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This story originally appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It was added to the Mississippi Free Press website in 2025.
Note that any opinions expressed in legacy Jackson Free Press stories do not reflect a position of the Mississippi Free Press or necessarily of its staff and board members.

Keith Davis Don’t hire friends or neighbors. It never ends well.

Glenda Barner Have some firm capital for when times are tight.

Tanya Francis Write a detailed business plan and don’t expect to make a profit immediately.

Pete Castorena Pray and thank God. Depending on what type of business, always greet your customers. When a mistake occurs, take action by making it right. That customer will bring in more business! Your best advertisement is word of mouth!

Rob Alexander Saying “yes” when presented with a challenging opportunity will open doors for you, and one of those doors will lead you to the path of success.

Kandie Itisme Love and have passion for your business.

Taylor Brahman Go to college.

Doug Yoakum Never lose sight of God’s presence, because he is always in control!

Tyler Edward Ricketts Quit while you’re ahead.

Mississippi native Donna Ladd and partner Todd Stauffer founded the Jackson Free Press in 2002 in the capital city. The heavily awarded local newspaper did many investigations heralded across the state and nation and served as a paper of record due to its diversity, inclusion, in-depth reporting and deep connection to readers and dedication to narrative change in and about Mississippi. In 2022, the nonprofit Mississippi Free Press, founded by Ladd and JFP Associate Publisher Kimberly Griffin in 2020, purchased the journalism assets and archives of the Jackson Free Press. A Google grant through AAN Publishers enabled Newspack's integration of the JFP archives into the Mississippi Free Press website to become part of a more searchable archive of recent Mississippi history and essential journalism.