Synopsis "An Unexpected Life: Reflections at Eighty Four"
When Jim Carlson thought about his unexpected life he wondered: How did all this happen? He was a farm boy who became a Biology teacher, an IVCF staff member and finally, an entrepreneur. He was the founder and primary developer of a chain of 82 Logos Bookstores and a successful book distribution company called Spring Arbor Distributors. He was always surprised because he was keenly aware of his rather humble roots, spotty education and a total lack of business training. So where did the necessary drive, confidence, vision and entrepreneurial skill come from? Who were the people in his life and what were the factors, events and circumstances that enabled him to design and build, along with a wonderful staff of co-workers, those two substantial start-up ventures? To seek for possible answers and also to have some fun recalling his rather crazy, unexpected, fulfilling, varied, exhilarating, stimulating, rewarding and multifaceted life, Jim went way back to his earliest memory, explored his heritage, traced his journey and looked for clues to understand the source of this unexpected life. But, of course, interwoven in this life is the wonderful story of how his life was immeasurably enhanced by Priscilla, the dearest, most supportive wife he could ever have imagine.
