What an honor and a privilege it was for me to be named the Greater Mooresville Chamber of Commerce’s Businessperson of the Year for 2015 earlier this Spring at the Annual Dinner. It is so far the pinnacle of what has been a seven-year journey for me as I’ve striven to grow my printing and graphic design business into a respectable and successful venture for me and my family.
Five years ago, as I stood in front of those in attendance at our Chamber monthly luncheon and asked to be considered for a position on the Board of Directors for the Chamber, I honestly mentioned that my desire to be on the BOD was a selfish one. I explained that I wanted my business to grow. I wanted it to be successful and one of the ways to make that happen was to serve in a position that would allow me to help others make their businesses more successful. For me, and what I do, if other businesses prospered, they might need more of what I offer, and in turn, that would help me be more profitable.
Serving on the BOD helped me do just that. In general, being a member of the Chamber of Commerce offers businesses a wide variety of opportunities to network with each other and several avenues by which they can share their own business opportunities. Being on the board gives one a great opportunity to help plan those events — make them bigger and better — and come up with new ideas that can help Mooresville businesses grow and prosper.
Being a member of the Chamber helped me streamline my business, to make it the most efficient and helpful service possible. It helped me identify the businesses that would most benefit from my services — which tend to be small businesses — and it allowed me to tailor those services so they would most meet the needs of my clients.
When I started this business seven years ago, I did indeed have an eye on the future and the ability to be mobile with what we do. In streamlining and tailoring my business in such a way to best meet the needs of my clients, it has also allowed me the ability to do what we do from just about anywhere.
Which has now brought us to the next chapter in the lives of my family.
Many already know that we are in the process of moving out of state. Specifically, next to the ocean in Hilton Head, SC. There was a time in our lives we never dreamed we’d ever leave Mooresville. And please know that our desire to move now has nothing to do with wanting to leave our hometown.
Mooresville is our home. It’s all we know. It’s all we’ve ever known. My wife and I grew up here, went to school and married here, and raised our family here. Most of our own friends and family are here and will remain here after we leave.
But for a variety of reasons — none of which have anything to do with Mooresville — we have decided to move. Health concerns, our children living and going to school out of state, and the ever less desirable cold winter weather are just a few of those reasons. Some life-altering events also have factored into the decision. The loss of a some real good friends way too early and an unexpected flood also made us realize that if we’re ever going to pursue our dreams, now is as good a time as any, before we might not be physically able to do so.
So it is with a mix of excitement and sadness we have chosen to move and start a new life by the ocean. But I’m not retiring by any stretch. Thanks to the support of the Mooresville business community, and the Chamber of Commerce, I’ve positioned my business to be able to function from anywhere, and to be able to continue to meet the needs of my current clientele.
I intend to build a client base in our new hometown, but I also continue to serve the needs of my Indiana clients as well, who know that what they need from me is never more than a phone call or email away. Our goal is to make sure they all know I’m still available to serve their printing needs, and to know that even though we might live in another town, our hearts will always be in Mooresville.
All our current contact information will remain the same, and I will continue to maintain my Chamber of Commerce membership, and with frequent visits back to Mooresville, continue to stay involved in Mooresville events. For my Mooresville clientele, with the exception of seeing my goofy mug a little less often, nothing should change regarding your printing and graphic needs.
We cannot thank the people and businesses of Mooresville enough for all they’ve done, and all they’ve meant to my family. Perhaps we can convince some of you to come visit us by the ocean. We’ll have a guest bedroom available to anyone who wants to drop by.
For us, this is by no means a goodbye. It’s simply a “See you later!” We’ll send pictures!
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