NFIB/Texas Leadership Council Member Profile: Cristina Heaney of U.S. Safety Services in San Antonio, Texas

Date: August 29, 2016 Last Edit: September 01, 2016

“I wanted to reap the rewards of my own labor.”

Employees: 85

A former employee of a large consulting firm, Cristina Heaney wanted the autonomy and incentive of owning her own company. Through her own determination and business acumen she started U.S. Safety Services in 2005—a company that provides EMTs and temporary medical services to work sites and special events throughout the state of Texas.

How did you become a small business owner?

After working for a large consulting company and having to travel extensively, I decided that I wanted to reap the rewards of my own labor and stay in town.

Why did you become an NFIB member?

Awareness of legislative issues that will affect my business, and the ability to partner with other like-minded business owners to try to shape that legislation.

In what ways has NFIB helped your small business?

It keeps me informed of all types of issues, allows me to have input into legislation affecting small business, gives me access to MemberVantage, and allows me to network with like-minded business owners.

What’s the biggest challenge that faces Texas small business owners like you? 

The regulatory burden is too time consuming and expensive.

How are you tackling that challenge in your own business?

Utilizing NFIB recommendations on how to reach out to my elected officials.

What advice would you give new NFIB members to make the most of their membership?

Become actively engaged and start spending time with other business owners.

What could help your industry grow?  

Less regulatory burden.

If Texas lawmakers could grant you one legislative wish for your business what would it be?

Not to mandate minimum wage and employee leave(days off).

If applicable, please tell us about who has been a small business hero or mentor that has helped to shape your entrepreneurialism? 

My husband, Jim Heaney. He spent 35 years in Commercial Banking before I could entice him into leaving the banking industry to come work with me. He has shared ‘best practices’ from his diverse group of past customers. No need for me to reinvent the wheel, and I would much rather learn from other’s mistakes (rather than making those mistakes myself).

Related Content: Small Business News | Economy | Texas

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