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Billionaire of Beloit

The inspiring article about Ken Hendricks, a high school dropout who became a billionaire, reminded me again why I read Inc. [Entrepreneur of the Year, December]. I found his answer to one question particularly interesting. When asked to name something he had believed early in his career but no longer believed, he replied, "That it was going to be really hard. I'm the 107th wealthiest person in the U.S., but getting here has just been step by step. I can't believe how easy it's been."

As a tenacious young entrepreneur (and college dropout), I am deeply motivated by his words. I have long believed that common sense and drive play a larger role in business success than a formal education does, and Hendricks confirms that.

Mike MacDonald
Owner
LMNO Tees
Chula Vista, California

I've been working for ABC as a driver for five years, and I've met Ken twice. You would not think he is worth more than an average Joe because he does not act like it. He is one of the most down-to-earth people I've ever met. He treats people right. Even after you've just met him, he talks to you as though he's known you for 10 years.

Pat Reading
Delivery driver
ABC Supply
Cleveland

It is clear that Ken Hendricks has a passion for his industry and expands his business the old-fashioned way: through hard work. Requesting a doggy bag for a stranger's meal might be a bit extreme, but his no-waste philosophy seems intertwined with that midwestern work ethic employers frequently speak about. I too own a business headquartered in Wisconsin, and there is truth to the hype about the Midwest.

Jacob LaConte
President
Community Orientation Services
Waukesha, Wisconsin

Bless This Mess

I found David H. Freedman's article about the benefits of messiness very refreshing and insightful ["Go Ahead, Make a Mess," December]. I've always considered myself organized, but I have a messy workspace. Every so often, I feel bad about all the clutter and have a cleaning day on which I try to find the perfect home for each document, memo, and scrap of paper. More often than not, however, I find that within a few days, the mess returns. Thank you for helping me understand my mess and giving me permission to live this way.

Jonathan Workman
Senior trainer
Empire Today
Junction City, Kansas

As You Wish

Leigh Buchanan's holiday wish list for entrepreneurs was nicely done ["The Thought That Counts," December]. I agree that the IT support staff should be focused on making employees' jobs easier. You could also add the human resources, accounting, and facilities management departments to that list. They should all be focused on helping the staff as one of their primary duties.

Brian Cassell
Managing consultant
Dynamic Veterinary Concepts
Annapolis, Maryland

Green Sweep

It was great reading about all of the Green 50 companies, especially Comet Skateboards ["The Eco-Advantage," November]. I enjoy skateboarding and was excited to learn that Comet Skateboards has found an environmentally responsible way to make skateboards. And not only that, but the company has raised enough money to open a skate park in Oakland. That will provide a safe place for kids to go in the afternoon and get exercise.

Stephanie Ford
Hutchinson, Kansas

Though I appreciate your including my company, GreenOrder, in your Green 50, I take issue with your headline. It called GreenOrder a "shepherd," guiding corporate clients, which are "sheep." That description is not only condescending, it is wrong. Our efforts to help large companies improve sustainability--and to profit from doing so--are true collaborations, driven by the leadership and vision of our clients.

Andrew L. Shapiro
Founder and CEO
GreenOrder
New York City

Correction

In our special report on sales ("Turning Sales Into Science," December), we incorrectly listed Hoover's as one of the sources Before the Call uses to research sales contacts. Before the Call's partners include Factiva, IDExec, Google, ZoomInfo, LinkedIn, and Harte-Hanks.

To alert us to an error, send an e-mail to corrections@inc.com. To submit a letter, write to mail@inc.com or Inc. Letters, 375 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017. Letters may be edited for space and style. Submission constitutes permission to use.