WOW #035: How 3 Small Business Owners Made My Day

Quote of the Week:
“We often take for granted the things that most deserve our gratitude.”
- Cynthia Ozick

I ran a load of laundry yesterday morning and after the initial rinse cycle ended, heard a noise that resembled someone dropping a lug nut into a blender.

Nine years of solid service and our washer had met its demise.

I grabbed the load of wet clothes (which felt like dead-lifting a Buick), some detergent and dryer sheets, tossed everything in a hamper and started driving.

Minutes later, I was greeted with a smile by the owner of the coin laundromat down the street, a business I've passed thousands of times, but never visited. A nice employee flashed a knowing “first time” glance in my direction before giving me the tour:

WiFi.
Fresh coffee.
90’s soundtrack wafting over the speakers.
Morning News on a big screen TV.
Not bad.

While waiting for my laundry, I filled out a search form for technicians on Angi’s List (thanks, Angi) and within minutes my phone was blowing up.

“I’ll be at your house at 11:00,” said Alexander. “$75 for the trip and diagnosis, beyond that, we’ll have to see.”  

Alexander (an immigrant from Russia) had found work through family ties. He took pride in his knowledge and grinned widely while making fast friends with our dog.

“Take a picture of the model and serial number,” he said while packing up. “The phone number on the sticker here will take your order for the new motor. You’re under warranty, so it won’t cost you. Text me when the part comes. I’ll install it for a hundred bucks.” 

Alexander left, and my growling stomach reminded me that I hadn’t eaten anything all day. I heated up some leftovers from a local restaurant my wife and I visited for the first time the night before.

Paella. It was delicious. The owner of the restaurant had just opened his second location in a converted community bank a few miles from our house. He was brimming with optimism and greeted his new guests with warmth and kindness.

It’s hard to imagine a world without small businesses.

2 Takeaways:

1. Small, But Mighty. For every $100 spent with small businesses, roughly 68 of those dollars return to the local economy (vs $43 at a national chain). With regards to sustainable manufacturing and production, small businesses are much greener than mega corporations and big box stores. Nearly half of the U.S. population is employed by small businesses. In sum, they promote healthier communities. 
2. May 10th Is National Small Business Day. I’m exactly a month early here, but something about the last 48 hours compelled me to write this.  

1 Action:

In the weeks leading up to May 10th, take a few minutes to write a Google review of your favorite local restaurant or share a social media post from a mom-and-pop you frequent.

It may not seem like much, but I’d bet the owners notice.

Have a great week everyone,

Hubert