NFIB

Maryland Contractor Builds Reputation as Activist
06/17/2002

While he makes his living building showplaces for others, Joe Bohm prefers to work behind the scenes when it comes to political activism.

Since starting Horizon Builders more than 20 years ago, Bohm has slowly built a reputation as a concerned -- and effective -- advocate for small business issues. However, unlike the architect-planned homes he builds, it wasn't by design.

"For the longest time, I was just a dues payer. Then I got involved with NFIB's SAFE (Save America's Free Enterprise) Trust and had the opportunity to attend a three-day event on Capitol Hill," recalls Bohm, who now serves as vice president of the SAFE Trust fund.

"I've lived 30 minutes from Washington, D.C. for almost my entire life, and had never gotten an inside look at our government. It was a great chance to break away from the outside and get a new perspective. It's not really my style to be outspoken, but how often do you have a chance to meet your representatives and tell them how you feel?"

Bohm has been involved with Maryland's NFIB office ever since, even stepping up to work with NFIB's Washington staff on critical tax and regulatory issues.

"These days, the government can make it easy for small businesses to say no to growing and hiring new employees. I enjoy hiring people and helping them make an investment in their future," he says. "I'm not willing to let government make me feel it's not worth doing those things."

Quick Facts:
Name: Horizon Builders
Location: Crofton, Maryland
Year Founded: 1982
Number of employees: approximately 90

What services does your business provide?
We are in the construction/general contracting business. Our company specializes in building architect-designed, luxury custom homes.

Is this a family business?
I started this business with a partner, however my wife runs the office and our children help out whenever they can.

How did you get into this business?
I was a certified public accountant by profession for 10 years, however I'd always had an interest in construction. I started talking with my neighbor, who was a police officer at the time. He had experience in construction and the same interests as me, so we just decided to go for it. He does the sticks and bricks and I do the debits and credits. The rest is history.

Interesting changes in the life of your business:
In the course of 20 years, we've survived several recessions and a lot of tough times, but things are going gangbusters now.

When we first started the business, the regulations were more fluid and easier to deal with. These days, we have to practice what we call 'defensive building.' We add a lot of costs and extra steps to the building process just to cover ourselves. Twenty years ago, it would have seemed outlandish to do the things we do and document our progress the way we do now, but today it's the norm. Our customers are certainly entitled to quality and confidence, and we give them that. However, this definitely goes beyond building award-winning projects. Today, it's about protection.

Why did you join NFIB?
A representative came to my office probably 15 times before I joined. When I finally took the time to talk with him, it sounded like the thing to do. It took me a long time to get really involved, but I can honestly say it's a superior organization and money and time well spent.

How have you been involved in grassroots activism?
While I keep in touch with my legislators on important issues, I prefer to work behind-the-scenes with NFIB's Maryland Leadership Council, as the chairman of the Maryland NFIB political action committee, and the SAFE Trust. I also speak up about laws that I think are unfair. For example, a few years ago Maryland lowered the state income tax without lowering the county income tax, which is calculated at the same time as the state tax. In order to pay the correct amount of state tax, we had to rework all of the formulas in our custom computer system. We ended up spending thousands of dollars in order to save a few hundred. The government needs to know how things like this can turn into headaches for small businesses.

What are your top legislative concerns?
I am very concerned about the ever-increasing regulations on small business, as well as taxation issues.

Why do you like being a small business owner?
I like the absolute freedom that comes with owning your own business. I got out of the corporate world because I wanted to be on my own. Even on my worst days, I wouldn't go back. If I were down to my last nickel, I'd find a way to survive. I love being my own boss, fighting and winning in the marketplace, and out-thinking the bureaucrats.