Business Licensing, Business Insurance, sales tax, permits, quarterlies, a/p, a/r, financing, cash flow, marketing, sales, equipment, customer service etc.
60% or more of owning a business has nothing to do with what the business actually does. I see a lot of shops pop up and go like the blazes for a year or even two, then they just kind of disappear. Having the ability to do work in the sign and graphic industry has little to do with running a business. I know of a very successful sign shop that the owner knows absolutely nothing about signs, but he knows how to handle employees, suppliers etc.and is quite successful, because he is a leader and not a boss. On the other hand, i know a very talented sign guy that baffles me with his natural ability, but has failed in business more than once, because he can't get a grasp on making ends meet without blowing money, and he kinda "hates" people.
I am all for anyone taking it by the balls and making their own money, but the luster of ownership is a dirty glass that some can't get clean. Just because their "boss" makes it work doesn't mean you will have the same success. Maybe you will have more success and if that is the case, more power to you!