Small business owner talks about growing his business in a rural area.
Name: Nolan Larson
Business: Larson Waste Inc.
Employees: 26
Location: Snowflake, Arizona
How did you become a small business owner?
I started off just doing stuff on the side. I was hauling lumber for my father-in-law, who had a trucking business, and started small that way. And then I started managing his company, and I ended up buying it. Then I bought the garbage company, and now I own the two businesses.
What’s the best thing about running your own business?
Making my own decisions. But that’s also one of the things I hate about it! I do think it’s just the satisfaction of seeing something that you worked for—that’s great.
What has surprised you about owning a business?
How much regulation there is, and how much money you have to spend keeping up on those regulations and keeping up on taxes.
What kind of business climate does Arizona have?
I think the last two governors, especially, have made it more of a business-friendly place. Since the place I live is pretty rural, though, my company can only get so big. So it’s in my interest to help with economic growth. I spend a lot of time helping other businesses get established in my area. I represent my county, Navajo County, to the Arizona Commerce Authority. I try to tell them about problems and things going on in our area, to represent that rural point of view.
Why did you get involved with NFIB?
I definitely wanted someone to represent me. I appreciate the surveys they send, the synopses of the bills and what’s going on out there. I’m usually so busy running the business that I don’t have time to keep up on all that, so I like that it keeps me abreast of what’s going on. And they can do so much more from there than I can from here, so it’s good to know that there’s someone looking out for us.
What advice would you give to other small business owners?
Keep your accounts in check, and take on as little debt as you can. I originally tried to extend credit to everybody, but I learned that if they can’t pay you at the time, they probably won’t be able to pay you down the road. So be aware of your finances, and keep all that in check.
