Stats

I re-opened my studio last week. I have to say I have concerns abut opening a "new" business in the present economic climate but I was sent some figures that reassure me.
I opened my first school in the Chicago area in mid-1976. According to the data I have, the national unemployment rate was 7.8%. When I relocated it in 1980 or so the rate was 7.5%, having dropped into the 5% range in 1978. It dropped into that range again in the late 80's. When I moved to Florida in late 1991 and opened the studio here in January 1992 it was 7.3%. It was in the 5% range again in 1994 and went to 3.9% in 2000. It's been creeping up since then and the February 2009 number is 8.1%.
With the exception of the two-year gap from 2007 to now, I have been in the karate business since 1976, over 30 years. I, and other well-run schools, have weathered the recessions more than once. And we'll do it again.