Posted by Beth Pfeifer, Russell, Kansas

One perception I believe people hold of small towns is that we are not educated and that there are only minimum wage jobs to be had in rural America.  That is just not true, a vast majority of this community are professional degreed individuals.  Myself as an example, I hold a four year degree but I have made the decision to not work at this time.  In order to keep myself fresh, I volunteer my time to a variety of organizations that utilize my marketing background.  In addition, we are making a very comfortable living that would probably exceed the average perception of “small town living.”

Another thought, I think what makes us different as far as buying and selling goods here is accountability.  As a stockholder and active participant in the clothing store (Waudby & Co. Clothiers) and as a fellow owner/operator of an insurance agency, I have to back up the goods and services I offer.  I will be seeing my customer at church, school functions, etc. It is not possible for me to sell them a false bill of goods and then later look them in the face and be their friend, knowing I have mislead them. There is a completely different level of trust and faith between the buyer and seller here.  I know the survival of my business in contingent on their belief in my sincerity.