I have been a small business owner for over 23 years. I am a 3rd generation business owner. I started my business in 1986 manufacturing gifts and home decor and renting space to sell the products in craft malls. A year later my husband joined me in the business venture. Our business was growing and successful. Production was wearing on us after ten years so we decided to attend the gift shows to purchase gift lines that we could sell retail. In October 1997 my husband Rich and I opened our gift shop in the small community of Toledo, WA. with a population in town of 650 people. No one usually stayed in business more than 6 months to a year with a new business in Toledo. I know alot of the town had thier doubts about us staying in business. During our grand opening we had a fundraiser for a community member in need of medical help. We always like to reach out to others , whether is a person in need, a group at school, a community project, etc. That was the first of dozens of opportunities we had over the next 9 1/2 years to reach to our community. It brought great joy to many when we supported their projects and helped them with their dreams. We were very thankful for the support our business received during our time in Toledo with our gift shop. There was a hot retail market during 1997 to 2003. During 2005 retail was in a downturn and we continued to run the shop for another 2 years. We were able to survive with a small business for 9 1/2 years when the odds were against us to survive in a small town for any longer than six months to a year. Being involved in our community helped make the difference. During several months before we closed our business I studied to get my real estate license. We closed the shop in May of 2007. We had to change careers and felt real estate was a good choice as we were trained well in sales and customer service. I received my real estate license in July of 2007 and my husband in April of 2008. During a time when many real estate agents have had to get part time jobs or have left the business the Burrows Team has thrived with support from clients from the town of Toledo and surrounding communities. We still support our communities and school projects. We also enjoy attending the school sports, concerts, music progams and more. When you are involved in your community you make friends and it is natural that you will have a successful business. Next time you think you are too busy to attend a local activity or support a good cause try making the time. There are highs in lows in retail and real estate. Getting involved in your community shows you care and it just makes sense!
.
Comments(1)