No Profits in a ‘Woe Is Me’ Attitude

The mailbox, shipping and notary services are popular ways for workers to become their own bosses--some on their own, others through chains like AIM Mail Center, based in Lake Forest.

AIM’s chief executive, Michael Sawitz, noted that his three company-owned stores and 40 franchise outlets generally fared better than independents during the strike. Even the small, low-volume stores could take advantage of the chain’s accounts with various carriers besides UPS, he said.

Still, only about half of the AIM outlets managed to increase their business during the strike, while the others were flat or lower.

“Some of my stores did not fare well, but it was because the owners were wringing their hands and saying, ‘Woe is me,’ instead of seizing the opportunity,” Sawitz said.