Why I hate and love the free market
Young Professionals Event
On November 14, 2018 entrepreneur and business leader Jim Boulanger, president of the Patriot Fire Protection company based in Fife, Pierce County, addressed WPC’s Young Professionals group at the Dystopian Brewing Company pub in Tacoma. He spoke eloquently about the headaches, challenges and benefits of engaging daily in the competitive free market. Jim wanted to remind everyone his presentation was meant to provide both education and humor to the Young Professional audience. His remarks follow.
Introduction
I am James Boulanger, president of Patriot Fire Protection. I was asked to speak tonight on the subject of “free markets.” I am not sure exactly why I was asked, possibly because I have been a member of Washington Policy Center for several years and have always been a strong supporter of its work...or maybe it’s just because I live locally here in Tacoma.
Well, here we go! I am a WSU Cougar and we always tailgate before big games, and according to my watch it is still before the big game, so let’s begin. Of course, when they asked me to speak and told me it would be in a brew pub, not only am I here...I came early.
I graduated from Washington State University in Building Theory, with a Bachelor of Science from the Department of Architecture, in 1978; please don’t do the math on my age. I have been in the fire sprinkler contracting business my entire career, starting three days after graduation, so I like to think I have learned a few things over the years.
