06/29/2007
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Irene Dodge joined NFIB "because it's a group of people just like me who started their own businesses from scratch." Dodge's expectations for NFIB are "to continue to support the independents and educate the public of the importance of purchasing your wares from local, independent merchants." |
Irene Dodge is an artist at heart. She turned her passion and talent into a business in 2002 when she opened The Elements Art Supply Inc. in Athens, Ga. An NFIB member since 2003, she now keeps an eye on taxes and legislation as well as big-box competitors and learning something new every day.
NFIB recently spoke with Dodge about her business, her art and keeping an eye on property taxes.
Describe your business
I am a retail artist's raw materials store and a complete resource center for visual artists. We sell canvas, paint, brushes, printmaking and sculpture supplies, as well as offer workshops and classes in the traditional disciplines such as stone carving and oil painting. We have a reference library, provide custom framing and an in-store gallery showing work from all over.
Your essential business philosophy?
Work hard, have fun and make money doing what I love to do. I want to supply the demand of my customers and make a profit doing it while providing friendly and knowledgeable sales help.
What business opportunities did you see at the start of your business, and what opportunities exist today?
When I first opened up I had one really strong competitor and two minor competitors. Since then, another major chain store opened up and Wal-Mart has started selling more art supplies. There were also more galleries open when I started, but, unfortunately there are only a couple left.
What are your company's strengths, and how do you capitalize on them?
Experience and product knowledge. I've been around long enough to have a good reputation and really know what I'm talking about. Even the big boxes here in Athens have called here for advice on technical stuff.
What trends are shaping your industry?
There is a renewed interest in making your own paint which is interesting and exciting. Making paint hasn't really changed much in the past 600 or 700 years other than we use tubes now and can buy it ready made. The use of the computer hasn't really affected how artists work, but it has affected how they purchase their materials. It's a good thing that most artists like to handle their materials before buying. Otherwise we would lose all our sales to the Internet.
Why do you like being a small-business owner?
I don't like being a small-business owner, I love it. I love what I do and I can honestly say that there hasn't been a day in 30 years that I haven't looked forward to going to work, whether it was for someone else or myself. I like knowing that it's mine and I am providing a service to my community and providing jobs.
What would people be surprised to learn about your industry?
Probably that it's such a small industry.
Your definition of success?
Success is a word for which there could be a thousand definitions. Here's mine: to laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and affection of children; to earn the approval of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self without the slightest thought of return; to have accomplished a task, whether by a healthy child, a rescued soul, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
What legislation -- either state or federal -- is pending that could affect your business?
Tax on Internet sales: If this passes, all brick-and-mortar merchants should see an increase in business. Changing the tax on business property: This should be a flat tax on inventory only and not on fixtures or capital equipment. Business license tax: This should be a flat fee, not a tax, to cover the license to do business regardless of how many employees or how much business volume is done. This tax is already being collected many times over with other taxes such as sales tax, personal property tax, federal and state taxes, and income tax. We have a surplus of tax revenue in this state yet we continue to force businesses to pay more tax.
What is your No. 1 legislative concern at both the state and federal levels?
My No. 1 concern is the business property tax which is on a local county level. My next concern would be the state sales tax.
How do you stay involved and active in the public-policy process?
I don't know how involved I can be when working 60+ hours per week, but I try to go to as many City Hall meetings as possible and I'm involved in many councils that involve my industry. I try to attend meetings for all political parties to learn as much as possible about what's happening locally so I will know what I'm talking about when it's time to voice my opinion.
How did you first learn about NFIB?
I first learned about NFIB when my local rep came in to solicit membership. I was immediately interested because I am an independent type of person, and this group is definitely for independents.
Why did you join NFIB, and what are your expectations of NFIB?
I joined NFIB because it's a group of people just like me who started their own businesses from scratch. We can help each other by sharing what we've learned works or doesn't work, and encourage others to start businesses as well. My expectations of NFIB are just to continue to support the independents and educate the public of the importance of purchasing your wares from local independent merchants. When you purchase online your money goes to another state and no local taxes are collected, therefore, money for schools, police and fire departments, roads, etc. will have to come from increased property taxes. When you purchase locally you help keep your local economy healthy by keeping people in jobs. The more we support our local independent retailers, the healthier our local economy becomes, and perhaps our property taxes will come down!
Quick facts
- The Elements Art Supply Inc., Athens, Ga.
- Irene Dodge, business owner since 2002, NFIB member since February 2003
- Five employees
- Important business lesson learned: The more capital you start with, the quicker the profit.
- Education: On-the-job training is the best, pay attention to those who were there ahead of you and have done it already. Your best lessons are learned from old wise men who worked before you. I have some college and lots of workshops under my belt, but the best education I got was from really paying attention to my predecessors. To this day I learn something new every day.
- Family: God, Family, Country
- Most recent book read: Second Glance by Jodi Picoult and Eye Contact, a very interesting book on autism
- Favorite vacation spot: A beach anywhere. I grew up on the beach and find briny breezes, salty waters and hot sand the closest thing to heaven on earth.
