NFIB

Michael Crowe started Crowe and Associates, Inc., in 1988 after working for Prudential Securities in Phoenix, Ariz. for six years (where he also served as a vice president.) His Mesa-based company provides retirement and estate planning services, and retains only two additional employees – his wife and daughter.

What changes have you seen in your line of work during the time you've been a small-business owner?
There is a lot more regulation than there used to be, which is not necessarily a bad thing. There used to be a lot of abuse, such as front running, where some brokers would put their own trades in before their client's, therefore raising the price for the client. This was tolerated up until about 10 years ago.

How are you involved in NFIB grassroots activism?
I joined the Leadership Council, and now I'm the state chairman. Right now I'm working on boosting the state [NFIB] membership.

What is your No. 1 legislative concern?
My pet peeve is eminent domain. It's got me seeing red it's so outrageous. It is going to be one of our major focal points on the local level, because it has got to change on the state level.

We had a case here [in Mesa] where the city decided it was going to close Bailey's Brake Shop and give the land to another business. [Arizona Rep.] Eddie Farnsworth really championed Bailey's cause and got them to let him stay.

What do you like best about being a small-business owner?
The independence. There are no office politics, and you make all of the decisions yourself – and there's nobody to blame but yourself if things go wrong.

What is it like working with your wife and daughter?
Interesting at times – to say the least. My daughter has been with [the business] for six years, and my wife joined more recently.