NFIB

Wheeler Landscaping is a small business located in Geauga County, just east of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. They have provided quality design-build, lighting, management and irrigation as well as snow removal services to northeast Ohio since 1976. Wheeler Landscaping has received numerous state and national awards for its outstanding performance in distinctive design, installation and management, and continually participate in national safety contests as well.

Like many small businesses, Wheeler Landscaping employs three family members. John Wheeler is the proud owner of the business while his wife, Mary, and daughter, Brandi, serve as director of human resources and marketing assistant respectively. In addition, Wheeler Landscaping employs 35 employees year round, but this number swells to 70 during the busy season.

Wheeler became a member of NFIB in 1998 after Mary had several opportunities to talk to NFIB/Ohio Legislative Director Ty Pine and Assistant State Director Kyle Jackson. Their conversations centered around state issues, especially workers' compensation. Afterwards, Mary joined the NFIB Leadership Council. This active role with NFIB allowed her to utilize the experience and knowledge she had accumulated from serving 12 years on the Kenston Board of Education. Mary also has a strong understanding of state mandates, legislation and taxes, all of which have served her well in this position.

Since her beginnings with NFIB on the Leadership Council, Mary has remained active with NFIB to further the cause of small business. She has testified before a committee at the state level to help effect change in legislation that directly impacted workers' compensation. To her credit and to the success of NFIB, that legislation passed. In addition, she has contacted other small-business owners and recommended they join NFIB.

The folks at Wheeler Landscaping appreciate NFIB keeping them informed on current legislative issues impacting small business and providing information on candidates running for public office. The Wheelers have taken advantage of the opportunities to have a voice in small-business issues through NFIB.

The Wheelers face challenges that will continue into the future. The biggest among these are health-care insurance, workers' compensation, regulatory mandates and, of course, taxes. However, these problems do not rob the Wheelers of the advantages and benefits of being part of a small business. One of these is knowing that you are an integral part of the community you live in.

"You have the chance to provide quality services to the area you live in and provide jobs for families in your community," Mary Wheeler said.