01/25/2002
(Photo: David Gillespie (right) discusses small business issues with state Representative Ted Carpenter (left) at the September 20, 2001 NFIB luncheon with lawmakers.)On November 30, 2001, NFIB Arizona interviewed David Gillespie, current chairman of the NFIB Arizona Leadership Council (LC). As LC Chairman, David works with the council and small business activists across the country to ensure the small business voice is heard in the halls of Congress, the corridors of the state government, in the classrooms and in the community.
During his interview, we talked about his present business, why he is a small business owner, legislation and why he is a member of the National Federation of Independent Business.
Q: What is Car-Go Auto?
A: Car-Go Auto is an auto repair shop that provides "old-fashioned" customer-oriented services. We keep the customer's best interest in mind -- meaning that we are not "ticket builders" or "bottom-line enhancers." Also, we do not use sales scripts to up-sell products and/or services.
Q: How long has Car-Go Auto been in business?
A: We've been in business since November of 1987.
Q: Did you always work for yourself or have you worked for another person/corporation?
A: Both. I have worked from 2-man operations to multi-million dollar corporations.
Q: Why did you start your own business?
A: I needed to have some control of work and livelihood efforts. I grew tired of I inept management who made decisions that affected my family's life.
Q: Do you like being a small business owner? Why?
A: Yes! I am able to accept the responsibilities that come along with being a small business owner. I enjoy the flexibility and providing a product/service that is worthwhile to customers.
Q: Why did you become a member of NFIB?
A: I saw NFIB as being much better attuned to the needs of the small business community. I can see efforts on behalf of the small businessperson being effective. I have felt a genuine desire among NFIB personnel to really do what small business needs. I can see positive results!
Q: How long have you been a member of NFIB?
A: Since 1988.
Q: Why should a small business owner be a member of NFIB?
A: NFIB makes a difference. You do not have to feel as if your only real response is to just shut up and take whatever government wants to do. With NFIB, you can be heard and do something about it! You have help available. You are not alone in the "tank."
Q: As a business owner who is active in the legislative process, what -- in your opinion -- does the legislature need to tackle in the 2002 legislative session?
A: Government needs to stop beating up on the small business community. Government needs to learn to live within their budget limits and throw out "needs-based spending programs." Just as each of us (small business owners) has a limit for spending at home, so must government recognize that principle. Raising taxes never generates more money.
Other areas that government needs to address are:
Q: For your business, what is the most pressing issue?
A: Staying alive because we are being attacked on many fronts!
Q: If you were Governor, what would you do?
A: If I were the current Governor, I would apologize to the taxpayers and then get a grip on the state spending. As taxpayers, we haven't been leveled with.
Q: As the new Leadership Council Chairman, what would you like to accomplish in 2002?
A: I would like to see more NFIB members become involved by writing short notes to lawmakers regarding small business positions on legislation and making telephone calls to lawmakers' offices. Just a little bit of "real person contact" goes a long way with lawmakers.
Also, I would like to see a growth in membership. I would love to see more women and minority-owned businesses joining NFIB.
Q: Obviously, you have personal goals outside of NFIB. What is your life goal(s)?
A: I'd like to say that I did the right things in life. I want to maintain my closeness with my family and have that passed along generation after generation. I want to outlive those who tell me I am doing it all wrong and hopefully make it easier for others in their lives. I also want to travel a lot more.
