Age: 47

Highest Education: "I have a bachelor's degree from Stanford University in Economics and Human Biology, and have been working on an master's at the Edinburgh Business School in Scotland for several years. I hope to finish it by 2005 and take the family to graduation ceremonies in Scotland."

Year Started Business: 1995

Type Of Business: Writing and book publishing

Market: There are several markets: the publishers that publish his business books and articles, the people for whom he ghostwrites books, and the many readers who read and buy his books.

Number Of Employees: One

Best Month (Gross Revenues): $23,500

Hours Worked Per Week During Start-Up: At least 50 hours plus 40 hours at a full-time job that provided a steady paycheck and benefits while Peter built up his own business

Hours Worked Per Week Now: 50 to 60

Favorite Business Magazines: Leader to Leader, Fortune, and Fast Company

Favorite Business Books Or Authors: Business books by Michael Lewis, Bob Nelson, and Jim Collins–"These are great books that really make a difference in people’s lives."

Relaxes By: Surfing the Internet, playing guitar, and hanging out with his wife and kids

Keeps In Shape By: Working for 45 minutes on the treadmill three times a week and taking weekend hikes with his kids

Favorite Part Of The Job: "I’m the boss! Now that I work for myself, I can’t imagine ever working for someone else again."

Least Favorite Part Of The Job: "Typing...It’s a pain. I’m looking forward to GREAT voice recognition software!"

Companies Admired: Stonyfield Farms, Federal Express, and Sturman Industries

Favorite Quotes: The only way to predict the future is to invent it. –Alan Kay–"I live by these words every day of the week."

The Person Who Most Influenced His Life: Mr. Reece Oliver Noble, his high school social studies teacher–"He was a very motivating person, and he helped me to see what I really could achieve if I was willing to push myself to do it. He also taught me that I was setting an example for others (and, therefore, to set a good example!)."

Heroes: His parents–"My father for his many years of distinguished military service and my mother for fighting (and beating) kidney cancer."

Special Accomplishments: Received a trophy for the “100,000 Copy Club” for his best-selling book, Managing For Dummies–"It’s now up to 350,000 copies worldwide and it has been translated into 17 different languages."

Months Before Achieving A Profit: Three months–"Writing is a very low-overhead business. Just my home office and a computer and me."

Any Books, Tapes, Or Reports Authored: More than 15 business books, including Why Aren’t You Your Own Boss? and Home-Based Business For Dummies; available online at  www.petereconomy.com

Contact Peter At: (619) 218-7665 and info@petereconomy.com.