Dear Mr. President,
I read remarks you made to a group of your supporters in Roanoke, Virginia. You offered your opinion on what it takes to be successful in business: “If you’ve got a business — you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.” I’m afraid you may have been misinformed. Perhaps it is because you’ve never started or run a business.
Having started and run my own business for 24 years I will happily share my experience with you.
As you pointed out there are teachers and many other people who have helped me, guided me and encouraged me on my journey through life. And I thank God for all of them. But to my knowledge none them started my business. I’m pretty sure I made that happen.
Among the many things you said contribute to my success, you list roads and bridges that somebody invested in. I must point out that I, and other taxpayers like me, are the investors. You said, “The Internet didn’t get invented on its own. Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the Internet.” I’m sure Al Gore will take issue with your assessment but I’m siding with you on this one. But again I, and other taxpayers like me, paid for that research.
I admit that I have a successful business. I know you think somebody else built it. But when I went out on a limb to start my business I didn’t find anybody else out there with me (other than my wife and kids).
I’ve been broke and nearly broke many times in the process of building my business. It is only been in the last few years that I have started to enjoy the fruits of my labor. By the way, I’m not unique. Talk to most people who have built businesses and you’ll find their story is similar to mine.
This may be difficult to understand for someone who has never run a business. Perhaps after this election you will have the opportunity to do so. But I must warn you, Mr. President, nobody else will build your business. Nobody else will make it happen.
However, I might be of assistance as I am a business consultant. Please feel free to give me a call.
Sincerely,
Jim Whitt