NFIB

When we asked Steve Bowser what he likes best about being a business owner, he told us he enjoys the satisfaction that comes from overcoming challenges and meeting goals. He also said he appreciates having the opportunity to work with and help talented and intelligent people.

"Parts of our company have been the source of many sleepless nights, and ultimately, tremendous satisfaction," said Bowser.

Bowser is the president of Bowser-Morner, Inc. a "multi-disciplined, consulting, engineering and analytical firm." Bowser-Morner, Inc. does everything from engineering and environmental work to testing laboratory services including building foundations, chemistry and product testing, and construction engineering. Founded in 1911, Bowser-Morner has been in Bowser's family since 1953 and is a third-generation family business. Bowser's sister, Gale Kinney, also works at Bowser-Morner managing employee benefits, as does his brother-in-law, Scott Kinney, who works as the chief financial officer.

A member of NFIB since the early 1990s, Bowser was first attracted to NFIB because he liked the idea of an organization whose sole purpose was supporting small businesses.

"I started attending a lot of meetings and the more I learned, the more I wanted to be involved with other NFIB members and the great NFIB staff," Bowser said.

NFIB gave him an opportunity to learn more about the issues affecting small businesses, which helped grow his interest in becoming involved with these issues. Since joining NFIB, Bowser has become active in the political process, particularly by personally meeting with elected officials to discuss small-business issues. 

One issue that has had a particularly harmful affect on Bowser's business has been the high operating costs that Ohio imposes on its businesses.

"We have responded by greatly increasing the amount of business we do outside of Ohio," Bowser said. "We hope we will start seeing more opportunities closer to home."

Like other businesses, health care is also a big issue for Bowser-Morner, Inc. "Even though I was disappointed by the recent failure of Small-Business Health Plans, I know NFIB leaders and members won't give up,"  Bowser said.