Small Business Journey

When I came across this article on CNBC.com it made me think of my friend and customer, Timothy Dyck of Forge Works . Here's the article from CNBC.com in it's entirety. Out in the Texas countryside near Austin, down a narrow road not far from the legendary Salt Lick BBQ restaurant, next door to a ramshackle spread guarded by a German shepherd, stands a forge making what may be the best swords in the world.  Here in a state more accustomed to quick draws than parries, Daniel Watson is creating swords with blades so strong and sharp that one cut through 26 mats in a Japanese competition, shattering the previous record.  At first, no one believed a sword could do that. The reaction? "I must be cheating," he laughed. He wasn't. Watson owns Angel Sword , a company he formed over 30 years ago. "We are the oldest, largest custom swordmakers in the United States," he said. Watson designs, hammers out and finishes every piece. He sells 300 to 500 s...

Being a small-business owner isn't easy. The weird part is most of us wouldn't want it any other way.  While SMB (small business owners) owners often mention it's difficult “having to wear so many hats” and “finding new customers” as worries, according to the infographic below (courtesy of online marketing company  Constant Contact ), a whopping 84 percent said that, if given the chance, they would do their start up all over again! The “ability to pursue their passion” and the freedom that an entrepreneurial lifestyle allows are their biggest motivators.  And that’s a good thing, because SMB continues to contribute to the national and global economy in huge ways. Roughly half of all North American jobs are provided by companies of less than 500 employees, and 54 percent of U.S. sales happen at small businesses. Also, SMB donate 250 percent more than larger corporations to nonprofits and other charities. For additional stats, check out the infographic below. ...