The U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to announce the next National Small Business Week May 18-22, 2009. Since 1963, every President has declared National Small Business Week to formally recognize the important role of America’s small business community.
Meet Our 2008 Award Winners:
Winner Profiles |
Award Categories
Gary Adams
Featured Award Winner
Company: Stanton County True Value Hardware
What is the most satisfying part of owning your own business?
The most satisfying part of owning our business is to know that our business and employees are providing goods and services needed in our rural area. Another rewarding aspect is the customers who come in, sit down, and let us know how much they appreciate the store and what we are doing.
What is the one thing you could not operate your business without?
We have been extremely blessed to have quality employees. Our staff in the store understands the importance of customer service. Each member works closely with customers to determine their needs and will gladly order items that we don’t normally carry.
In addition to the store employees, we have a number of outstanding service employees. When we opened the store, we began with a local retired HVAC person and a trainee to serve our customers. Based on the needs we observed during the first weeks of business, we then sent one of our store employees to be trained as an appliance technician. A few months later, we hired an additional HVAC technician. Within the last year, we have acquired an electrician/ditching service. These services employees, as well as our regular store personnel, are true assets to our business and to the community.
What makes you so passionate about your business?
Although I could list a number of things that make me passionate about the business, I feel that Stanton County True Value allows me to contribute to the county which I’ve always called home. Although the population shift has affected rural Kansas, Stanton County is still the home of many good, hard-working people, and we feel fortunate to be able to serve the people in our county and general area.
Because of our rural location, we have a 50-mile trade area that extends into Colorado and as far south as the Oklahoma border. Dealing with the customers in this area and knowing that they appreciate what we offer keeps us passionate about what we do.
View more 2008 Award Winner Profiles
View all of the 2008 National Small Business Week Award Winners.
Our Generous Co-Sponsors Included:
Disclaimer: The U.S. Small Business Administration's participation in this cosponsored activity does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any cosponsor's, donor's, grantee's, contractor's or participant's opinions, products, or services. All SBA programs and cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance, by contacting sbw@sba.gov. Cosponsorship Authorization # SBW 2008.
