Over 52 years ago, my grandfather, my father and a great uncle started a business. It was a small foundry—a three-man operation making molds out of aluminum and brass. Half a century later and our small business now has over 100 employees, has a machine shop and is run by my brothers, as well as my parents.
My clothes, education, car, food on our table–everything, was entirely financed by a small business. Because of this business, my older brother and I went to private school our entire lives and did graduate and post graduate work at a university without having to take out a single loan. My younger brothers had athletic scholarships, but were able to afford the costs of living away from home.
We all worked at the business during our summers. I learned to drive a forklift when I was no more than ten and I also learned how to cast a sand mold. My brothers worked on the melt deck in July and August in Florida. Nothing teaches a kid about what real hard work is like (and the value of an education) as standing in an un-airconditioned building pouring boiling hot metal into molds for eight hours every humid Florida day.
I owe a lot to small business–and this week, when we think about being thankful, it’s one of the things I’m very thankful for.
Without getting too political, I think we can all pretty much agree that small businesses and entrepreneurs make this country what it is. Small businesses are the backbone of our culture in so many ways. But in these tough economic times, it’s the small business that will be hurt the most.
That’s why yesterday, instead of going to the big chain grocery store to pick up produce for dinner, I stopped by the little farmer’s market on the corner—whose prices, by the way, are better than the chain and the quality is better, too–owned by an Korean man and his family, who live a couple of blocks away from me. Instead of buying dinner from Macaroni Grill or Carraba’s, we try and go to the little Chinese place that’s been in our neighborhood for twenty years, or the pizza place near the beach that is second generation Italian or the new Cuban place that just opened a year ago and has the most delicious ropa vieja I’ve had since my grandmother died. When I’m out of guinea pig food, I go to the little pet store next door to the Cuban restaurant that is a franchise of a chain but is owned by a guy in the neighborhood who is there every day, working behind the register. I don’t go to Starbucks anymore for my lattes. I go to a coffee shop owned and operated by a man who used to live in Chicago, but whose son played baseball with my nephew and donates part of his proceeds every Wednesday to my daughter’s school.
It’s hard to shop exclusively at little shops and small businesses because of prices. I get that. I have been known to break down and shop at Walmart when I have no other choice. (Nothing against Walmart except that I hate their parking lot more than life itself—you know, that’s a cliché that really makes no sense. I love life!) But I digress. I’m a huge customer of Amazon.com, which many people have made into the Godzilla of the book business, but I also try to go to the little book shop by my house to buy things for my daughter. But there are a lot of things that don’t have to be purchased at a chain or conglomerate.
So, what’s the point of this blog? Just a reminder that if you have the choice and you can afford it, try and shop at the small business near you every once in a while. To help not only the small business owner, but the economy as a whole. It’s not that I want to hurt the chains—but it’s my opinion that the ones who offer good prices and great selection and who are smart at the corporate level will stay in business and do just fine. But the little guy needs every customer.
Is there a local place that you frequent? Have small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit of this country made a difference in your life?
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NEWS BREAK! Phantom’s Touch is shipping from AMAZON! Trisha and Dena…you both won copies way back when and you should be receiving them very soon! Everyone please keep an eye out in your local bookstore. Should I post more excerpts? What kind of scene would you all like to read?
This is the ad Sarah at Smart Bitches did for me…isn’t it cool?
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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:jiveturkey: HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!! :fourturks
I love my little city because of all the small businesses that I have here. I know when I go to my fave chinese rest, the owner will ignore whatever I ask for and make me something else. And I am usually happy about that. The little book stores, the coffee shops, all of it.
I grew up on a farm and learned young how to drive a tractor, harvest acres and acres of pumpkins and corn and tomatoes. Because of that, the day I turned 16 I got my permit. The next day I got my driver’s license. You could do that then. We never did make enough to send either of us to private school, and I paid for college on my own, but there was always food on the table and a roof over our heads.
I have a half day of work and then we are heading to NYC to spend a couple days with 3/5 of the family. I have lots to be thankful for- family being the biggest of those. Marrying a man who never thought twice about my daughter not being one of his- she gets treated better than his kids did growing up because he is financially able to do that. I hope she appreciates it.
Be safe all and think of me if you watch the Macy’s Parade. :bigturk I will be out there somewhere!!!
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I love small businesses. They seem so much more intimate and personal. I live in Plant City, FL. Across from my subdivision is Parksdale Farms. They have been a staple in Plant City for many generations. There are other local produce places, but this one is sort of famous. I buy o lot of my fruits and vegetables there. The prices for Fruits and vegies are better than in any grocery store. And they are world famous for their strawberry shortcake. Great strawberry milkshakes, too. Come strawberry season, their berries are the most flavorful!
I recently discovered a little donut shop that makes the best glazed donuts. There’s a little gift shop downtown that I have bought several little “things” for gift giving.
A cousin of our had a baby this year and we’re the Godparents. I purchase the outfit for the baptism in a little children’s boutique, also downtown. Cutes little place with the most adorabel things.
Another cousin (brother of the above cousin) just opened a little Italian restaurant downtown, called Joey’s Place. Great Food! Love their pizza.
Plant City is loaded with small businesses. These are just a small few.
I wish all the small businesses out there the best.
Debbie
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Ya know, I’m kind of glad we’ve moved past the days when we all learned to drive at the age of 10!!!
My dad owned a construction company, and we lived on a farm. I learned to drive when I was 10, and I was driving dump trucks by the time I was 13! (and sometimes even on the roads) :yikes: Sorry I veered off topic :giggler
We also support the small business whenever possible (including getting gas at the local owned gas station as opposed to the large, chain ones). My husband’s business was started in the 30′s by his great-grandfather and grandfather. After they got it going
2 other great uncles joined. Each of them had 1 son who joined and so far, 3 of the 4 of them have had 1 son join.
And because its the community that supports them, they (and we) always try to do the same. We even all buy our cars at different places so that one dealer isn’t getting all the business (a big family can really spread it around! lol). It isn’t always easy to make that effort to go to the smaller guy, but it’s always worth it.
Thanks for the nice post and reminder, Julie.
Happy :jiveturkey: Day tomorrow (I’ll be traveling so I won’t have the chance to post).
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I don’t know Alannah- I think so many things have changed, that losing one of the fun things i got to do as a kid and not be able to teach my grandkids is kind of sad. Even my daughter learned to drive on the farm when she was little. Makes her a better driver now on the road. We all had to be able to drive the big dump truck around the block and park it without stalling it before we could take our test. The whole neighborhood sent their kids to do it- it became a tradition. Lots of us now know how to double clutch because of it! Thanks daddy!! :angel5
My fave restaurants are all local and family owned- they always have the best food. Hubby’s niece and her husband own 3 gas stations. One of her brothers owns the body shops. He gets lots of business from the family! We are all helping to put his daughter through Cornell University!
Small business owners get to know their longtime customers and they know what they want and are willing to do what they need to to keep their business. Not so the big box retailers. They only care about the bottom line regardless of who they trample to get there.
Hopefully my breakfast from the little cafe next door will be delivered soon!! My tum-tum is making loud noises!!
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I have the feeling that a lot of writers grew up in “small businesses.” We were impressed at a young age with the spirit of independence and drive that helps us succeed. *raises hand* I, too, learned to drive young – tractors, pickups – though I was 16 before Dad let me actually drive the propane delivery truck, even though I’d been filling propane tanks since I was big enough to remember “righty-tighty/lefty-loosey.”
Our favorite restaurants – Greek, Thai, and Mexican – are family owned. We’ve watched the kids grow up. I live in a small suburban town on the edge of a large metroplex and try very hard to support the local businesses and local tax structure. Our police and firefighters are awesome and their budgets depends on the sales tax generated by shopping locally.
Great subject today, Julie! I can’t wait to get my copy of Phantom’s Touch! *watches mailbox* *paces*
Time to get my 1700 words done and then I’m off to get an “author’s photo” made before starting baking for tomorrow. Cinnamon rolls and pumpkin pies! :yumturk
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I grew up in a small town, so we had nothing but small businesses for a long, long time. (My grandparents owned a farm for years too). Now I live in the ‘burbs of a big city, but I try to think of those places that are struggling, like bookstores (though they don’t always carry a large supply of romances). And I love the flavor and uniqueness of family-owned businesses. You just can’t get that at a chain restaurant.
What a lovely post today Julie. And your book cover rocks!
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I grew up in a small town so we always did business with the small businesses. We got our groceries at Pat Houston’s and our gas at Johnny Bates’ gas station. Most of the smaller businesses are now closed, due to retirement. I try to shop at as many small businesses as possible, but it’s sometimes hard in Nashville.
Julie, I want to read all of Phantom’s Touch, so any excerpt would be great! :fourturks :gobbler:
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It’s funny you wrote this, Julie. My MOMS group has been so bummed this last week because a favorite bakery unexpectedly went out of business…okay, mostly me is upset.
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I used to go to this small specialty grocer called “Tony’s”. At first it was great. All of his employees were really nice and helpful. And Tony himself was generally in residence when I walked in the door. Which was nice. Then it changed. The cashier started quizzing me as to why I would buy a red or gold bell pepper as opposed to a green one which was so much cheaper. Then I felt I had to explain my purchases to this person that I didn’t buy the green ones because they gave me heartburn!
After that it all went downhill. The employees are just plain rude now, surly, angry even. I started getting the feeling that they would rather be on Jupiter than in that store. So I haven’t darkened their door in years.
The only other small business is the Tattered Cover Book Store. They used to have the best book store location in the world in Cherry Creek. That store had a presence and a feeling like no other book store on the planet. It felt different. It smelled different. The shelves were different. They had comfy little sofas all over the store so you could just pull a book off the shelf and sit down and read it. And no one complained about it. In fact you were encouraged. Mothers would sit and read books to their kids.
Then they got this bright idea to move the flagship store to Colfax into an old movie theater. Gack!! To be honest, I haven’t been to the new Colfax store because the thought of walking in there just makes me ill. Before that they opened a store in LoDo. Double Gack! Now they have a store in my neck of the woods Highlands Ranch. The store in HR and Lodo feels warehousy. Triple Gack!!
The customer service hasn’t changed–Thank God–and they NEVER comment on a book a customer is buying which is part and parcel of TC’s training program.
We do go to this local family owned Chinese place that’s pretty cool.
My husband and I own a small business–it’s just the two of us. He does Wireless and I write. My husband does pride himself on great customer service not to mention doing a great job.
Have a great day all,
Cher :jiveturkey:
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I’m lucky to have a number of small private shops in my hood and I always prefer to support them when I can.
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I was born and raised in Reno. After I got married, my husband and I moved to Sparks. You don’t know that you have gone from one city to the next except for a small sign welcoming you to Reno or Sparks.
Sparks is known for their “home town” spirit. Regardless of how much it grows, you can still find the small business person. It can be a friend that owns a local nursery, familes running a mexican or chinese resturant, yum, or two friends who decided to open up a wine shop. Yes, we have to big chains in the area, but I would have to say that the small businesses are alive and well and living in my hometown.
Happy a wonderful Turkey Day with many wonderful blessings.
:bigturk
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My parents owned a small business and I worked there starting when I was around 8 or so. Y’know little stuff that got more responsibilities as I got older.
When times got tough, I went to look for a “job” where the women who were moms and had kids at home wouldn’t lose their jobs. It’s all about sacrifice for the greater good. I fuly support as many small businesses as I can.
When Wal-mart came to town 95% of other small business owners in the same industry as our family—lost their businesses. So, I rarely ever shop their. Only as a last resort.
My folks sold their store about 5 years ago. I still miss it, I have never entered the restaurant that moved into the building they sold. I just can’t.
Have a happy thanksgiving everyone.
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I am just dropping by to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow! :givethaks
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:givethanks
One type of small business that has gotten my dollars in the past week is the indie bookseller. My holiday shopping is just about done, and I have the PERFECT (IMHO) present for everyone on my list.
My local indie bookstore has employees who know their books and who take the time to help me find just what I need.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. :fourturks
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Julie, I totally agree with your thoughts about small businesses. I won’t shop at WalMart because I’ve read how they treat their employees, working them to the breaking point, no OT, etc.–I don’t care about the cheaper prices.
In the greater L.A. area, it’s hard to find a small grocer. Yet, I have shopped at one in Burbank for the last 25 years. It has the best produce (& cheaper prices), its own fresh meat counter & pretty much any staples you’d want. Other than the staples the prices for the others are less than at the big markets. It’s stayed competitive by doing catering for the film/TV studios, &, on Saturdays, BBQing TriTip roasts (& also using them for sandwiches), as well as ribs & chickens on an large outside grill. The smell brings in a huge crowd. When it can, it buys produce from local individuals & farms. Just looking at the produce keeps you returning, & I try my best to buy ALL my items that it stocks. Even if the prices were a little more, I wouldn’t buy my produce anywhere else. It’s just the best.
Sometimes, keeping small businesses in business is more important than saving a small difference in $. JMHO.
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Cher, I love the Tattered Cover. I don’t mind the LoDo store, but that could be because it’s the closest one to me and I never knew about the Cherry Creek location. Not that I would’ve gone there because I have a serious aversion to anything having to do with Cherry Creek.
As for small businesses, I try to use them as frequently as I can. My dad’s family used to run a book bindery but they ended up having to sell off the machines and close down due to economy problems in the late 80′s and early 90′s when I was still really young. I have fond memories of playing around and diving into big bins full of paper scraps. When my siblings and I were old enough, we all helped out doing hand work at the shop, like collating booklets and whatnot. After he started working where he works now, which is another small, family run print shop/bindery, I would go down as contract labor and run the shrink-wrapper to package jobs so they could be shipped out. There is a lot to be learned through small businesses.
I hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving tomorrow! :jiveturkey:
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Such a great topic, Julie (and reminder for all of us to support those small businesses!), especially in this economy!
:fourturks
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Julie, what a good subject for the season and a thought to keeping those small businesses going.
I live in a small town in northern California Wine Country, it is very much a tourist destination. The square has lovely boutique shops that have pricey merchandise. I do shop here in town at the places that are affordable to me. One is a small organic grocery store that was owned by good friends of mine, they have sold so they can retire but I still go there for a lot of things. There are two wonderful local bakeries in town that I patronize for their delicious offerings–yum! I also am a big, big fan of our Farmer’s Market which has it’s last day on Saturday until May when all the spring veggies etc. are ready for sale. The produce that you buy there is so good, very fresh, very tasty and all the vendors are friendly and helpful. I try to patronize local coffee places but don’t buy coffee out much these days as my funds are limited! We have two local independent bookstores but neither carry romance or hardly any. You might find Nora Roberts or a few big names like that but there is not much hope that they will change. They have that rather snobby thought that romance is trashy and not worth reading. The one store has a wonderful selection of cook books. I’m going to stop in there over the weekend and see what they have now that they have been open a few months. The original owners sold out to a small local area chain. I think they have about 4 stores open now all here in this county. Safeway has the best store here & is the most conveinient so I do shop there a lot & I do go the Wal-Mart because of the prices. I do not condone there employee treatment.
What ever you are doing enjoy your Thanksgiving, eat lots of good food, enjoy the day and time with family and friends. :givethaks If you are traveling stay safe. Ev, enjoy the parade.
:jiveturkey: :gobbler: :happythanks :turk2 :fourturks
I am thankful for the fun of the Plotmonkey blog, the people that visit here and the books all of you write.
:yumturk
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Just an FYI everyone.
Julie, Border’s has Phantom’s Touch on the shelves. I picked mine up at lunch.
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Ardie! Thanks so much for letting me know! You’re the first report!
I hope you enjoy it and THANK YOU so much for buying a copy!!!
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Hi Julie I grew up in a small town with small businesses everywhere our first “fast food restaraunt” was a dairy queen my freshman year of high school 1991. I myself have been and still is a small business owner from leasing my stylist chair as a hairstylist for 7 years till moving to Florida I decided to take a break from hair but needed something to do every now and then so I took my love for handbags and started Michele”s Arm Candy
I have purse parties with designered inspired hand bags (not the fakes) but cute affordable handbags. My newest addition has been the Key finders hot hot items. it keeps me busy and gives me time to workon my writing.
Happy Turkey Day :gobbler: :bigturk
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Julie – great post! I do frequent certain small/specialty shops – especially for ethnic foods. But here, it’s relatively hard to do. I do avoid WalMart – I generally only step foot into it 3 times a year (and two of those are because I’m with people who wanted to go there). And, when buying things, I’ll shell out some extra cash for a product made in the US rather than elsewhere.
And I love trying family owed vs. chain restaurants. They’re oftentimes SO delicious!
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:happythanks :gobbler: :jiveturkey: Everyone
I am alsothankful for the fun of the Plotmonkey blogs, the people that visit here and the books all of you write
Ladies
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My bookstore that i go to is a small business, the mom opened it 20 years ago and now the daughter runs it. They do new and used so it is very convenient. I can get my new books there and also glom back lists while saving some money. :givethaks