Long-time NFIB member Jim Crawford is a business owner and has 30 years of experience as a state legislator.
Crawford got his start in the fabric business around 1965 before realizing that going into business on his own might be more worthwhile. With multiple businesses under his belt, Crawford was elected as a state representative in 1982. He was in the General Assembly until 2013.
Nowadays, Crawford still faces many of the same challenges as other small businesses as a partner in Crawford Properties.
When asked which issues he is still concerned about, Crawford says “building codes, regulations for business and taxes.”
It was these issues that he concentrated on during his time as a state legislator.
“I was in the legislature for 30 years and I did the best I could,” says Crawford. “I worked really hard for small business. I was really involved with the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce and making contributions to small business.”
Crawford says his biggest mistake as a small business owner has been “probably being so generous to my tenants.”
He urges other small business owners to study and get involved with local politics.
“Learn as much as you can about your business and finances,” he says. “And learn as much as you can about your government and what they are trying to do to you.”
With years of experience, Crawford says North Carolina is still home to his business and is doing well.
“North Carolina is a great state,” he shares. “It’s halfway between New York and Florida and close to most of the markets on the eastern seaboard.”
When asked what the state could improve on in the small business community, Crawford stressed that the rural areas of the state still need help. In addition, he says state legislators need to rid some of the regulations on small business owners to boost the business climate.
NFIB has been an integral part of Crawford’s career in the legislature and as a small business owner.
“Good lord, I’m probably the longest-running member in North Carolina,” he says. “I joined to learn what was going on in Washington and North Carolina and to try to help improve the business climate. I was probably with NFIB long before I was a legislator.”
Crawford says he doesn’t get much free time, but is able to reflect on his success, which he explains is more about family.
“Success if being able to wake up every day and be excited about what’s going on,” he says. “[It’s] working to have a better life for all my children and all my businesses.”
When asked what he does off the clock, Crawford says, “When is that?”
“I enjoy yard work, and I don’t even mind cutting the grass,” he says. “I enjoy gardening. I enjoy going to the beach with my wife. We just have a great life.”
