09/16/2002
Norman, Okla., may not be famous as a boater's paradise, but you might be surprised just how much activity there is, says Judy Stidham, owner -- with husband Tom -- of Norris Marine. "We have several big lakes close by, like Grand Lake and Lake Texoma," she says. "And we have lots of little lakes, too."Lakes mean boats, and Norris Marine is happy to provide them from their store located on Interstate 35. "This is actually our third location," explains Stidham. "We started out working in a little trailer house while our first store on 24th Street was being built. Then we moved to Interstate 35 and then again, just a few miles north."
Being in Norman also means being close to the University of Oklahoma and, as Stidham is quick to add, "the number-one football team in the nation." Stidham's husband Tom, who started Norris Marine with her brother and a third man (the Stidhams bought the other partners out years ago), is a former Sooner himself, having played in college. And his father, Tom Stidham, was the Sooners' coach in the '30s. The couple still has season tickets and attends games regularly.
They also travel occasionally. Not surprisingly, they usually bring a boat with them. "We go to Florida some and take the boat down to the Naples area in the winter," says Stidham.
But most of the time, running a boat business means working long hours. It also means paying close attention to small-business issues. Last year, Stidham served as spokesperson for the NFIB on the Right-to-Work ballot initiative. "All the states around us had Right to Work in place and we didn't, which kept some businesses from coming here," Stidham says. "NFIB was very helpful in getting the issue passed by a vote of the people."
In addition to Right to Work, taxes are an issue that remains at the top of Stidham 's list. On that problem, she may have found a solution: "I think legislators should all have to work the month of December in a retail business. They would then realize how certain laws restrict one's ability to conduct business. They would also be in shock upon receiving their first paycheck and wondering where the balance of their money went."
Quick Facts:
Name: Judy Stidham
Business: Norris Marine, www.norrismarine.com
Location: Norman, Okla.
Founded: 1971
When (and why) did you join NFIB?
We've been members since the mid '70s. The thing I like is that they poll their membership. There are not many organizations that do that. They listen to the membership and then act on it at the state and the federal level, and then keep you apprised of issues and candidates and what's going on.
Which legislative issues are you most concerned about?
We could probably go for tax reduction and less regulation -- you know, the standard things. We're just tired of taxes just like everybody else.
What do you like most about being a small business owner?
I guess I like being my own boss. I'm not sure I'd like going 9 to 5 and working for someone else and just going home at 5. Of course, I guess if you did that you wouldn't have to worry about anything after 5...
