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Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Introduction
What career goals have you set for your future? You may have been talking all of your life
about what you want to be when you grow up. Now, the time is here and you are making career
plans. No matter what your career aspirations may be, your life will be touched by business.
Business is all around you and affects everything you do.
As a student, studying Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance can help you in many
ways. Learning basic principles and concepts about commerce can help you become a more
valuable employee. Becoming knowledgeable about how business operates and contributes
to our society can assist you in becoming a better citizen. Understanding how the economy
operates can make you a better consumer. Studying various career options in this text can
influence the career you choose.
Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance provides an opportunity for you to maximize
and refine your knowledge. As you explore and discover business, marketing, and finance in
this text, you will learn life-long skills that will follow you wherever your interests may lead.
About the Authors
Robert (Bob) Dansby is an instructor of accounting, business, and personal finance at
Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Alabama, where he also serves as Chairperson
of the Division of Business and Social Science. In addition, Bob is a small business, tax, and
personal finance consultant. He is the author of numerous textbooks and workbooks in the areas
of accounting, cost accounting, managerial accounting, business math, and personal finance.
He has also written several articles for professional journals, served a five-year term as editor of
the Georgia Business Education Association Journal, and has given more than 30 presentations
at national and regional business education and accounting conferences. Bob holds a PhD in
business education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
Chris M. Gassen is the principal of an investment firm and was formerly an equity mutual
fund manager, financial analyst, accountant, and college instructor. Chris writes educational
materials and business valuations. He holds a master of business administration degree
with a concentration in finance from Indiana University and a bachelor of science degree in
management from Oakland University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and served as
a grader for the national CFA exam.
Brenda Clark is a retired CTE director, marketing instructor, SBE advisor, and DECA
advisor for Jenison, Michigan Public Schools. She was named Marketing Teacher of the Year
at state and national levels. She currently serves as the Professional Development Manager
for MBA Research and Curriculum Center and is the coauthor of Marketing Dynamics and
Entrepreneurship. Brenda’s marketing program was named Business of the Year by the Jenison
Chamber of Commerce. Two of her marketing department’s school-based enterprises have
earned numerous Gold Certifications. She earned a bachelor degree in marketing education,
a master degree in educational leadership, and an EdD in educational leadership with a
concentration in career and technical education from Western Michigan University.