Larry Gray owner of Village Hardware interviewed on Fox News
December 16, 2009
Larry Gray, owner of Village Hardware in Alexandria Virginia says the President needs to do more for small business in this tough economy. Appearing on Fox Business, Larry Gray owner of Village Hardware in Alexandria, says small businesses are being overlooked by the government and President Obama.
President Obama paid a visit to a Home Depot store to introduce his "Cash for Caulkers" program rather than a small local business. Gray says the President really doesn't care about “us” in the small business world. “We have been the backbone of this country for many years and we always get overlooked!” Pointing to the skyrocketing costs of health care and other costs associated with running a business Gray says it's getting harder to survive.
Had the President come to a locally owned hardware store, he would have noticed three big things according to Gray: service, knowledge about products and price. Big box stores aren't always the lowest in price! Gray says about 70% of the items in his store are actually priced better than in big box stores! “As a small business we are the ones who really drive the country and pay the taxes. I pay full health insurance for my employees. I have 401k's for my employees. I'm not getting tax breaks from the government. I'm not getting any bail out money. What happens if I go under who is going to bail me out?”
Gray contends it's not just price customers want, it is the service and product knowledge. “Our prices are reasonable and fair…people will pay more for service!” Admitting he has been fortunate to have been in business for over 30 years and that his business is in a great location, Gray insists it is the small business that drives the economy, providing jobs, goods and services, and paying taxes. He says small businesses, like his, need low interest loans. “The President needs to really wake up and help us small businesses. When he loses us, basically everybody is going to suffer here!”
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