THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR READING WHY SMALL BUSINESS MATTERS TO AMERICA

Nine months ago I left corporate America to embark full time on my mission to improve American Basketball one player and one click at a time.

My mission takes on a pretty crazy scope some days and I love the challenges and the opportunities.  But most of all, I love my customers.  Not the checks they write, but each and everyone of my customers.  Our business was built on solving a need in the marketplace of kids playing more and more basketball and not really improving or gaining confidence.  It was built on listening to that need and personalizing solutions to each of our customers.  The texts, emails, and phone calls we get everyday from our customers sharing their success mean the world to me and their financial support makes our mission a sustainable reality while breathing life into my own family.

So why is this story important?

1.  The 27 million small businesses in America account for approximately 70% of all American jobs.

2.  Innovation – Small business produces 13x the amount of patents that larger firms do and patents are just a small measure of innovation.  Austin Youth Basketball innovates by bringing advanced player development learning to the youth basketball player.

3.  We solve problems.  Our nature is to listen and solve problems rather than to create products.   We have the luxury of caring and being in closer contact to the needs of our customer.  That’s right, relationships still matter.

4.  Fulfillment.   As corporate America goes thru their next round of layoffs (all during record profits and soaring salaries,) the small business owner strives to design a business that provides self reliance, innovation, and yes… happiness.  Do they always succeed?  No.  But is the pursuit of happiness and independence thru innovation and customer centric business a worthwhile goal?  Yes.  Resounding Yes.  We tell our basketball players to stop waiting to get picked… to pick themselves.   American small business does that every day.  Research indicates this generation does not aspire to become corporate mavens.  I recommend talking to your children and hearing their thoughts.

So in conclusion- I want to thank all of my customers who support my small business.  I also want to thank them for sharing their families with my family.  I want to thank my family for not laughing at my idea and encouraging me every step (both forward and backward) of the way.  And to everyone that said and encouraging word along the way… thank you.

American Small Business is uniquely qualified to help America build another great economy and your support fuels that.  You rock!