Dave Longaberger grew up in the tiny village of Dresden, Ohio.  One of 12 children in a modest home (with one bathroom!), Dave experienced severe stuttering problems.  He also suffered from epileptic seizures.  And that was before he ever got in the first grade.

Dave’s problems didn’t end when he entered the Dresden Grammar School’s doors.  He spent two years in the second grade and three years in the fifth grade.  People in town would look at him and shake their heads, but Dave didn’t give up on himself.

From a very early age, seven, Dave found work in the small shops on Main Street.  At one point, he even sold Fuller Brush supplies.  When he got to his neighbor’s doors, he stuttered so severely, people bought something just to put him out of his sales pitch misery.

After Dave got out of the Army, he wanted to open up a restaurant.  It wasn’t easy, but he finally secured financing.  So, Dave opened up this tiny restaurant of a handful of tables and stools.  Cash flow was so tight that he would take the money from lunch, go to the grocery store and buy the food he needed for supper.

Dave’s restaurant became successful, so he expanded.  Then he purchased the grocery store.  But he also had another idea.  He had watched his father make baskets for local farmers.  Dave thought the baskets would sell for decoration in homes.

Today, the Longaberger Company – www.longaberger.com - sells millions of Longaberger baskets and pottery.  It employs about 10,000 people and has over 30,000 sales associates scattered throughout the United States.

Dave Longaberger did not give up on himself.  He was able to see his potential.  The power of belief is one of the strongest forces in the world.