The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is having its annual small business awards program, known as America’s Top Small Business Awards. The ultimate winner will be revealed on October 19 and will receive a $25,000 cash prize! Today, we have the pleasure of having three finalists with us: Denise Einkauf, Owner and President of Waggin’ Tails Pet Ranch; Lillian Werbin, CEO of Elderly Instruments; and Ryan Lindquist, CEO of Shakopee Brewhall.
America’s Top Small Business Summit is a must-attend event for small businesses ready to take their companies to the next level. A full day of programming will bring entrepreneurs together to gain practical ideas and insights for improving their bottom line, thinking creatively, and growing their operations as the Chamber prepares to reveal this year’s most successful business leaders and small business owners. But first, we discover how the three finalists’ entrepreneurial spirit enriches their communities in this episode of The Small Business Show.
1. Einkauf launched Waggin Tails Pet Ranch and Animal Inn 18 years ago as an all-inclusive pet resort. As part of their operations, they partnered with several non-profits, like The Ballard House and the Med-center. This vastly nationally renowned medical treatment center keeps people free of charge. While at the center, they can leave their pets at the Inn with free pet care.
2. Werbin’s father founded Elderly Instruments, the worldwide one-stop shop, in 1972. Their mission is to make music more accessible to those musicians who want to play.
3. Lindquist founded Shakopee Brewhall in 2017 as initially just a brewery. However, as everything kept evolving, the brewery became a local destination with its non-profit partners.
4. Einauf says, “Pets are family, and as everything evolves, we make ourselves a part of the family. I believe people want to do business with businesses that do good, and for us, that means supporting our non-profits, animal shelters, and schools.”
5. Collectively, each entrepreneur believes that the industry means being adaptive to change and listening to your customers and your staff- great ideas can come from anywhere.
“As an entrepreneur, go in with a plan, but, always be ready to pivot." – Denise Einkauf