Kristin Stokes and Marikay Blair both graduated from State University in June 2007. After graduation, Marikay took a job as a staff accountant in the Chicago office of PricewaterhouseCoopers, an international public accounting firm. Kristin began working as a manager in Kleen Electronics, a wholesale computer hardware and software company, but left after only six months to start her own consulting business. The following conversation took place between Kristin and Marikay at their first annual alumni function:
Kristin: Marikay, good to see you again.
Marikay: Yes. It doesn’t seem like it’s been almost a year since we graduated.
Kristin: That’s for sure. It seems like only yesterday we were listening to that boring commencement speaker. I don’t even remember his name . . . Robert somebody. Are you still working for PricewaterhouseCoopers?
Marikay: Yes, it’s been a great year. I’ve worked on 13 companies . . . it’s been a fantastic learning experience. Each client has a different culture, management team, problems, and personality. I’ve learned something new every day. How about you? Are you still working for Kleen Electronics?
Kristin: No, I quit after six months. My customers really didn’t know what they needed for computer systems . . . so . . . I quit and started a consulting business. I feel like I’m helping my customers more now than I did before. Besides, I like being my own boss.
Marikay: What’s the name of your business?
Kristin: Stokes Consulting. It’s been amazing. I started with my savings of $5,000 six months ago. My last bank statement showed I’ve got more than $45,000—”pure profit” of $40,000 in only six months.
Marikay: That’s unbelievable! If you ever need a CPA firm, keep us in mind.
Kristin: Sure. What are friends for anyway?
Comment on Kristin’s statement that she’s earned $40,000 “pure profit” in only six months.