This Saturday, November 27, is Small Business Saturday.  So instead of our usual safety tips and techniques, I would like to extend a congratulatory “Thank You” to small business owners everywhere. I do not have the exact stats, but I have heard that a huge majority of businesses, tax dollars, and jobs are directly related to small businesses.

The timing couldn’t be better with all of us attempting to climb out of the financial mess created by the pandemic. So, to all of you, thank you for your Herculean efforts.

Small Business is the Best Business!

As a small business owner myself, I firmly believe that small business is the backbone of America. It shows everything that is great about our country and our resolve to survive “the system” and succeed in our passions. It also shows just how crazy we are. I know several business owners that have given up decent salaries and good benefits to venture into the unknown. What kind of crazy does one have to be to give up that kind of steady and dependable income? Well, it’s the best kind of crazy! Many people will not willingly go out alone and venture into a new field. After all, most of us have families to feed and bills to pay. Being a small business owner and/or a “solo-pranuer” can be extremely frustrating, financially and emotionally draining, and a real strain on marriages and relationships.

Did you ever think about all the positions a small business owner personally fills? For example, I am the Janitor, Receptionist, Training Manager, Sales Team, Lead Generator, Payroll Specialist, CFO, CEO, Public Education Specialist, Community Outreach Coordinator, Social Media Guru, and many other jobs. Some of these I do very well, while most I had to learn on the fly. All responsibility rests with me and it is not easy. I often rely on my beautiful (and tremendously understanding) wife for honest feedback on a new idea or design or a new approach to something. For every 10 ideas I have, I get at least 9 “No!” responses. That is actually a good thing as that helps me focus a little better. For all the jobs I do not want, cannot do, or refuse to do; she usually catches the short end. Without her and our amazingly beautiful daughters, most of what we do here at HHP would not be possible.

To “quote” a radio advertisement, I may be by myself in these ventures; but I am never alone. As a career firefighter and a small business owner, my best advice to other small business owners is to find and collaborate with people many times smarter than yourself (not hard in my case). Outsource what you cannot do yourself. It may seem expensive, but it pays off in the long run freeing up your time. Our business ceases to exist if we spend all our time working IN our business, instead of ON our business.

In closing, thank you and congratulations to small business owners everywhere. Keep up the good work. It will be worth it.

Until next time, stay safe my friends!

#ThinkSafetyLiveSafely!

‘Safety Nick’, as he is affectionately known, is the owner and operator of Home Hazard Prevention, LLC (HHP).  As a professional firefighter in the Valley since 2005 with an extensive background in responding to and preventing emergencies, Nick felt that it was time to help the citizens of Maricopa and Pinal Counties learn how to be safe and protect their loved ones in a proactive manner.  In 2012, HHP was launched.  With the support of his wonderful (and understanding!) wife and two beautiful children, Nick works tireless hours, not only to help save your family’s lives, as a firefighter and a community safety expert, but also to be able to spend quality time with his family.  Nick moved to Arizona over 20 years ago and enjoys exploring our great state with his family.

Be sure to contact Home Hazard Prevention for any of your family or business safety needs. From mobile CPR training to car seat education to infant safety (and much more!) HHP is here to help! Remember, a complete safety program does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. There is no one more qualified than a group of professional firefighters to keep your family safe! (480) 448-0266 or [email protected]

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