There are many reasons why I’m an optimist about the future of our cities, states and country, and no more so than in our hometown of Royal Oak. From the big picture, America is still the most favored place in the world to live. In spite of all of our problems, there are far more people who immigrate to the United States than to any other country.

In spite of our enormous challenges as a country, this is where people from around the world want to live.

We sometimes take for granted catch phrases such as the land of opportunity. But opportunity is what our country provides for immigrants and for all of us. I was reminded of this when I visited Mike Sheppard’s Northern Television and Appliance on 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak on March 15. Sheppard was hosting a morning Chamber of Commerce meeting where local entrepreneurs gathered for coffee, conversation and the chance to tell their fellow business folks about their enterprises. I watched as a group of about 20 business owners stood in a circle and listened as each made two-minute presentation to the group.

These were mostly very small businesses ranging from landscapers, auto repair, financial planners, retail store owners, computer service to marketing firms. I was very impressed by the articulate and effective way these business owners spoke about the value of their products or services. I thought about how each one of these people, who ranged in age from their 20s to 60s, had taken a deep breath and made the decision to step out on their own and start their own company.

These entrepreneurs know the risks they faced as most startup businesses fail in the first five years.

But often, the first business is the training ground for the next successful idea or venture.

The Small Business Administration estimates that most job creation comes from smaller companies that started just like these owners, pitching their companies at an 8 a.m. meet-and-greet hosted by Northern Television. Sheppard offered his place to the group because he could move some furniture around and have enough space to accommodate everyone.

A visit to Sheppard’s business is like a walk back in time. He has antique televisions and radios from the 1930s and '40s in his store, which he continues to repair. Northern has been in business as long as the vintage televisions. Sheppard bought the business in 1993. As technology changed, Northern has adapted and constantly improved its skills and product offering. I’ve used Northern to transfer old VHS tapes to DVDs. It also sells a line of vacuum cleaners, work on CBs and short-wave radios, among other services.

Sheppard became an entrepreneur and his own boss at 24, and he epitomizes the constantly evolving nature of business and ownership. In today’s extraordinarily fast-changing world, if a business or entrepreneur can’t adapt quickly, it simply won’t last.

I wasn’t surprised to learn that Sheppard is a longtime member of the Royal Oak Optimists Club. When you meet him, you can’t help but smile at his energetic and positive view on the world. His enthusiasm also helps drive his support for other businesses as he is an active member in both Royal Oak and Ferndale’s Chambers of Commerce and in the annual 11 Mile cleanup that promotes the 11 Mile Road corridor of businesses.

On a brisk winter morning, surrounded by products of the past in a Royal Oak business, I saw one of the reasons why our country will always be great. We possess a wonderful treasure trove of entrepreneurs who take the plunge and start a company, not knowing exactly where it may lead them. Yet a first-time failure could lead to the next Little Caesars, Compuware or Quicken Loans. Or the first effort could lead to a small business that lasts for generations, adapting to the market and providing jobs and opportunities for many others. We go to church with these folks; they are our neighbors and friends. Their energy and passion help drive our economy. They give me faith in the future.

It’s Monday: Let’s go!

Gerry Boylan is the author of two books, "Getting There," a novel, and "Gerry Tales," a collection of short stories. Both books are available at Amazon.com.