Profile the brothers. Are they typical “small business”

people or “entrepreneurs” or both? Is there really a difference?

Derrick and Kevin Petersen, twin brothers from a small town outside of Chicago, will soon graduate from a local business school. The boys have remained inseparable throughout their lives, including sports, hobbies, friends, and work. Decision time is now facing the young men in terms of career choices and tracks. While the brothers have always shared an interest in becoming business owners, their individual goals and newly acquired management training and vision may very well have them going separate ways after all these years.

The Petersen family owns and operates a very successful auto repair and towing business. Each of the five children in the family has worked for their parents throughout high school and during summers throughout college. The boys’ parents took over the one-man business nearly 30 years ago. Since that time, they have purchased and now maintain a fleet of seven tow trucks and have expanded the garage to include four bays that provide a wide range of auto and truck repair services. The business generates about $4,000,000 in sales, a higher than industry average profit margin, and has provided the once poor family with a very good life.