After a combined total of 53 years in the education field, Patty and Louie Falk of Park Rapids stepped into uncharted territory as entrepreneurs when they purchased existing business, "Bookshelf N' Office Supply."

Business ownership was a new experience for them, although the idea had been turning over in their minds for several years. "We always thought that when we retired from teaching that we would have some kind of arts and crafts store. That's the only kind of store that we had really given any thought to having."

However, a different opportunity came knocking. Studies show that the average entrepreneur doesn't have just one business idea, but a number of ideas. The Falks were no exception. Although they had always planned on owning a handcraft store when they reached retirement, one day when Patty was shopping in one of her favorite local stores, "Bookshelf 'n Office Supply," another idea became firmly wedged in her mind. Pattie said to herself "You know this wouldn't be such a bad business to own."

Although neither of them was ready to retire, Patty was at a point in her life where she was ready for a new challenge. Patty and challenge. Though she had thoroughly enjoyed her time in the classroom, she was ready for a career change.

The Falks knew the couple that owned the business, but according to Patty, "we never wanted to ask them if it was for sale because we didn't want them to think that they should retire." However, after much delibera-approached the current owner and asked if she would be interested in selling the business. As it turned out, she was interested.

Business ownership was appealing, but they didn't feel they knew enough about it, so Patty attended a Business Basics class offered by the Minnesota Women's Business Center. In reference to the class, she said, "Instructor, Geri Underdahl, was very candid in what business ownership involves. Later we signed up for the Core Four business-planning class. It was extremely beneficial to both of us having never been in retail before. We felt the class was tailor-made for us."

Since Patty and Louie are both teachers, they are firm believers in homework! Patty said prospective entre-preneurs really need to "do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions before going into business." She continued by saying that it "also has to be something that you are totally and completely interested in." For Patty, that meant that "Bookshelf 'n Office Supply" would be a perfect fit for her. "If I could choose one thing to do whenever I have a free minute, it would be reading," she said. "People come in and they know I read a lot, so we can talk about all the different authors. For me, it is just pure pleasure..."

Patty has completely retired from teaching and actively manages the day to day business decisions, while Louie (who has kept his teaching position), plays a supportive role by helping with the accounting and record-keeping.

After almost a full year of business ownership, they know that business ownership was the right decision for them. They both feel that the time they invest in the store isn't just a job, but that it is a ministry.

Since it is a Christian bookstore, many times people come in with emotional and spiritual needs, which they frequently share with Patty. She offers them a listening ear and a caring spirit. "I'm not in this to see how much money I can make," she said. "I want to live comfortably and I want to pay all my bills but the reward isn't just financial. If it was just financial, it wouldn't really mean a lot."