May is Small Business Month. It’s a time to recognize the vibrant heartbeat of our economy—small businesses. These enterprises, often run by passionate individuals or tight-knit teams, contribute immensely to local communities and the broader economic landscape. But at the heart of the small business community is an essential and often-overlooked concept: small businesses supporting each other.
One of the most powerful tools a small business can lever is unity—a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration that transcends competition. Here’s why supporting fellow small businesses is not just a noble gesture but a strategic move, as well.
Strength in Numbers
Individually, small businesses may lack the clout and influence enjoyed by larger corporations. However, when they band together, they create a formidable force. They amplify their impact and leverage by patronizing each other’s establishments, sharing resources, and collectively advocating for policies conducive to small business growth.
Nurturing Community
Small businesses are the lifeblood of local communities. They sponsor little league teams, participate in charity events, and provide gathering spaces where neighbors connect. When small businesses support one another, they foster a culture of reciprocity and mutual aid that enriches the social fabric of their surroundings.
Economic Resilience
In times of economic uncertainty or crisis, small businesses often feel the pinch most acutely. By forging alliances with fellow entrepreneurs, they create a safety net of support. Whether through joint marketing efforts, bulk purchasing discounts, or shared expertise, they bolster each other’s resilience and ability to weather storms.
Join us as we celebrate Small Business Month by recognizing some of our trusted small business partners the help Impact Home Staging Experts and Interior Design flourish in our community.
CHET’S CLEANING
Primarily a residential textile cleaning company. Chet’s specializes in cleaning carpets, upholstery, rugs, tile & grout, wood floors, draps/blinds, and leather, and applying fabric protection. Chet Sadowski and his wife Sally started the company together out of their apartment in 1986. Through slow and steady growth, they now have 30 employees, 11, trucks, 2 buildings and still try to maintain that steady growth year over year.
The company’s mission statement is “ Through effective communication and the most extraordinary service experience, we will dramatically exceed our client’s expectations, while making their indoor environment clean and healthy.” According to Chet Sadowski III, Vice President, “We really do live by this statement and strive to achieve it every day. “
We at Impact have been working with Chet and his team for years and we cannot speak highly enough about the quality of the services they provide and the integrity with which they do business. According to Chet, “ I really think this is exemplified and shown to the public through our Google Reviews. As of today we have over 1,000 reviews with a 5.0 rating. It’s just not something you see every day in the service industry. We might not be the least expensive company around, but we certainly deliver value and customer service to all of our clients with a zero-tolerance policy for any of them being dissatisfied.”
Chet’s is based in Madison Heights and serves the entire Detroit metropolitan area.
Small Business in Oakland County, Michigan
CHANGING PLACES MOVING
This trusted partner has been in business since 1979 and has been owned and operated by Johnna Struck since 1985. According to Johnna, “In my role of ownership and leadership, I took a different approach to moving. I focused on culture and relationships and implemented hiring and training techniques to make us the best equipped in our industry to handle the small and larger moves. We continually strive to exceed our clients’ expectations. In addition I sought out relationships and organizations that consistently work with people who are moving: Realtors and home stagers.”
Changing Places gets most of their clients through Realtor referrals, particularly high end clients and owners of luxury homes who appreciate their craft and attention to detail. Says Ms. Struck, “Moving is more than putting your belongings in a truck and delivering them. Yes, we are MOVERS and we move furniture, but we make it our mission to do every move right the first time around. We like to say that “cheap movers are not good…and good movers are not cheap. She adds, “We are a lady and gentlemen servicing the relocation needs of ladies and gentlemen in our surrounding communities.
They are a trusted partner that we frequently recommend to our clients because of the integrity and commitment Johnna brings to her customers and the quality of the service she provides. Changing Places is located in Waterford.
Johnna Struck of Changing Places in Waterford, Michigan
https://www.changingplacesmovers.com/
JO’S CLEANING AND ORGANIZING SERVICES
Finally, we work with Jo’s Cleaning and Organizing Services frequently. Her business provides home organization (including dealing with hording situations) as well as cleaning services. We often rely on her help when we are staging occupied homes or when a vacant home needs some TLC before we bring in our staging materials. They do everything from organizing and cleaning to designing and installing closet and storage systems. Jo’s also received a Best of Michigan business award in 2021.
And we love it when our favorite partners team up. Jo’s and Chet’s have collaborated on several projects together. This is the very essence of how small businesses support each other in the community. And Jo’s is hiring! Check out their Facebook for more information on the services they provide and the positions they are looking to fill.
Jo’s Organizing is based in Rochester Hills. You can learn more here or contact them by phone at (810) 241-1622
Celebrating The Power of Partnership
Let’s never forget the profound impact of small businesses supporting each other. Beyond mere transactions, it’s about building relationships, fostering community, and championing a shared vision of entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a small business owner or a consumer, remember that every dollar spent at a local establishment is not just a transaction but an investment in a collective dream. So let’s raise our glasses to the power of collaboration, unity, and the indomitable spirit of small business. Cheers to supporting each other, not just this month, but every day!
