How did you become a small business owner and why?
I made a decision when I left my old company. I could either work for a big company and then give up half of what I made, or I could make the same bottom line and do my own business. I felt like I could have better quality control, serve my customers more diligently and such [on my own]. I’m the type of person who likes to be in control.
What is the best part of your day?
Getting a problem solved and meeting people.
What advice do you have for other business owners?
Take on your clients needs and make them your own. What has made my company grow without me practically even trying is just taking my clients’ needs seriously. I protect their money as if it were my own. If I do brokerage work for somebody, I operate like I am in their shoes.
What makes Florida a good place for your business?
As a general rule, it’s pro-business. There’s a lot of growth here in Florida. What I do, there’s an increase in demand for it. It’s also a big enough pie where there’s enough business and I can do as much business as I want to do.
Why did you join NFIB?
Someone took me to lunch and they heard my political views and told me about this thing called NFIB. That’s when I first heard of it. And when I researched it and found out what it stood for, I came to the conclusion that it’s the best source for me to impact public policy for business related issues. It’s got such a broad spectrum of businesses and issues – on the federal, state, county level – that whenever there’s pressure to change something, it’s coming from a very diverse group. So, I am biased by my trade, but NFIB is bringing up issues from a diverse group. I think it will be easier for a politician to listen to a wide group rather than my concerns, which may not be of concern outside my trade. I think it’s the best source to impact policy.
What do you like to do off the clock?
I like to spend time with my family. I’ve got four kids. So, they’re surfing right now and I’m in traffic. There’s something wrong about that.
