Small businesses are priceless drivers of culture—and optimism.
When new small businesses open up in your hometown, it demonstrates creativity, determination, and serves as a reminder of what is possible.
Your favorite coffee shop, the cool new restaurant that opened up, and that little shop you’ve been meaning to check out serve as small beacons of hope in your community.
I’m all for operational efficiencies (something the internet excels at) but I’m more of a fan of creating real, meaningful value. Microwaves are a very efficient way to heat something up, but the best meals aren’t microwaved—they are slow-cooked in a crock pot for hours.
Technically “inefficient,” but loaded with flavor and texture.
Think of your 3 favorite small businesses and imagine that they are the crock pot of your local economy, slowly but surely bringing warmth, flavor, and nourishment to the people they serve.
Today is Small Business Saturday—a made-up holiday to celebrate the real impact of those hard-fought small businesses.
Once upon a time, nearly 17 years ago, I opened a custom surfboard shop in my hometown of Costa Mesa / Newport Beach. I was an earnest 22-year-old with an idea for a brand I thought needed to exist. Let me tell you: the highs have been higher and the lows have been lower than I ever would have thought possible. All things considered, I’m thankful for the wild level of support we have received over all these years. We wouldn’t have lasted 6 months without it.
This Small Business Saturday my encouragement to you is to go support the little beacons of culture and optimism in your hometown. Your support for small businesses is priceless. And your support of our small business is forever appreciated.
-Dave
