Finding a second: Some people dream about being their own boss, others make it happen

For Charles Bertrand, owning the Spanish Street Mercantile in Cape Girardeau was always part of his retirement plan. While working as a principal and history teacher in Jacksonville, Texas, he always knew he was going to return to his hometown and pursue his love of antiques.

"I knew I was going to put in an antique store in a historic downtown area. Where can you find a more historical downtown than on the banks of the Mississippi River? Cape Girardeau is so good for antiques," Bertrand said.

While owning an antique store and working in the education field may seem quite different to some, Bertrand said the two jobs are more alike than many may realize.

"There is a lot of interaction with people. You are constantly communicating. The antiques are demonstrating history. I am still teaching history," he said.

While the store keeps him busy and the hours spent pursuing new acquisitions are anything but 9 to 5, he said he really likes the challenges.

"I enjoy it. I couldn't retire. You can only drink so much coffee and read so many newspapers," Bertrand said.

Like Bertrand, Rick Hetzel also had a plan for a new career after retirement. After a career in the military and serving as a police chief in suburban Atlanta and in Cape Girardeau, he was ready to do something based on a lifelong passion.

"I played golf as a child. I have been blessed with wonderful travel opportunities. While traveling to Scotland, I met a young man from Ireland and we formed Irish Golf Vacations," Hetzel said. He said his company creates custom golf packages to Ireland and Scotland. He is also active in organizing local golf programs and clinics, as well as offering golf instruction.

In addition to his golf business, Hetzel owns rental properties and real estate. He flips houses and has recently finished writing a book.

"My basic goal is to redefine retirement. I have never been one to let grass grow under my feet. I enjoy new challenges. The beauty of it is now I pick the challenges," Hetzel said.

When Sharon Ebersohl was in college, she always thought about starting her own business. After serving as manager of the Cape Girardeau Macy's, she decided to open Kid Biz, a children's consignment shop.

"When I went to college, I received a degree in business administration with a specialization in entrepreneurship. Owning my own business has always been a thought in the back of my mind," she said.

To prepare herself for owning the store, Ebersohl called upon much of the knowledge she gained while working in retail.

"I learned business development, customer service, how to set up a store and how to price items," she said. For information about how to establish a business, Ebersohl said she consulted with University of Missouri Extension Office in Jackson.

While the venture has been challenging, she said it has not been without its rewards.

"It has been good. I still work 60 hours a week, but I have more flexibility and that is important to me. It is rewarding to be able to fill a need in the community," she said.