I had never been to a Book Release Event. Never had a desire to. Have never really anticipated the release of a book. This was different. It was local and I knew the author. There was music, comedy, readings, food, a variety of people, late night in downtown Sikeston, MO. Something compelled me to be there. And the party delivered on my expectations.

The Williams’ family business, Parengo Coffee held the event that drew people from all walks of life. Preachers and lawyers chatted with hipsters and traditionalists in the filled coffee shop. I’m not sure when downtown Sikeston has been so alive on a Monday night. People were excited for Colby Williams and the official release of his book “Small Town Big Money”. No stranger to writing or the creative process, Colby spent three years compiling, writing and editing the book on entrepreneurship and opportunity in today’s small towns. Choosing the self-publishing path, Williams is promoting his book through a wide variety of media outlets.

Colby Williams is a local entrepreneur deeply engaged in the community and well connected to people and resources available to help small town businesses succeed. I know Colby from his specialty coffee venture. Colby developed Parengo Coffee in Sikeston and built a successful business filling a big void. He has helped redefine the downtown area. I enjoy going to his shop for coffee and engaging conversation.

Colby’s book explores opportunities and pitfalls any entrepreneur should consider. Words of caution and instruction are offered to those who have not yet acted on their desire to be the next big thing. Several new perspectives or tweaks can be gleaned by those who are already building their empire.

Personally, I am anticipating retirement and have been thinking about an encore career or at least something to occupy my time. “Small Town Big Money” offered me much more food for thought than I had anticipated when I selected it to read. The book is a quick read, full of personal experience, humorous stories and helpful advice.

I have lived most of my life in small towns and easily relate to Colby’s experience and observations of people, attitudes and opportunities. His thoughts on branding, storytelling and collaboration contain valuable information for an audience much wider than entrepreneurs and other business people. “Small Town Big Money” is available in hardback and Kindle versions. Additional information can be found at smalltownbook.com