Beebe on why regulations can slow him down
As president of a company that is a supplier to the armed forces in the United States, small business owner and NFIB member Ralph Beebe talks about why regulations can slow him down and the importance of knowing a business inside and out. What do you love the most about running a small business?
We love the opportunity to serve our armed forces. I very much enjoy being a military supplier and helping the armed forces. I very much enjoy not having a boss. The freedom and flexibility. We can decide tomorrow that we’re not going to build this, and we’re going to go off and build something else.
What advice would you give small business owners?
Just keep as up to date as you can on the regulations and rules that apply to your business. I mean, you can’t be surprised by stuff. You’ve always got to be expanding your knowledge in all aspects of your business. You’ve got to know everything. You’ve got to know accounting, HR. You need to know government regulations. You need to know everything.
What are some of your biggest challenges and how are you dealing with them?
Regulation. Government oversight and regulations are always our biggest challenge. We’ve had to hire additional staff to handle compliance issues. It costs us money.
Why did you join NFIB?
We have a shared vision of what business should be.
What is the greatest advantage of being a NFIB member?
I feel that NFIB definitely has the small manufacturer’s interests at heart. Where sometimes the chambers or other groups like that can favor larger business. For the small independent business, I definitely feel there is no better voice out there…than NFIB.
What state-level small business policy issue concerns you most?
Regulation. Regulation. Regulation.
What do you like to do off the clock?
Travel and hang out with friends.
