It's Never Too Late to Start

René Burton personifies the name of her business--It's Never Too Late. Like so many of us, Burton knew what her passion was, but life had other ideas.

Burton always loved helping others become physically fit. In the early 1960s, when her children were young, she was already leading fitness classes. After her divorce she took whatever job and career path necessary to make ends meet. Her years in real estate taught her about managing a business and motivating herself and her clients. Though she was successful, she knew that her heart lay elsewhere.

At age 57 Burton earned her bachelor's degree in science management. She continues to add certifications that allow her to follow her passion--helping people over 55 become physically fit so they can live their lives to the fullest.

Burton started teaching classes wherever she could. Her delight and enthusiasm encourage everyone to share her excitement as they make progress on their fitness goals--no matter where they started.

Wanting to reach as many people as she could, Burton started making videos. This was another new area of education for her. Because of her high standards and clear vision, it took her three tries to get these videos just the way she envisioned them.

Now Burton is making plans to expand from her Southern California base and go national. At age 73, Burton is living up to her trademarked business name--It's Never Too Late.

Reflecting on lessons learned, here's the advice she offers would-be entrepreneurs:

• Be passionate about your business. This passion will carry you through life's detours and bad times--and be assured, there will be tough times.
   
• Ignore age as a deterrent. Burton was 57 when she went back to college to realize her dream. She was 60 by the time she completed her studies.
   
• Get good professional help. Don't try to do it all on your own. Burton had an attorney to help her incorporate and trademark her business. But she did not have a business plan, a marketing plan or people to rely on. These missing links cost her dearly, particularly when she made her first videos. She lost valuable time and a good deal of money before she found people who understood her vision for her products.
   
• Maintain control over your own business. As her business grew, Burton was approached by an executive who wanted to get involved and help her grow. She realized just in time that this would cost control of her vision and her company. She resolved then and there to always maintain control of her business. She worked too hard and waited too many years to lose the "roadmap" in her heart.
   
• Get involved in the community. Burton not only works in traditional senior facilities in her area, she is involved in local organizations and is a well-known participant and advocate for National Senior Health and Fitness Day. These activities help keep her in touch with her passion and help her decide what her next steps should be.