The Ups and Downs of Running a Small Business by James F. Comley and Jason R. Rich
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Book Review: The Ups and Downs of Running a Small Business by James F. Comley and Jason R. Rich
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.2 out of 5 stars)
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the book from the publisher. This
provision has in no way affected the content, objectivity, or critical
analysis of this review.
Publication and Context
- Title: The Ups and Downs of Running a Small Business
- Authors: James F. Comley, Jason R. Rich
- Publication Date: March 31, 2026
- Publisher: Broad Book Studio
- Page Count: 195 pages
- Format: Kindle Edition (ASIN: B0GP7W1B7Q / ISBN: 9781963549393)
- Genres: Business Memoir / Entrepreneurship / Leadership / Small Business
Contextual Backdrop:
In an era dominated by tech startups, rapid venture capital scaling, and digital side-hustles, The Ups and Downs of Running a Small Business arrives as a deeply grounding counter-narrative. James Fay Comley, at ninety-five years old, offers a retrospective on building Embree Elevator—a physical, regional trades business—over more than half a century. It provides a rare, multi-generational look at what it takes to survive decades of shifting economic landscapes through steady, principled management.
Purpose and Thesis of the Work
The central thesis of Comley’s work is that true, enduring success in business cannot be measured strictly by rapid growth or profit margins; rather, it is measured by character, community impact, and long-term responsibility.
The purpose of the book is to pass down nearly a century of hard-earned wisdom. Comley aims to demonstrate that entrepreneurship is rarely a fast track to wealth. Instead, it is a slow, intentional journey of calculated risks, continuous adaptation, and a steadfast commitment to foundational values like honesty, faith, and family.
Summary of the Work
Over the course of 195 pages, the narrative traces Comley’s life from his early days as a young tradesman repairing elevators to his tenure as the president of a highly respected, family-run company serving Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
The book intentionally avoids abstract business theory, focusing instead on lived experience. It chronicles the inevitable setbacks of leadership and the gradual accumulation of knowledge required to sustain a business across generations. To anchor his autobiographical stories, Comley provides a structured framework of 25 “timeless philosophies for life and leadership,” translating his decades of building client relationships and mentoring employees into digestible, practical takeaways for the reader.
Analysis and Evaluation
Format, Pacing, and Structure
The book is efficiently structured, balancing deeply personal storytelling with actionable business advice. By including the 25 distinct philosophies, the authors ensure the text functions dual-purpose: it is an engaging historical memoir, but it also serves as a highly structured reference guide. This prevents the narrative from meandering and gives the reader concrete principles to apply to their own ventures.
Subjects and Voices
Comley’s voice—likely captured and polished with the help of co-author Jason R. Rich—is sincere, reflective, and laced with the kind of earned humor that only comes from a lifetime in the trenches of small business. The elevator industry serves as a brilliant, literal metaphor for the inevitable “ups and downs” of entrepreneurship. He speaks not as a detached corporate executive, but as a grounded mentor connecting boardroom decisions to everyday life values.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths: The book’s greatest asset is its authenticity and focus on longevity. It beautifully captures the dynamics of running a family business and the vital importance of adaptability over time. The emphasis on mentorship and community building offers a holistic view of leadership that is incredibly refreshing.
Limitations: Because the lessons are drawn from a traditional, brick-and-mortar trades business, readers searching for highly technical advice on digital e-commerce, global supply chains, or rapid tech scaling may find the operational focus less relevant to their specific models.
Suitability and Audience Guidance
- Content Considerations: Wholesome, universally applicable business principles rooted in family values and personal integrity.
- Target Audience: This is an essential read for current small business owners, individuals navigating the complex dynamics of a family-run enterprise, and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build a legacy company rather than a quick flip.
Conclusion and Verdict
The Ups and Downs of Running a Small Business is a masterclass in resilience and principled leadership. James F. Comley proves that while markets and technologies change, the bedrock of a successful enterprise—trust, grit, and treating people well—remains absolute. It is a warm, highly accessible memoir that trades fleeting business trends for timeless wisdom, making it a valuable addition to any leader’s bookshelf.
Supplementary Elements: Reading Companions
What to Read Next
For readers who appreciated Comley’s focus on longevity, values, and community-centric business practices:
- Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big by Bo Burlingham – A perfect follow-up that explores businesses that rejected the pressure to scale endlessly, choosing instead to focus on excellence, employee well-being, and local community impact.
- The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek – Sinek’s exploration of long-term business thinking perfectly complements Comley’s multi-generational perspective, arguing that business isn’t about “winning” in the short term, but surviving and thriving across eras.
- Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras – A classic deep-dive into what separates enduring, legacy companies from those that flash and fade, mirroring the core principles found in Comley’s journey.
Rating: ★★★★ 4.2 / 5
- Prairie Fox 🦊📖
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