In my role at the Upper Valley Business Alliance (UVBA), a regional chamber of commerce, I have worked with many new business owners. We often have people interested in starting a business contact the UVBA for information on how to start their business or advice on navigating issues as a new business owner. I find helping new businesses to launch to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. I love to help someone to realize their dream of creating independence and a successful business.

While the activities and trials of big business often make the news, much of the U.S. economy is driven by small business. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), 44% of U.S. economic activity is generated by small business. However — more importantly — it is small businesses that often shape a community. Small businesses are often those who donate to area nonprofit organization, support the local sports teams and school fundraisers, and give kids their first jobs.

Deciding to become a business owner is a leap of faith. I have often said that independent businessowners are just that — independent. They are in business because they want to lead, not follow.

Jordan Boissonneault, who owns the new business J&J Commercial and Residential Services, agreed. Along with her husband and business partner, Jake, Boissonneault started her business out of a desire for independence to make her own decisions and implement her own vision.

“The prospect of being able to shape a company that reflected our values — one that prioritizes innovation, sustainability and ethical practices — was incredibly exciting,” Boissonneault said.

For his part, Ken Flanders, owner of Plainfield-based Flanders Steam Clean, began the business out of a desire to be valued for doing a job better.

“I didn’t want to be just another cleaning service,” Flanders said. “I wanted my work to stand out, not because ‘the trash was taken out or a toilet was cleaned,’ but because people knew who I was and the quality of work I provided.”

Mother-and-daughter duo, Shari Therriault and Hailley Sherman, worked for another company together prior to buying Budget Print in Lebanon, which has been open about eight months. They felt that they could provide better customer service.

“We loved the work we did and helping customers find solutions for marketing their business and events as well as adding personal touches to more individual projects,” Sherman said. “Over time, we didn’t like the direction the company was moving. The opportunity to purchase this business came about a year ago and we jumped on it.”

The realities of owning the business are sometimes different than the dream before starting the business. Many people believe that because they love the type of work, that owning the business is a logical next step. But doing the work of the business can be very different from running the business. Behind the work are the legalities, the financial maintenance, the marketing and so much more.

“We did a lot of research before taking over and some of the legal aspects have been tricky to manage,” Sherman said. “The biggest thing we wish we knew was to consult an accountant about how to manage our money and not just take the word of our lawyer.”

Flanders, of Flanders Steam Clean, agreed.

“You have to be tough and thick skin is a must,” he said.

Owning a business is a bit like having young children — it can be all consuming and personal life can take a backseat. Creating a work/life balance is a necessity, Boissoneault, of J&J Commercial and Residential Services, said.

“We knew how crucial it was to set boundaries between work and personal life — but when you love what you do, it’s easy to let it consume all your time,” she said. “Finding that balance has been key to sustaining both our business and our well-being.”

Businesses often grow and change over time, and the business owner grows as well. The ability to adapt and expand is a must.

“Our vision has shifted from simply running a business to building something sustainable, community-driven, and full of potential,” Boissoneault said.

Having family support and partnership has been key for Sherman. She and Therriault spent hours discussing how they would run their business and what it would look like before taking the plunge.

“We are a family business, and we support each other and balance out each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” she said.

Flanders’ advice to a new business owner is to not give up.

“It’s going to be one of the most challenging things you’ll do in life but the outcome can be worth all the struggles,” he said.

Boissoneault would tell a prospective business owner to go in with a plan.

“Be prepared to work hard, stay adaptable, and embrace the unexpected,” she said. “Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you’re passionate, persistent, and willing to learn, you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.”

Asking for help is key as well.

“Whether it’s seeking advice from other business owners, leaning on your community, or outsourcing tasks that aren’t your strength, building a strong support system is crucial,” Boissoneault said. “And most importantly, take care of yourself.”

The Budget Print owners agreed. While running a business is a lot of work, the independence and other benefits are worth it, Sherman said.

“We love seeing people’s reactions to the work we do, it never gets old,” she said.

Sherman also has a recommendation for handling the stress of owning a business: Office pets. They have a dog named Jax and a cat named Colby.

“They are great for stress and have been a hit with the customers,” she said. 

When it’s your business, you get to make the rules.

Tracy Hutchins is executive director of the Upper Valley Business Alliance.