NFIB

Battery Woman Charges Ahead
04/11/2002

Jan Zogmaister doesn't pretend to be an expert on legislative issues. But she knows she can't ignore what happens in Salt Lake City and Washington, D.C.

"I'm not in the business of monitoring lawmakers," says Zogmaister. "But their decisions affect my business greatly -- good or bad -- either now or when I decide to sell one day."

After spending some time away from the family's battery business, Zogmaister returned in 1987 when her father wanted to retire. He was an original member of NFIB's Guardian Council in Utah, and Zogmaister kept the membership when she took over.

"NFIB does the work I don't have time to do. But if they need my help, they tell me exactly who to contact," she says. "NFIB makes it so simple, how can you not be involved?"

Zogmaister says she appreciates that NFIB looks to members before taking a stance on issues. Not only does she vote every Member Ballot, she also contacts legislators and has testified before the state Legislature.

When the Utah Legislature tried to legislate battery recycling a few years ago, Zogmaister worked with lawmakers on a more business-friendly bill.

"They had done the same thing to tire companies a few years before, so I knew it had the potential to be a very costly and cumbersome regulation," she says.

But with her involvement, the final bill was something she and others in her industry could live with.

"Defeating the costly legislation made me realize I can make a difference."

Quick Facts:
Name: National Battery Sales
Location: Ogden, Utah
Founded: 1966
Number of employees: 24

How did you get into the business?
My dad started in the battery business in 1966. We now deal with all types of batteries, alternators and starters. We have three retail stores and are a wholesale distributor across a four-state area. When I was younger, I knew I wanted to own my own business. But I stayed away from the family business, because I wanted to do something by myself. In 1987 my dad began looking for someone to take over. I grew up with the business, so after staying away for several years, I decided to come back and work.

Do you employ family members? How many?
This is definitely a family business. My sister, my husband and three of our daughters work here. We have a strict policy of business is business, and family is family. When we're at work, it's all business. You have to separate the two. It has worked well for us, but it has taken some practice.

Why did you join NFIB?
My dad joined NFIB years ago and was one of the first members of the state's Guardian Council (now called Leadership Council.) I appreciate that NFIB does the work that I don't have time to do. I'm busy running my business and can't keep up with day-to-day happenings at the state and federal level. I'm not in the business of monitoring lawmakers. But their decisions affect my business greatly -- good or bad -- either now or when I decide to sell one day. So I'm glad NFIB is monitoring the activity. I also really enjoy the daily e-newsletter. The quick synopsis updates me on issues I might not have time to research otherwise. Occasionally, I even share the information with other business owners. I appreciate the way NFIB operates, because they really look to members for input. They don't just pick an issue and run with it. Member Ballot results dictate their stance. I return every single one.

How did you become involved in NFIB grassroots activism?
I realized that I couldn't operate in a vacuum. I have to be involved, because NFIB's issues affect my business. The decisions legislators make will touch my business, for good or bad. I want input and control over what happens in Salt Lake City and in Washington, D.C.

I testified before the Legislature a few years ago to voice my opposition to a pending bill on battery recycling. Had it passed, it would have been a very costly burden on our shoulders. With NFIB's help, I worked to get a bill drafted that I could live with. I realized I could make a difference.

What are your top legislative concerns?
Affordable health insurance concerns me the most. We consider providing insurance for our employees a responsibility, not an option. But we've been turned down several times during the past few years because of our small size. Full death tax repeal also concerns me, as do most any tax issues. Small business owners want to operate within the law, but the law should be user-friendly. We shouldn't be overtaxed.

Why do you like being a small business owner?
If I didn't own a battery business, then I'd own another type of business. I just like having more control and influencing a process from beginning to end. I want to give my employees a feel of that control too. Small business employees should have the advantage of an adventurous workplace. Owning a business isn't easy, but it's worth all the hard work.