An open letter from Craig, owner of Rock Island Trades, LLC:

Hobos have a lot to say...

To All my family, friends, clients, associates,

In order to explain where Rock Island Trades is going, I must openly reflect on where I've been. I've worked from the most primitive surroundings in North America as a white water guide in Idaho to the most high-tech offices in tall buildings as art director of major magazines.

I've worked for the amazingly rich to the most destitute. I've cleaned toilets, built fence, shod horses, fixed computers, troubleshot entire digital print graphics departments for multi-million dollar companies.

I've studied, yes "studied" with hobos living along railroad tracks, as they reflected upon life, and their travels.

Here’s what I've concluded. Most of our jobs hang on a string. And we all need each other.

Yes, I do believe in the power of “one.” Because sometimes that's all you’ve got.

But, none of us live in a vacuum. We can help each other.

A coordinator like me can put people to work for the overall benefit of the community and for each individual who participates.

As I drive down these country roads, first I see the incalculable beauty of rural Missouri. But I also see work, the way a pioneer sees work. I see jobs that need to be done, people who need work done, and people who need work.

I see raw resources and human resources falling through the cracks, not being  utilized. On top of that, I've researched 10-year economic projections for this area, and they project a financially bleak future.

I ask myself, “what can I do”?

What I do best is start small businesses. Coordinate, manage, multitask. I crochet economic tapestries.

I just turned 61. I have nothing but time to make more good things happen for my family and our communities.

So, I'm coming out of hiding.

I've been invisible building fences, shoeing horses, mowing grass, cutting wood, fixing computers, playing a bit of music at campfires, etc.

I have vast marketing skills stemming from earlier years which I have laid aside for 25 years.

Its time to incorporate all i know from high-tech to low-tech to no-tech, for the betterment of all.

This job and this website will never be done.

Big job for one.

But its time.

Thanks for reading.

Craig