Running a Small Business Challenging but Well Worth It

Small business owners and their ability to survive the failing economy is a major talking point among politicians. As a small business owner I admit it has been a challenge since beginning my business eight years ago with two other partners but being resourceful has been a key to our success.

We started the business with little start-up cash and built the company into a thriving business through some of the toughest economic times this country has ever witnessed. The company, Stripe-A-Lot, grew based on a single principle: Provide the best customer service in our industry.

As a striping company in Las Vegas, Stripe-A-Lot goes head-to head with companies ten times its size but we retain most of our customers by understanding their needs and building strong relationships with our customers.

It has never been easy and there have been months when Stripe-A-Lot has struggled. Our first large client was Las Vegas Motor Speedway in our second year in business. Las Vegas Motor Speedway has stuck with Stripe-A-Lot through tough economic times and we have worked with the speedway to provide the best service and value.

The speedway was one of our key customers along with several large property managers who have helped keep Stripe-A-Lot and our eight employees working. The challenges of a crippled commercial leasing crisis and the loss of construction jobs in Las Vegas has hurt profits and led myself and fellow owners to supplement our income as we endure the downturn in the economy.

As owners we have cut our pay more than 75 percent to keep our employees working. A standard corporate America could learn a lesson from. I do not see our competitors cutting their pay to save their employees jobs. The gamble has worked for Stripe-A-Lot by acquiring skilled workers layed off by our larger competitors.

Keeping a small business thriving in this economy is not easy but being resourceful is the key for new business owners. When Stripe-A-Lot began, myself and my fellow co-owners worked a second job and we have once again began working on the side to keep our company viable.

The key for small business owners is keeping employees working and keeping the lines of communication open with customers. The market being down is no excuse to fold the tents and give up. Now is the time for small business to double-down and work harder. Success is coming to those who work hard and have the will to survive.