06/11/2026
Seventeen years. That is how long I have been on the small business journey.
And, I still try to put into words why owning and running a small business just feels different. Not because I think we are that different from those who choose a different career.
But, because our perspective of growth, hardships, and community is from a different lens.
It's making a business decision knowing it will affect your customers and community in real time...the second you put that decision into action.
It's watching a small town bank down the street give tens of thousands of dollars back to their community every year after maintaining their business for over a hundred years. Some programs would not still be here if they wouldn't have decided to give.
It's knowing that when a pizza master guru guy a few doors down from me decides to retire his pizza oven (hopefully not for a LONG TIME!), the departure of his business will be felt because of what he worked to build.
It's the common question I get asked, "What businesses were here before you?"
Even though you may not have ever owned a business, you can understand and feel the commitment and community that surrounds our decisions.
Being stretched thin...making hard tradeoffs...wondering if your efforts are paying off.
I have been able to see and experience ordinary people give extraordinary effort...in real time.
Our stories aren't that different...it's just that we become part of the story...of our communities. It's stressful...and beautiful.🫶
