A Local small businessman's thougths on, "Someone else made that happen."

From: David Flow
Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 12:03 PM


 I have intent on  trying to see the bigger picture when it comes to politics. I try to remember why and how this country was founded. I try to remember and appreciate the freedoms we have in this country and the price at which those freedoms have come.
    
But a few days ago, the President who currently sits in the Oval Office made a statement that I cannot simply understand nor get over. While some may say you’re taking this out of context, I say regardless of the context in which he spoke, the heart of the matter from his vantage point remains true and simply confirms what he truly believes.
 
“If you’ve got a business, you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.”
      
Twenty-one years ago, I starting this company (well I like to say, God and I started it!). I was the only employee for the first year until I could hire employees. I gained a partner after 4 years (again I owe that to God as well!)  and now there are 4 of us who collectively run this business.
      
 I worked alone in those early years. I would often wear a suit to the office, work until I needed to go out on a jobsite and change into my blue jeans. I didn’t have a secretary, office manager, payroll clerk, or even someone to clean my office – I did it. I took the risk…by myself. I worked long hours. Spent many holidays and weekends doing what all small business owners do – sacrifice . My name -- and my name only -- was on the letterhead. Nobody else made that happen. Absolutely,  I had many many good things go my way, referrals that helped my business grow.  I truly owe any “success” to many of our long term customers and clients and great subcontractors and vendors – all who have played a important role.
     
But I took the risk…100% of it. So if it failed, it would be my total and complete failure. No one else’s. I had to meet payroll each and every week -- which is something if you’ve never done, can be positively frightening. By Gods good grace, no employee of this company has ever missed a check.
     
So the next time Barack Obama brags about creating millions of jobs (and he will)  - I’m going to say, “Wait a minute, you didn’t do that. Somebody else made that happen.” Somebody like me and the other thousands of business owners across this country made that happen...the real business and job creators of this country.
      
So I would say to all my fellow business owners regardless of your political leanings  – how do you react to his statement?
        
David A. Flow, President
FLOW CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC
3628 Trousdale Drive, Suite E
Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 832-0707
Fax (615) 832-0779

I do not know David Flow, but I know people who know him and he has a reputation as a humble, sincere, thoughtful  man who has been blessed with success through his hard work and determination. I am sure millions of other small business owners, find Obama's actions and comments distressing and out of touch with what makes the engine of our economy work. Rod

Top Stories