08/22/2002
Jack Karsten is a one-man wrecking crew, it seems. His solo venture, IHN Consulting Services, Inc. serves clients in 13 states (in addition to his home state of Ohio) and two other countries. "The Internet has definitely increased our ability to serve companies all over the place," says Karsten.The list of small business services Karsten's company provides runs the gamut from tax preparation and marketing and business plans to assisting clients in the securing of startup financing and even the sale and relocation of their company. "I could spend hours going into the fine detail of what we do," says Karsten, "but that's an umbrella, at least."
That "umbrella" offering has fueled IHN's growth since Karsten first hung out his shingle in 1988. His impetus for going into business for himself? "The company I worked for was moving, and I didn't want to go with them." Instead, Karsten says, he and his family stayed put, and a number of his colleagues encouraged him to open his own shop. "Being just naive enough, I said okay and did it," he laughs. "I talked to a few people and got some leads initially. Even today, all of my work comes from referrals."
Though Karsten goes it alone in business, he remains active in a number of organizations on the community front. "I've always been involved in politics or community in one way or another. I feel that I have as much responsibility as anybody in making wherever I work and play a more comfortable, fitting environment for other people," he says. "I feel like NFIB has a lot to offer in that regard. I've been involved with other organizations, but I've never seen the kind of talent we seem to have with NFIB."
As for keeping his solo business, well, solo, Karsten is keeping his options open. "We're at a point where we need to expand. I should probably hire a couple of people."
Quick Facts:
Name: Jack Karsten
Business: IHN Consulting Services, Inc.
Location: Perrysburg, Ohio
Founded: 1988 (incorporated in 1992)
How did you get involved with the NFIB?
I first joined probably four or five years ago after a salesperson came in and talked to me about NFIB. I really enjoy it. It gives us the chance to respond to what comes out of Columbus and D.C. I don't see any benefit to sitting on my behind and letting things happen around me. I figure if I'm going to whine, I better have a reason, and the reason should be that I've been out there putting forth some effort.
How active are you?
I'm the chair of the Toledo Area Action Council. In that regard, I see myself as a facilitator more than anything. I coordinate meetings and try to bring speakers to town, based on whom our members would like to hear from. And in general, I'm seeing a lot of activity these days -- people are calling me about local elections, for instance. That's what NFIB is all about -- becoming personally involved and not sitting back and letting things happen to you.
What issues concern you the most?
At the state level, our judicial system has come down with a number of decisions that have had a negative impact on businesses and individuals here. And on the national level, I don't think small businesses have ever gotten the respect out of Washington we deserve based on how many people we employ as a group. Luckily, NFIB gives us a voice on the national scene to try and correct that.
What do you like best about being a small business owner?
The benefits I see now are different than those I saw when I first went into business for myself. I can spend more time with my family because I set my own hours and my own pace. I can be more active in church and my community while providing benefits to them through taxable income and bringing new people into the community. It's nice to drive into work every day knowing you can do things that don't just help you, but that help the community, too. It's not just about me.
