Shoot-Out in New Buffalo

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:00:00

SHOOT-OUT IN NEW BUFFALO

Ed Lyons (top), Barry Schroder (below)

In troubled economic times, landing a job as a police officer can look stable and lucrative. But 35 years ago, the small town New Buffalo, Mich. was having a hard time attracting new police recruits. So they'd approach boys in high school, put them through a class, and make them cadets - police interns. Barry Schroder had just turned 18 when he joined up.

Barry got a uniform and a badge, and more often than not, chose to ride along with a smart, tough, but funny patrolman named Ed Lyons. One night Ed and Barry found themselves in the middle of a shootout with a motorcycle gang. That night prompted Barry to rethink his dreams of becoming a police officer, but his mentor and friend Ed helped him find another path. Years later, Barry got to return the favor to Ed. Barry talks with Dick Gordon about the man who had so much influence on his life.

STARTING MY FAVORITE THINGS

Jackson Lee

Jackson Lee wrote in to tell his story. It's not just a story about learning to navigate a business in this economy: it's a story about learning to be a businessman. Jackson dropped out of college and became a bike messenger. He still has a day job as a bike mechanic. But in April, he took a gamble. He opened a vinyl record store in his hometown of Greensboro, N.C. The space also offers bike repairs in the back. Jackson talks with Dick about what he's learned in his first few months of entrepreneurship.

Music in this story: Rck and Roll performed by the Velvet Underground for the album Loaded.

- Shoot-Out in New Buffalo

Shoot-Out in New Buffalo

SHOOT-OUT IN NEW BUFFALO

STARTING MY FAVORITE THINGS