contributed to its decline.

Now let's get back to work!

Chris Huffman is the vice president of ASA-Indiana, and is the owner of CR's Truck Service in Marion, Ind.

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