06/18/2007
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Tracie Sanchez (center) and husband Jeff Sanchez (right) discuss small-business issues with Tom Ryerson (left) of state Sen. Keith Faber's office during 2007 Small-Business Day at the Capitol. |
In 1977, the Lima Pallet Company first opened its door for business -- a home garage door, to be exact. In its humble beginnings, the business operated out of a small garage and had a base of loyal customers who helped get the family business off the ground. In time, word of quality work quickly spread to others around west central Ohio, and the business has been expanding ever since. Thirty years later, Lima Pallet Company, Inc. employs 47 full-time employees and occupies a seven-acre plot of land in Lima. Products and services offered by the company include pallet design, production and repair; free pallet removal; on-site inventory control; 24-hour emergency service; and mulch or animal bedding made from old pallets.
"It is great to be able to create jobs for others and satisfy our customers by fulfilling their needs," said Tracie Sanchez, president of Lima Pallet Company, Inc.
Sanchez works with eight other family members, who all have helped to make the business what it is today.
"My brother, Steven Sarno, and sister, Kelly Sarno, co-own the company with me," said Sanchez. "My parents are now retired but remain consultants for the business, while my husband, Jeff, is the plant manager/transportation coordinator, and one of my nephews is a supervisor. Additionally, my son and another nephew work for us part-time in the summer. It is awesome to know that some day this business could be carried on by our children. We are truly living the American Dream!"
First attracted to NFIB in 2004, Sanchez immediately recognized the value of becoming a member.
"It was evident to me that NFIB has a passion to keep America's small businesses moving full speed ahead by acting as our voice in Washington, D.C., and Columbus," Sanchez said. "Their support and promise to work hand-in-hand with me as a small-business owner is what really convinced me to join."
Now serving as the vice chair of the Lima Area Action Council, Sanchez is a great example of what it means to be a small-business advocate.
"The Area Action Council is a great tool I use to stay informed. Through numerous conversations at Area Action Council meetings, Congressman Jim Jordan has become a great friend who visits our business regularly to listen to our concerns," Sanchez said. "I also vote the NFIB Member Ballots regularly to learn about key issues facing the small-business community, and then I speak with other business owners in the area so they are also aware of the issues."
Like many of Ohio's small businesses, Lima Pallet Company faces its biggest challenges when it comes to rising taxes and problems with the workers' compensation and health-care costs.
"These are huge issues for us and other small-business owners," Sanchez said. "Many businesses move out of Ohio or avoid this state altogether because of them. We must improve and reform these systems in order to make Ohio a competitive state that will not only attract businesses but will allow them to thrive and expand."
To learn more about Lima Pallet Company, visit www.limapallet.com.
