NFIB

Joslin Lights Up Small Business
05/17/2002

Bobby Joslin's story is one of small business success. Twenty-five years ago, he saw a need for a company in the Nashville area that manufactures, installs and maintains electric signs and started Joslin Sign & Maintenance with a $12,000 bank loan as a way to make some extra money while he was in college. Last year, the company grossed $4 million in sales and now employs 40 people.

Although the business took off so quickly that Joslin was unable to return to college his senior year, it has suffered the setbacks most small businesses inevitably face. Business dropped off so severely during the recession of the early 1990s that Joslin says he sometimes felt "absolutely crazy" for staying in business.

But Joslin saw his perseverance rewarded. Three years ago the company won the contract to install all the signs in the brand new Adelphia Coliseum in downtown Nashville, home of the Tennessee Titans football team. Though Joslin Sign & Maintenance conducts business in the Nashville area primarily, their work is recognizable in several other states as well. They designed both the Mapco and Williams Travel Centers signs that can be seen throughout 13 states.

Though the hard work paid off, Joslin's experience should serve as a warning to would-be entrepreneurs thinking about opening a business in hopes of making some quick money.

"It took us 20 years before I felt we were financially successful," Joslin says.

In addition to running his business, Joslin has been politically active for years as a volunteer. This year he is running for the Tennessee House of Representatives himself.

Quick Facts:
Name: Bobby Joslin
Business: Joslin Sign & Maintenance
NFIB Member: 15 years

Why did you join NFIB?
At the time, I saw how powerful they were in Washington. I saw they were a lobbying group made of small business people. It's great to be involved with other small business people, hearing their horror stories and knowing that we're all fighting the same fights.

How did you become involved in NFIB grassroots activism?
The more I became involved in local politics, the more passionate I became about NFIB. I wanted to go after the bureaucrats who were making the laws for us, but never made out a payroll, never worried about health insurance, never had to hire or fire anybody.

What is your number one legislative concern on the state level?
The state income tax. There are several other states that have the same financial problems as Tennessee, and they don't have a tax. It isn't the answer for them, and it isn't the answer for us. NFIB has played a big part in keeping it at bay through the legislative fax network.

What is your biggest legislative concern on the national level?
The death tax is key. They get you over and over again your whole life and then they still have to get you one more time before they drop you in the ground.

What have you done through NFIB that has helped the cause of small business?
All of our lobbying efforts have made such a difference. I've been rewarded every time I've seen a bill killed that would have hurt small business.

Why do you like being a small business owner?
After you've been in business for several years, you get such an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. It gives me a chance to keep my strengths strong and passionate, and gives me many chances to work on my weaknesses.

And when the sun goes down and the lights go up on Adelphia Coliseum, not just me, but my employees as well... we're all equally proud of the work we've done.