Chicago: Joseph Johnson started his business in 1936 and he had already been ten years in the insurance business! On the day we taped this show, he drove to his office.

In 2002 he turned 100 years old. Like Ebby Halliday, he certainly discovered the Fountain of Youth and he knew the meaning and value of life.

We take you to the great city of Chicago to see what we can learn from a man who ran his business and lived longer than anyone we've had the privilege to meet -- Joseph Johnson was a servant to his customers. And, he considered that a profound honor.

He died on September 10, 2003.

From the first overview of this episode of the show, this is what we said, "Johnson Funeral home makes house calls; they go to their customers. Mr. Johnson said, "How insensitive to ask grieving family members to come to a funeral home to make arrangements." For that reason, Mr. Johnson has developed loyalties among families that span generations.

"You also meet Charlie Beaumont, and Joe Fairly. They, too, know who they are and know what they want to do. Some people call that a "calling."

By knowing themselves, having a mission, they confidently go about living their lives most fully.

• Your work can be your calling.
• Respect for the other person builds a team.
• Repeat business is the best business.

• READ THE TRANSCRIPT: All the words of this show, for free!

• ANSWER THE QUESTIONS CASE STUDY GUIDE

• LOOK AT STEP 1: INITIAL IDEA. Deciding on a business path should be easy. Take a look at the first chapter of Hattie's book, Beating the Odds. You get some help to answer the question, ."What is your personal magic?" It is singularly the most important question you can answer in your lifetime.

• MARKETING SEGMENT. Marketing advisor, John Wargo, explains how we very small business owners can use new technology to reach customers.

• A LEGACY. What is the value of a life? Perhaps it is what they say about you when you are gone. There is another publication where they talk about Dr. Joseph Johnson yet you have to page down to 10 of 32.

• WATCH A SHOW: To find out which show is airing on your local PBS-member station, click here.

• COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS. We invite your comments and questions. Was the show inpsirational and/or educational?

• CONTACT:
  This funeral home is now called Pickett's Johnson Funeral Home
  409 West North Avenue
  Chicago, Illinois 60610
  Tel: 312.642.5359
  Fax: 312.642.8865
  

• For further study: Read Michael Novak 's Business as Calling.