Unemployment Rate Refers - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 773 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2019/10/31 Category Economics Essay Level High school Tags: Macroeconomics Essay Did you like this example? Unemployment rate refers to the percentage of people in a nation with the total labor force but unable to secure jobs. In most cases, people are considered unemployed if they currently are not able to get jobs despite the fact that they are willing and able to work. This limits most people in acquiring their human wants effectively, because they are not able to afford them. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Unemployment Rate Refers" essay for you Create order Unemployment has been a major tragedy in USA and other western countries the governments of these nations have tried to address this issue in various ways to ensure that people are able to secure jobs to in private and public sectors. In USA unemployment rate has emerged in a situation where the economy has grown slowly, the economy begins to contraction or recessionary. This makes the sales of various products to declines which in turn leads to the decline of business and a slow growth rate of GDP. It has also been discovered that unemployment in the USA other countries unemployment occurs due to the instability of the state due to the fluctuation of its currencies and changes in the economy in general. When the GDP of the country is affected in most cases it creates unemployment in the country this can also lead to an economic slowdown. The recession of the economy has also been the major causes of unemployment in the USA this is because during this business cycle there is a lot of contraction in the business. In this because during this period many businesses do not operate well which leads to unemployment for the citizens of the country. If this condition of recession is prolonged it may cause a sharp decline in economic activities leading to a depression that in turn lead to lack of jobs to many people who are in the age bracket of seeking employment. Labor participation rate refers to the population that is in the action in the job industry. This includes the section of people who are active between the age of 16-64. This contains the major section of the population that is able to work and earn for their living participatory. Labor participatory in the USA has not been so effective this is because of inadequate opportunities that are available in the job market. This may lead to the labor to as the section of working population in the age group of 16-64 in the economy currently employed or seeking employment. People who are still undergoing studies, housewives, and persons above the age of 64 are not reckoned in the labor force. The unemployment rate is usually used as the economic metrics to gauge the health of the U.S. job market. On the hand, the participation rate measures the percentage of Americans people who are in the labor force. The unemployment rate measures the percentage within the labor force thats currently without a job. In the USA the labor participator rate is low comparing to the population that is in the county this leads to unemployment in the country. Governments in most cases strive to ensure that there is a high labor participatory rate in the country. Labor participatory has been taken seriously in the USA, people have been advised to be involved in the job market so that they ensure reduced cases of unemployment in the country. This can be done both in public and private sectors. The rate of labor participatory in the market determines the level of unemployment. For instance, when the rate of labor participatory in the job market is high there are low cases of unemployment hence the government sensitizes people in the involvement of labor task forces to reduce the cases of unemployment. Reduced unemployment may contribute to the growth of the GDP of the county. In this case study the published unemployment rate actually misleads vis-a-vis economic conditions because it tries to give various ways of encountering with unemployment which is not addressing the issue in the right way this has a continuous long-term effect in the country because the issue of unemployment affect the whole country due to the fact that it tampers with the GDP of the nation. Unemployment has got also the negative effect on the economic prosperity of the nation this is because when many people are unemployed they involve in social misfit activities such as theft this may affect the country negatively. References Gwartney, J.D., Stroup, R. L., Sobel, R. S., Macpherson, D.A. (2014). Macroeconomics: private and public choice (15th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. Guilford, G. (2018, June 7). Americans need to stop obsessing over the unemployment rate. Retrieved from https://qz.com/1297561/the-dazzling-us-unemployment-rate-is-blinding-americans-to-a-much-darker-reality/

Tragedy in Antigone by Sophocles and Blackfish - 771 Words

Karl Marx, the German philosopher, once said â€Å"History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.† For me, this quote clearly describes the overarching relationship between Blackfish and Antigone. This analogy starts with Antigone, written about an oppressed woman against the fists of tyranny. That early in history woman’s rights was often taboo at places, and democracy was only recently established. Yet, Antigone went against the norm by focusing on a heroine that challenged male authority and nobility, thus making it revolutionary. Now, an unbelievably eye-opening documentary, Blackfish has been produced about a â€Å"company-despot† that values money over life and recognition over morals. In this story, the life of a killer-whale†¦show more content†¦Blackfish, on the other hand, was created with the goal to change society in mind, and did this by pressing a recent, overlooked problem to the audience. As this was set in current times, it d irectly affected many of us. My own money has been used for SeaWorld and its attractions, and after finding out how they have used the money, it has helped accredit for some of my new found dissent towards the company. As a documentary, it presented many graphic and touching scenes that were awfully traumatic. These powerful scenes struck nerves for many, as it was hard to take in, and have helped Blackfish garner national and international attention. Sadly, many people still don’t know what is happening behind the scenes, and are still being exploited because of this. I am thankful for Blackfish, as it will ensure that I won’t ever be taken advantage of by SeaWorld. By using strong examples and imagery to prove a point against a nationally acclaimed and visited company, Blackfish has swayed me, alongside my heart, to choose it as more impacting. More important than historical backgrounds or impacts to society (for me), is how both stories impacted myself. Antigone started by opening my eyes to the calamities of Greek drama. It gave me crucial insights to the lives of the past people: the ever-lasting importance of religion from their eyes, and the fight for

Retail Establishment Business Plan

Question: Discuss about the term of Retail Establishment for Business Plan. Answer: About the Company Company details Stylistly will be located in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida. Our company is a retail establishment selling fashionable women's clothing and accessories to all generations of women. Stylistly will be a multi-member Limited Liability Corporation formally organized in Florida. Saikiran and Sharath reddy are the company's principle owners. We hold equal shares of ownership in the company. Positioning of retail outlets We have identified an ideal spot in the downtown district of West Palm Beach. The gorgeous area includes numerous restaurants, an art gallery, coffee shop, candy store and a picturesque park in the town square. We will sign a store of 1800 to 1900 squre foot building at $13 to $15 per square foot. Comparable properties are renting for $12-18 SF/Year. Working with the property owner and the City of West Palm Beach Downtown Redevelopment Committee, We will require some of the funds for painting and renovation the location and to make some changes. When considering the addition of wall mounts for merchandise, multi-level clothing displays as well as creative floor planning, the facility is should be large enough to support future growth. Additionally, we will be able to conduct all aspects of our business from this location. This includes deliveries and shipments, inventory management and administrative duties such as finance, buying and marketing. Board of members Our key assets are our co-owners, Saikiran Mannava and Sharath Reddy Marikanti, who bring tremendous experience and relationships to this business. Once Stylistly is launched, our primary asset will be our brand, which will convey style, quality and a great shopping experience. In the long term, it is this brand that will separate Stylistly from other retailers both locally and nationally. Goods and Services Product and pricing Stylistly will sell a combination of widely recognized name brands as well as clothing lines from select fashion designers. We will closely follow generational fashion trends as well as our own customers' purchasing preferences. Moreover, we will tailor our inventory to meet the needs of our clientele. Solely focusing on the styles, colors and fits to flatter the female figure of all generations will be our specialty. While apparel, such as business clothing, casual wear, jeans and formal wear will be our main staple, we will also offer some accessories such as belts, scarves, and hats. Profits will be earned via the sale of our merchandise. Our pricing structure will remain flexible, as we will implement suggested retail pricing on common brands as well as the standard practice of key stoning prices. Additionally, we will utilize a value-based pricing structure, which measures the value of our products to our customers such as easy access, quality, customer service and styles flattering to our target consumer. End of season sales, holiday and overstock sales, multi-buy savings and promotional coupons will be implemented at strategic intervals. Specialization of products One key feature that separates Stylistly from all other local boutiques and chain department stores in the area is our commitment to providing women of all generations stylish, quality clothing options. Because our primary concern will be ensuring our consumers are happy with the fit and style of their purchase, we will provide products tailored to all shapes and sizes of women. In addition, we will make every effort to have petite and plus size versions of our merchandise in stock. If they are not in stock, ordering them will be easy, cheap and efficient. Further, Stylistly will not just be a store that sells clothes. Our clientele will benefit from an experienced, knowledgeable sales staff. Out of the gate, our goal is to implement a superior customer service system. Beyond our friendly reception and an inviting atmosphere, Stylistly will also offer customers fashion information and advice. Our trained personnel will provide counsel that women simply cannot find at other clothing stores. The service will be likened to a beautician who offers advice on what hair styles best complement his/her client's face. Our hip and qualified fashion-industry expertise will ensure our customers walk away with the perfect outfit. Market Competition In West Palm Beach, there are no direct competitors offering our unique services or targeting all the generations at once specifically. In the Downtown District, the shops most closely competing with Stylistly are as follows: EcoWise Boutique, which targets a younger demographic and specializes in natural fiber clothing. They also carry local art and jewelry. Caddy Corner Kids, which targets parents shopping for children, specializes in children's clothing, accessories and toys. Kati Kouture, which targets younger women, specializes in offering industrial chic clothing with "classic lines and a punk gothic edge." Marjorie Joe's Fashion Gifts targets older women within our target demographic, but specializes in the more homemade, old-fashioned style clothing. Petal Place Boutique targets women within our target demographic as well, but they specialize in an affordable, folksy style of clothing with handmade shawls and embroidered shirt sets. Second Time Around targets women and may overlap our target demographic slightly. However, they specialize in consignment clothing. There is one super-store within a 60-mile radius of West Palm Beach. The store is similar to Wal-Mart in that it sells lesser quality items at lower price. But there are two chain department stores. They sell men's, women's and children's clothing along with home accents, electronics and appliances. While familiarity is comforting, industry research indicates increasing frustration with the inferior quality, subpar customer service and vastness of super-stores. Not to mention, the inept sales staff and lack of selection often found at department stores. Competitive advantage To date, our primary competitive advantage is the absence of any store like ours in the West Palm Beach area. In addition, company co-owner, Sharath, has worked in the fashion industry for more than 8 years. Her experience includes working with apparel retailers, clothing wholesalers, garment manufacturers, and fashion designers. He understands the fashion industry and knows how to spot the latest trends. While there is no guarantee a competitor will locate within our area, we have no doubt in our fashion sense, outstanding customer service and quality products. In turn we will quickly establish Stylistly as the place for lady any generation to shop. Also, we would be the only niche fashion retail-store for hip, older women. While other stores offer some style equivalents, they are focused solely on anyone generation. We are focused on all kinds of women, and therefore, have a distinct competitive advantage in our niche. Our supplier relationships and exclusive product offerings will prevent future competitors from entering the market as a competitor. Also, it takes time to build a retail store, and by the time a competitor attempts to compete with us directly, we will have already established a strong customer base. Business growth As our company grows and our boutique earns a positive reputation, several opportunities will open to us. And we are considering some options already. Should we choose to remain a small local boutique, we will develop and grow our company by increasing existing clothing lines and expanding our selection to include additional products such as swim wear, lingerie, or sportswear. Within five years, we will assess the potential for franchising our stores in select locations. Additionally, as we build our business, we plan to simultaneously develop an online Stylistly. The power and ease of an online storefront is obvious to us, and we plan to develop one quickly and efficiently. We also see the potential for regional and/or national expansion at some point. Market research Customer targeting Stylistly is a business-to-consumer retail company. We do realize that we will likely attract some younger women with our peripheral products (handbags, scarves, etc.). Moreover, we expect a portion of our products to catch on with the younger generations. It's important that we do not offer products that are exclusive to the older audience only. While those born in the 1940's are still slightly more conservative, those born during the 1950's and 60's were trailblazers and trendsetters. Specifically, these will be the women we target vigorously with our marketing and offerings. These women range in age from their mid 40's to late 50's. They value uniqueness, convenience, service and quality. As they retire, price does become a factor in decision-making. At the same time, they were always a generation of the "buy now and pay later" philosophy. Market Analysis West Palm Beach accommodates a robust retail market. While car dealerships, grocers and home improvement retailers account for a sizable portion of the retail market, the main local shopping district is downtown. With tree-lined streets and quaint shops and restaurants, the downtown retail district is the social and shopping hub of the community. The current population of West Palm Beach is just 104,513. 51.85 percent are women who have a median age of 40. Their median income is above the national average at $48,600. In addition to local consumers, we will also benefit from tourist traffic. Our town boasts a healthy and recession-proof tourism industry. In addition, West Palm Beach hosts several annual craft and golf events, which bring several thousand of our target consumers into the area each year. Customer trends The retail fashion industry is a solid business with ever-changing styles and ever-present consumer demand. While supercenters and megastores ruled the past two decades, more and more consumers are looking for change. They're searching for a more serene and customer-friendly shopping experience. This is true especially for those nearing retirement age. In reality, as the Baby Boomers numbers decrease, there will be fe0wer older Generation X-ers to sell to. However, this market decrease will not occur for at least twenty years. Even then, clothing will always be in high demand. The fashion industry in America has been thriving since the advent of moving pictures. S.W.O.T analysis Strengths Experience and understanding of the fashion industry Unique shopping experience with exceptional customer service Great downtown location Large and growing consumer base Weaknesses Untested market in West Palm Beach While market is large, it is a niche market Opportunities Outstanding shopping experience will lead to repeat business Growing online Stylistly Establish a Stylistly clothing line Threats Cost and effectiveness of marketing to women New retail shops that may or may not open in the future Strategies and implementation Company viewpoint Our company's core business strategy is to combine exceptional and knowledgeable customer service with quality stylish merchandise. And in turn, we'll provide an enjoyable shopping experience for our customers. Stylistly's mission is to offer women of the all generation a wide selection of fashionable, figure-flattering clothing. Our aim is to establish our company as a pioneer in this youth-obsessed industry and build a boutique brand name that will be synonymous with the fashion industry revolution. Evolution of product We are currently working with several apparel wholesalers, garment manufacturers and some freelance fashion designers to assemble our inventory. We are also working with city economic-development officials to secure all required permits and occupational licensees. Once financing is secured, we will move ahead with renting the store and start with the renovations and materials required for store set up as well as purchasing inventory, retail displays, and office supplies. Prior to the grand opening of Stylistly, we will schedule an event with the Chamber of Commerce and commence with pre-publicity flyers, advertising and additional marketing activities. Social approach As the Internet has become a staple of American life and retail merchandising, Stylistly will have a viable Web site. We have secured the domain name Stylistly.com and will begin site development as funds become available. Further, we plan to hire an established Web designer that will accept modest pay in exchange for future profit-sharing. Foremost, we intend to showcase our brand, our clothing and provide customers with the ability to purchase items online. As the site progresses, we will include features such as fashion advice, designer interviews, newsletters, and Internet-only specials. Eventually, we hope to establish and nurture an online social community where women can gather and discuss topics of the day, network and share clothing secrets. Marketing policies We both have strong marketing backgrounds and recognize the significance of effective marketing. We expect our strategy to draw consumers into Stylistly from the very beginning. Moreover we will hire a local PR firm to help us develop and implement a strategic marketing plan and guide our publicity efforts in a cost-effective manner. Our goal is to keep our marketing budget to no more than 5% of our gross annual sales. We will partner with local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Merchants Association as often as possible. Stylistly's initial marketing efforts will remain local as we establish a presence in our community. These will rely heavily on local print and broadcast media coverage, traditional advertising, signage, a direct mail marketing campaign and networking. A significant portion of our advertising budget will be allocated to print and broadcast media. Of course, we will build anticipation and excitement about the new boutique prior to its grand opening. This will include hors drovers donated by the bistro across the street and a silent auction of a local artist's painting collection. The collection is currently on display in the Downtown Art League Gallery. Finally, marketing opportunities will be continually utilized as we expand our business and our consumer numbers grow. Sales planning Stylistly plans to generate sales via strategic marketing efforts. These concentrated efforts will be targeting new and returning customers as well as single-visit tourist consumers. We will also implement a referral program rewarding customers who refer new customers with discount coupons. Following our grand opening, we will conduct a direct-mail campaign to targeted consumers that we have signed up through our in-store mailing program. The direct mailers will be comprised of 5,000 full-color postcard mailers. Each will include at 10% coupon. We will offer promotional discounts and seasonal and clearance sales throughout the year. Stylistly will accept cash and payment via major credit and debit cards. Cash layaway plans will also be permitted. Returns and exchanges must take place within 30 days of purchase and receipts are mandatory. Our sales staff will include both co-owners and 2-3 part-times sales associates. Combined, Sharath and Sai have nearly 10 years experience in the fashion and retail industries. Comprehensive training will be provided to each sales associate - to include selling merchandise as well as how to provide fashion advice to customers. Our sales team will earn an hourly rate, plus a generous percentage of commission from each sale. Business activity As a retail establishment, Stylistly will conduct business seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. During the holiday seasons and during special events, store hours will be extended. At this point, the retail store will take require approximately 2/3 of the building's available space. The remainder will be utilized for stock and administrative purposes. In addition to the two full-time co-owners, three part-time employees will be hired to serve customers. Our company will secure merchandise from local manufacturers with showrooms in Orlando and Miami. We'll also have access to the Florida Apparel Market, which is the largest wholesale merchandise warehouse in the state. Purchasing from FAM, buyers receive product displays and promotional materials with purchase. Additionally, we will work closely with our regional sales representative. We will also attend relevant pre-season fashion trade shows. To control costs, track inventory and manage stock levels, an inventory control system will be set in place. This will include the standard bar code with its related equipment and software. Staff will conduct annual inventory audits and hire outside auditors when necessary. All accounting and finances will be maintained using software. Goals and objectives The following is a list of business goals and milestones we wish to accomplish our first year of operations. Complete renovating, stocking, hiring and initial marketing. Host a successful grand-opening event. Penetrate and raise awareness in 60 percent our targeted consumer market. Achieve a profit margin of 50 percent. Build a solid customer base and mailing list. Generate repeat and referral sales. Become a profitable business with expansion potential. Establish a solid reputation as quality retail establishment. Our first major milestones will be securing funds and setting up our business. This is our major focus right now. In five years, we hope to have established our retail business within the community and within our industry. Furthermore, as co-owners, we would like to see the growth of our store with an increase in product lines, further penetration of the national market with online sales and, under the right set of circumstances, the opening of franchise Stylistlys in strategic locations. Future proposal The co-owners intend to launch and grow Stylistly for many years into the future. In the event that our investors require repayment of their initial investments, plus a large return on their investments, we will seek a partner to buyout the investors' shares. Another alternative is a management buyout, which will be agreed upon in advance. In the long term, we will position Stylistly as a profitable business that will be an appealing acquisition for any number of retail chains. Company management Business framework As a small business, we will have a small staff. Both co-owners will assume leadership roles within the company and will be responsible for daily operations, overseeing marketing efforts, buying merchandise and managing inventory and all other administrative duties. A small sales staff will assist co-owners with securing sales, assisting customers and general maintenance of stock on the floor. Administration Saikiran and Sharath are co-owners and will co-manage Stylistly. However, daily responsibilities will differ. Sai will manage the day-to-day operations including supervising staff, maintaining inventory and bookkeeping. Sai worked ten years in the retail industry including four years as a manager of an antique furniture shop. Sai earned a BA degree in finance from Britannica College in Tampa, Florida. Sharath will oversee the merchandise buying for the store as well as maintain a keen awareness of trends within the industry. He will also work with our public relations firm to ensure superior marketing plans are in place and implemented. Jensen worked in the fashion industry in various capacities working with designers, wholesalers and retailers for 8 years. She earned a BA in fashion merchandising from Colliers Fashion Institute in Miami, Florida. Employment structure Stylistly will employ a sales staff of 3 part-time employees. These positions are yet to be filled. However, we feel the labor pool is such that finding qualified employees will not be an issue. Our sales associates will be paid an hourly wage, plus commission. Bonuses will be provided with each year of service following an annual review to encourage employee retention. Financial footprint Fund raising Stylistly will need $282,000 to get our business off the ground. We are currently seeking funding from outside investors and business loans. At this time we have raised $50,000 in equity capital and an additional $12,000 for a specific-use grant. Both co-owners, Saikiran and Sharath, have invested $25,000 each into Stylistly. We are seeking investors for an additional $170,000 in equity investment and $50,000 in loans. Usage of finances Funds will be used to pay for renovations, including the outside faade, construction of fitting rooms, sales counter, painting, carpeting, lighting, and decor and display fixtures. We will also purchase inventory, a cash register, computer equipment and an inventory management system. The remainder of the start-up funds will be utilized to cover operating expenses, such as rent, utilities, marketing costs and wages. Revenue forecasting Based on our marketing plans, location, store size and product offerings, we expect to collect annual sales of $285,000 in year one, $375,000 in year two and $525,000 in year three. Our average cost of goods sold will be 40%, which leaves us with a gross margin of 60%. Our minimum monthly fixed costs are $15,500 per month, so we will need to generate sales of $25,833 per month to break even. We will become profitable on a monthly basis before the end of our first year. In our third year, we will earn net income of $105,000. The accompanying income statement demonstrates our company's profitability. Cash flow statement Our business will collect immediate payment from customers, so our cash flow statement will be substantially similar to our income statement. Our cash flow statement clearly demonstrates our ability to cover all bills. Company balance sheet Stylistly will launch with $220,000 in equity capital and $50,000 in loans. Credit amounts and supplier terms for inventory will appear in our balance sheet as short-term liabilities. Jewelry consignments from vendors will not be documented in our balance sheet and will be expensed as these items are sold. Details are shown in our enclosed balance sheet. Hypothesis Our projections are based on the assumption that the economy, consumer spending habits and population growth in West Palm Beach will continue for the foreseeable future. We must also assume that our present and future suppliers will continue to sell inventory to us at prices that allow us to maintain our present margins. It is also important that we are able to hire reliable employees at reasonable wages.

Profile Essay free essay sample

Paige Plantier Profile Essay Brother Gagon Eng 101 10 June 2010 It’s Meatloaf Night! â€Å"Pick up the pace guys, its meatloaf night! † Exclaimed Pleasant Grove High School track coach Bill Saunders. You could see the pain and agony that the athletes were experiencing as they made their final laps around the track in attempt to finish off that day’s workout. The mid afternoon sun was beating down on the young adults and you could see tears of sweat running from their faces. Bill Saunders has been the track coach at Pleasant Grove for four consecutive seasons now and says, â€Å"There is no greater feeling of success than seeing the smiling faces of those athletes who achieve their season goals! † As the old saying goes, â€Å"Those who can’t, teach. † Those are the precise words that got Bill Saunders to where he is today. As a child he spent his entire life growing up in the same brown colored house in Alpine, Utah. We will write a custom essay sample on Profile Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page While in high school Bill decided to join the track team as a fun after school activity with his friends. He had never truly enjoyed running before so his expectations for the season weren’t exactly high by any means. Bill decided to join the long distance team his first season in ninth grade. Bill recalls contemplating quitting the team after the extreme amounts of pain he had been in after the first week. However, his mother, being the pushy, strong, good example in his life that he had needed, told him that if you start something, you must finish it, â€Å"I didn’t raise quitters! He took his mothers words to heart and from that point he changed his mind set about track and went forth with the rest of the season having the goal of getting the school record for the one mile run. â€Å"It was a lot of hard work and I remember going to practice some days feeling like absolute garbage, but I knew what I had to do if I was ever going to reach my goals, so I stuck to it, and did just that. † At the end of his first track season, Bill had in fact broken the school rec ord for the one mile run at the end-of-the-season regional meet. He then went on to states and placed 5th overall. â€Å"If you asked me at the beginning of the season if I was going to be going to states that season, I would have said, ‘yeah right’, but it just goes to show when you set your mind to something you can do anything, and that’s what I want for my athletes, I want them to set goals, and succeed. † For the remaining years of high school bill continued to run track and went on to earn many state titles for various events. Graduating from high school at age seventeen, bill was able to complete two full years of schooling at Utah’s very own, Brigham Young University, along with two seasons of indoor track, and two seasons of outdoor track, before serving a two year mission in Pocatello, Idaho, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He claims, â€Å"I was a Cougar at heart, and on the track. † (Making reference to his speed. ) Bill explains in detail about how going on a mission was the greatest thing that he could have ever done with his life, and that he spiritually learned more in that two years then what he learned his entire life being a member. He then goes on to say though, that once those two years were over, he was ready to start running again. This time he decided to stay away from the track team and go for longer distances. He began training for Salt Lake City marathon and was determined to finish. That April he ran the marathon and finished with an astonishing time of three hours, forty minutes and twenty-eight seconds, which is a remarkable for a first timer. Just past the finish line he remembers seeing a thin young girl drinking a bottle of water, and immediately that â€Å"wow† factor went off in his head. He remembers thinking to himself, â€Å"That’s the woman I’m going to marry! † With that in mind, he went over and asked her out on a date. She accepted and one year later they were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple. The two of them spent the next couple years together finishing their schooling and training together for various marathons throughout the state of Utah. In October 2005 Bill and his wife, Keri, had been training to run in the St. George Marathon. This was going to be the last marathon that they would run before the arrival of their new son. After which Keri was going to have to take it easy from running for a while. She was due in January of 2006, but that wasn’t going to stop her from running the race. Weeks leading up to the race, the two of them were enjoying each other’s company while going on long training runs through the canyons and what not. The day of the race had finally arrived and Bill recalls feeling â€Å"especially good,† for that particular race. However, 2 hours and about 18 miles into the race, Bill tore his Achilles tendon, which removed him from the race and his running career all at the same time. He explains, â€Å"After about three surgeries and 6 months of physical therapy I was able to walk again without crutches, but running has never truly been the same for me since. † He then goes on to add, â€Å"It’s funny, out of the two of us I was sure the fat pregnant lady was going to be the one having problems that race, but no, she kicked my butt and showed me how it’s done, it was a humbling experience, and I truly love her. † That following December, Bill and Keri both graduated from Brigham Young University. Bill with a master degree in Education, and Keri with a degree in family and marriage counseling. Just a short month later they celebrated the birth of their first son, named Andrew, and was living in a quaint house together in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Four months later Bill was given a job teaching high school Physics at Pleasant Grove High School, for the summer school program and then was given a full-time teaching job for the next fall. A year later the school was in need of a new cross country and track and field coach. Bill thought that he was perfect for the job and applied. The school board found his running resume not only lengthy but impressive and felt that he was more than qualified for the coaching job. Bill explains, â€Å"My teaching and coaching jobs do take up a bit more time from my family than I would like but with the two jobs, it’s enough money to support my wife and son so that she doesn’t have to go to work, and can stay home and take care of the responsibilities that I could not perform as well as her. Like balancing the checkbook and laundry and stuff like that, and she actually enjoys it which is the best part, I would never stand in the way of letting her have a career if that’s what she truly wanted. But for right now, they system we have works for us. † â€Å"Alright you bunch of Sally’s, hit the showers, your done for today,† exclaimed Coach Saunders. The practice was over, and so was my time speaking to him. Bill Saunders truly is a man with a passion for running, although he is no longer able to compete for himself, it brings him great joy in knowing that if he pushes his athletes as hard as he pushed himself when he was their ages, that they can have the same amount of success as he did. As I was about to leave and head back toward my car I heard him shout to me to stop for a second. As I turned my head to look back at him, he looked me in the eye and in a stern voice he said to me, â€Å"I really do love this job, and my life, and my family, and now, I’m going to go eat my meatloaf! † I stood there and chuckled for a moment, shook my head from left to right and then took off toward my car again.