Jan Haviland, owner of the Linn, Missouri-based business that manufactures squeegees, is a long-time member of NFIB.
How did you become a small business owner?
Haviland Corporation is a family-owned business that was started by my father-in-law in 1946. My husband was running it, and I started to work with them in 1997. My husband passed away, so now my daughter and I are running the business.
What do you love most about running a business?
One thing that we really like about our business is that we are American made. We do a lot of assembly work and such—and it’s all done here. We aren’t importing a lot of stuff to try to make it here and sell it as American goods.
What has been your biggest challenge as a small business owner?
For our personal business, it is probably foreign competition. Trying to be American made and having to deal with the world on that. We try and keep an eye on what we’re buying and where we are buying it, and we try to get the best prices that we can so we can stay competitive.
What advice would you give other small business owners?
To take pride in what you’re doing and the product that you’re putting out on the market. I think that is highly important because we have our name on it. Without providing a good product, our reputation goes down the tube, so take pride in what you’re doing.
What state-level policy issues concern you most?
Minimum wage would be the biggest one. To stay competitive locally, it really does set you back if they want to make these huge jumps. They need to make sure that if they want to make an increase [to minimum wage], that it’s affordable so we are not blocking ourselves out of the global market. And also, do long-term planning with it, not just short-term planning.
Tell me about your involvement with NFIB?
For right now, I’m on the Missouri board. We have been involved with NFIB since 1986, and it keeps our ear to the ground with what’s happening statewide, locally and federally. It helps tremendously.
How has NFIB helped you run your business?
It keeps us with a larger group that gives us a voice. I think that’s very important.
Why did you join NFIB?
To have that contact with what’s going on statewide and nationally, and knowing what people are looking forward to and things that are happening or not happening that should be. You have to have your ears and eyes open all the time to what’s coming down the road.
