Each week, we ask small businesses some key questions. This time we speak to Aberdeen man Charlie Abel, who plays music under the trading names Iron Broo and The One Man Ceilidh Band.
How and why did you start in business?
I started playing the accordion aged 15 after seeing Mick Foster playing at a Foster and Allen show in Aberdeen. I was fascinated by the accordion but knew nothing about it.
I discovered my dad had an old one in the attic and knew then that I wanted to play it for a living.
When I left school I worked at my dad’s garage and taxi business, called Abel Cars/Taxis, which gave flexibility for playing gigs. After a number of years, I went full time.
How did you get to where you are today?
I just wanted to play music; I never listened to the advice from teachers who said I should go to university. I knew that if I did, I’d get sucked into a different path. I like to be free to do things I enjoy, like playing music.
I’m really lucky to have found something that I enjoy doing and gives me a degree of control over my working life.
I hated the idea of drifting through an education system and ending up in a job that didn’t suit me. I believe that having lots of money doesn’t make you “wealthy”. For me, wealth is in what you do and who you do it with.
Who helped you?
My mum, Alison, gave me my heart and my dad, Gene, gave me my soul.
My work ethic definitely came from my dad. He made me work for everything, taught me the value of independence and lent me the money to buy my first accordion.
Being a member of the Federation of Small Businesses has been a great help, especially the free banking support.
Then there is everyone who ever gave me a gig, danced at our ceilidhs and enjoyed our music and, of course, my lovely wife, Barbara, who puts up with my anti-social working hours.
What has been your biggest mistake?
Listening too much to others and caring what people think about me.
What is your greatest achievement?
Making a living doing something I enjoy.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
I’d have tax breaks for musicians and artists, as in Ireland.
Also more help for traditional music and tax deductable childcare, or better still free childcare for working parents.
What do you still hope to achieve?
To sell enough music so that I don’t have to worry about money again. I’d also like to spend more time with my family.
What do you do to relax?
I dabble on the piano, guitar and banjo. My wife is Italian so cooking is a big passion.
I train with Aberdeen’s own karate legend, Ronnie Watt, one of the top masters in Europe. Karate has such a positive influence over all areas of my life; I now even train with my eldest son, Marco.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?
I’m glued to all things political in Scotland. With the referendum coming up, I read a lot of the blogs, Facebook and news sources and find it inspiring to see people putting up Yes signs all over the country.
What do you waste your money on?
I don’t waste money.
How would your friends describe you?
Good, honest, generous and passionate about a Yes vote.
What would your enemies say about you?
I’m not sure I have any but if I do, I think they’d be too scared to say anything to me in person.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
A bandwagon Vauxhall Vivaro double-cab Sportive van, so I can fit the PA system and band in one vehicle.
If I could afford a second car for myself, a Toyota or Volvo might be nice.
I don’t get excited about sports cars – there’s no room for the kids or an accordion in the boot. I’d worry about the speed bumps in Kincorth driving a Ferrari and there are a lot of seagulls in Aberdeen, too.