05/10/2007
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Mary Leavitt (right) of the Flag Lady's Flag Store, has been an active member of NFIB for more than 20 years. Leavitt and her son, Andy Leavitt, and daughter, Lori Leavitt Watson, are photographed here. |
NFIB member Mary Leavitt made a name for herself as the "Flag Lady" when she began selling United States flags out of the trunk of her car in Libertyville, Ill., in 1979. Leavitt's venture grew and evolved to become "The Flag Lady's Flag Store" that is currently located on High Street in Columbus, Ohio.
Leavitt began her business out of a passion for patriotism and a desire to support her son, who was in the Navy, and other members of the U.S. Armed Forces during the Iranian Missile Crisis. Today, Leavitt's store not only sells the highest quality U.S. flags, but also state, military, international, religious, college, pro-sports, seasonal banners and garden flags. In addition, the Flag Lady's Flag Store has a custom department with a full-time graphic artist and a staff of seamstresses to make and/or design custom flags, banners, table covers and backdrops. In all, Leavitt has 10 full-time employees, including her daughter and her son, and two part-time employees.
"The Flag Lady's Flag Store's mission is to create flags to rally, motivate, celebrate and identify your corporation, school or event," said Leavitt. "We make flags for all occasions, every season and any reason."
The Flag Lady's Flag Store has been a member of NFIB for more than 20 years and has been actively involved in advocating for small-business-friendly policies throughout its membership. Leavitt regularly attends the Columbus Area Action Council meetings, Small-Business Days at the Capitol and Leadership Trust and SAFE Trust events.
"I felt like I was joining the 'army' of independent business when I joined NFIB. It gave me the confidence to believe in what I was doing for a living," Leavitt said. "If and when I have questions or ideas, a representative at the NFIB office is readily available -- even up to the state director."
Despite all of her accomplishments, Leavitt still finds herself battling the challenges of owning a small business. She is particularly concerned about the rising cost of health-care coverage and burdensome tax policies like the Ohio death tax, which is an obstacle in her desire to pass her business along to her children.
Yet, Leavitt remains very proud to be a small-business owner.
"We care," she said. "We know our customers; we know our employees and we're the backbone of this country."
