Small Business in America—Trials, Tribulations and Respect to Small Business in America

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I once heard someone say that no one who can’t pay at least fifteen dollars an hour to their employees should ever own a business. Having owned small businesses and managed a national company with Fortune 100 clientele, I’ve been a part of small and large. I’ve been a part of lots of cash flow to barely a trickle. I’ve smiled and sweated.

I’ve also seen the challenges of leading and directing employees with alcoholism, drug addictions (over 20 million Americans have addiction issues), terrible work habits, and to this day, experience the hard work of leading and motivating a small work staff.

The goal of a business is to make money for the boss, bosses or shareholders. Period. Sounds cold but it’s a fact. Now, smart leaders realize that one of the better ways to have a successful company is to treat workers like they matter and that they are a part of a greater good of helping customers, solving problems, or producing positives during their work time. I’ve hardly ever met a person who doesn’t want to accomplish in their lives. To be a part of producing and mattering in life; and when they get to that point, they work with meaning and vigor. This isn’t easy to do but it can be rewarding to business owners and employees alike.

Now let’s get to money. If a company can only pay a certain amount to their employees to keep their company viable and yet pay the boss or bosses, let’s say less than 15 or 16 dollars an hour, does that mean they should be brow-beat by arm chair quarterbacks, many of whom have never personally made payroll, payed business insurance, led personnel, payed licensing fees, or ever looked into the eyes of an employee who loved what they were doing for the amount that they’ve agreed to be compensated for? And does it mean they should close up shop and join the big corporate business world or let government feed them and pay their bills? Of course not. That’s not how successful societies work. But small business owners can’t worry too much about the naysayers. They’re too busy hustling to make it.   

I’ve seen bosses who couldn’t care less about their employees and not give them reasonable compensation so they could keep more money for themselves. It’s not my style but it happens and that’s the boss’s choice. It’s their business and they’re not social justice warriors. If someone doesn’t like that kind of work environment, they should move along. But there are many employers who do their best to be fair with their workers.

Business in America is overwhelmingly small business. They are the life blood of America! Those who wake up every morning and face the challenges of bills, employees, marketing, customers and making enough to feed their own families are to be commended. They choose the risk of fending for themselves, not having others doing it for them. It’s tough. It’s gutsy.  Much respect goes out to the small business owners of America.

Steve’s latest book:

https://www.amazon.com/Protect-Simple-Childrens-Safety-Survival/dp/1530765854

Steve Kovacs
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Steve Kovacs

About Steve Kovacs

Steve's the bestselling author of 'Protect Your Kids! The Simple Keys to Children's Safety and Survival'. He's written many articles on a wide variety of topics and has three published books. Steve's a three-time survivor of violence in his youth, a former police supervisor and a graduate of The Police Executive Leadership College (PELC) and was also an award winning part-time college Criminal Justice instructor. For several years, Steve did written and radio political and current event commentary and was the former host of the long running 'The Kovacs Perspective' Internet radio and TV talk show. Steve presently owns a small businesses in Ohio--The Mayfield Academy of Self-Defense.

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