"The Business of America is Business"

So said our 30th President Calvin Coolidge, and he should know. "Silent Cal" was born and raised - and witnessed commerce in action - in a very modest home attached to the back of his father's store in rural Plymouth Notch, Vermont.

Since small businesses similar to this are the largest "driver" in the U.S, economy, I thought we'd take a fresh look at a few successful small business innovators over the next couple of months. These creative people may spark some ideas for you to incorporate in your own schooling and entrepreneurial efforts, as we discuss in Open Doors.

We'll also take a look at how such innovation is fostered - in other words, is successful entrepreneurism a happy accident by people who are simply born that way? Or, are there habits and disciplines that people develop to propel themselves to business success? Or, is it sometimes a combination of the two – internal motivators, along with external environments designed by effort or perhaps just chance? I think you'll enjoy what we're going to learn in the days ahead!

First, however, we're going to take a look at basic business concepts, terms and practices. Then, in just a couple of weeks, we'll take a look at two other Vermont natives whose present day business is located not far away from the Coolidges' home place - now known as the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site.

Meanwhile, add to your history this school year by taking a look at their website to familiarize yourself with the home and life of our 30th president. And, if you live in the Northeast part of the U.S., traveling to his home in Plymouth Notch could become a memorable scenic road trip!