Small business owner talks about Minnesota's business climate.
Brian Marum, owner of Liberty Financial Consulting Inc. in Roseville, Minnesota, talks to us about how he does business in a burdensome regulatory environment.
What’s your proudest moment as a small business owner?
I don’t think it’s a particular moment. I think it’s more something that has happened over time—just the fact that I proved I can actually do it, that I had the fortitude and courage to actually set out on my own and then accomplish my goals.
What could Minnesota do better for small business?
The government could get out of the way. Reduce the regulations. Reduce the fees and costs of getting involved with a business. Lower the tax rate. We’ve gotten to a place where these things prevent someone from opening a business. They don’t want to deal with all of it. So, to make Minnesota better for business, they need to reduce the regulatory apparatus and trust businesses will do the right thing.
What advice would you give other small business owners?
The key thing from my experience is just to stick it out. Be persistent. Just know that it’s not easy. From a management standpoint, at least in my field, I do believe that business owners should probably be a professional accountant, for lack of a better word. Because I tend to get into these situations where the accountant is playing catch-up.
Why did you join NFIB?
I wanted to support an organization that was a small business advocate that would have some impact on public policy and is trying to help reduce business regulations at this level, where they are so burdensome to business owners.
What do you like to do off the clock?
As far as just casual things, I do like to read, mostly history. I am involved in many groups on the political side with the Republican Party. So, a bunch of my free time is devoted to that.
I am also deputy chair of a Basic Political Operating Unit for Republicans within a certain district. I work to help find and support local candidates for positions in the state House and Senate. For two years, I have been president of Washington County Republicans, working with local legislators for education, public policy and small business interests. More recently, I became treasurer of a lobbying group for financial legislation.
How do you juggle all your roles?
It’s challenging. I’m trying to grow a business and engage in local policies.
