With the whole "you didn't build that" controversy, I was prompted to think about the businesses I have encountered in the course of my activities. So what follows are 12 brief stories of small businesses.
One
If you buy flowers at a local store, it is probably a small business. Be sure to check out Sada Flowers!
Two
One of the tools of laboratory work is the pipet. Periodically, they need to be cleaned, calibrated and have parts replaced. Hats off to Pipet Repair Service, Inc. who did the most recent service call on our 30+ pipets.
Three
I'm told there used to be more Scandinavian bakeries. Recently coming onto the scene is Copenhagen Pastry. Hope they have a good long run!
Four
Remember the line from that 60s movie?
"Plastics."
Well, Kurt Landsberger lived it long before the film. Bel-Art Scienceware might not be a small business anymore (don't know how many employees they have today) but they started as one.
Five
Flooring. If your office needs carpet or your home needs tile, you call someone to put it in and that crew of guys is almost certainly part of a small business. We had some carpeting and blinds put in as part of our home improvement renovations and Scandia Carpets did a great job!
Disclosure: This small business is owned and operated by my wife's uncle. His company has been in business a long time and for good reason - the crew came in and did a quality job fast and friendly.
Six
The restaurant business is hard work for all involved and having a famous father doesn't mean success if the food isn't great, the service friendly and the atmosphere inviting. But hat's off to Ben Ford's team at Ford Filling Station. Great for special occasion dining.
Seven
The alternative to not visiting the dentist is to have your teeth and gums go bad! Running a dental practice is running a small business.
Eight
There are big chain restaurants but usually what makes a neighborhood a neighborhood is the little place on the corner. On one corner near where we live is Cafe Laurent.
Nine
I've had some work done on my bike. Their story is pretty much a classic small business story. A family with a simply idea, having the boldness to do it and sustaining it with good service. So hats off to Abba Padre Bikes and Books.
Ten
Big box retailers have a place in the marketplace but so do specialty retailers where you can get items but also expert advice about those items and what to do with it from passionate and knowledgable folks. One of my favorites for outdoor gear is Adventure 16. See the story of its founder Andy Drollinger.
Eleven
The ethnic restaurant is the classic example of small businesses. In a typical month, how often do you go one? NBC Seafood is one of our family favorites.
Twelve
Storefront bookstores are hard to find these days. In our neighborhood, the only place where you can wander the aisles and browse is Piccolo's. They have four locations in Southern California.
Hats off to all the founders of these businesses and the employees that help make them go!
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