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Friday, November 20, 2009
Former Cape Girardeau city manager starting own business
Posted Monday, June 1, 2009, at 6:18 AM
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When Doug Leslie retired in late February from his post as Cape Girardeau city manager, he planned -- among other things -- to renew his pilot's license and fly remote control airplanes. By July 1 Leslie plans to sell model airplanes at his new business, Tailwinds RC Hobby Center.

The shop, at 1 South Plaza Way, will sell radio-controlled helicopters, airplanes, boats and related supplies and parts. Leslie said he may eventually expand into model airplanes but plans to concentrate on radio-controlled planes, helicopters and boats for now. Though hours and days of operation aren't set in stone, Leslie hopes to be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Leslie first entertained the idea of opening the business soon after retirement and has taken a class at the Small Business Development Center to develop some expertise in running a small business. Tailwinds RC Hobby Center will be Leslie's first business venture, and he said the sky's the limit for its future.

"This is a great lifetime hobby," Leslie said. "We have folks from 8 to 80 who participate, and it's exciting to offer services to the enthusiasts here."



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Brian Blackwell is the business reporter at the Southeast Missourian, and also covers Jackson and Cape Girardeau County government. A May 2008 graduate of the University of Nebraska, Brian is an avid Cornhusker fan. When he is not covering the business community for the newspaper, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife and church family, cheering on the Cubs and Cornhuskers, wishing for snow and hiking on the numerous area trails. He is excited about his first child, Isabella Grace who was born May 24.