Small Businesses Foster Unity in an Era Defined by “Divided”

A pizzeria whose all-deaf staff slings pies over sign language. A Texas ranch whose beautiful horses provide refuge and relief for autistic kids. A Desert Storm vet who is rescuing dogs and connecting fellow PTSD survivors with man’s best friend in the process. A bar owner who doubles as a designated driver.

In an era with so much talk about our country being “divided,” there’s an often-overlooked segment – one that is immensely important to our economy, our culture, our past and our future – that has a long track record of bridging divides, unifying communities and putting people over politics.

I’m talking about small businesses. They’re the lifeblood of our communities, whether big or small, whether north, south, east or west. They’re the backbone of our economy. They pulled us out of the Great Recession. And they’ll carry us into the future.

I’ve had the incredible privilege of working with hundreds of small businesses, each with a story more inspiring than the last, so I wanted to share a few. But more importantly, I’m hoping you will share your stories about how small businesses have made your communities, and your world, a better place. Please share your own stories in the comments below.

Pizza with a Purpose:

Nothing brings people together like a great meal. And while San Francisco’s Mozzeria makes a mean Margherita – plus clever concoctions like their award-winning Peking Duck pizza – they offer guests more than a killer Neapolitan pie. They are bridging the gap between hearing and non-hearing communities, by showing how understanding each other is not as challenging as it seems.

Owners Melody and Russ Stein are both Deaf, and they employ Deaf staff members in a unique environment, where everyone can feel comfortable. At Deluxe, we had the pleasure of meeting the amazing people behind Mozzeria and shared their story as part of our Small Business Revolution project. Check out this video to see just how Mozzeria is using a universally beloved food to ensure everyone has a place at the table.

A Unique Therapy Helps People Build Relationships Again

In the wake of a serious car accident, Rhonda Smith gained a new perspective and decided to leave corporate life to create Spirit Reins. The Texas ranch provides “equine therapy” for clients, most of whom are kids who have experienced traumas and/or have ADHD, bipolar or other challenging circumstances or disorders. Each one is paired with a horse, and Spirit Reins’ employees help the clients form a unique bond with the animals – in turn, providing them with a new way to build (or rebuild) relationships with the people around them. The amazing work they’re doing is nearly impossible to explain – the following video shows the powerful story better than anyone can describe it in words.

Pizza-Making Marathon Helps Fight Juvenile Diabetes

In another pizza-related story, Brian Weavel – owner of Anna’s Pizza & Pasta in Illinois – received the difficult news that his 11-year-old son was diagnosed with diabetes. Rather than turn away from his business during the challenging time, Brian cooked up a clever way to leverage his culinary expertise and raise funds to combat Juvenile Diabetes.

 Weavel created a round-the-clock “Pizzathon,” promoting the event on social media for weeks. The event itself went from noon on one day and through noon the following day, and the small-town pizzeria furiously fielded orders for a straight 24 hours, raising thousands of dollars and setting sales records in the process. They even created special breakfast pizzas to feed hungry early-morning customers. Read more about Brian’s inspiring story here.

Ensuring a Safe Ride Home

 Harry Kilmer, owner of Harry’s Old Kettle Pub & Grill in Wabash, Indiana, operates a legendary watering hole – one where people from all walks of life can relax, enjoy a lively conversation and belly up for a cold one, served by some of the nicest bartenders in the business.

Harry treats both his staff and his customers like family, and as such, he makes sure they know he has their back. Sometimes, that means letting people know when they’ve had enough – and he takes his responsibility one step further, personally driving patrons home if he feels they shouldn’t get behind the wheel.

 Harry’s business was featured in our Small Business Revolution Series on Main Street series, in which we worked closely with several Wabash businesses. Watch the full episode about Harry here:

Connecting Our Brothers and Sisters with Man’s Best Friend

Phil Ruddock served in the Air Force for a decade, including a deployment during Operation Desert Storm. And like many of his fellow veterans, he returned home with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury. While experiencing some of his darkest times, Phil met Mia, a Pit Bull who had been abused and abandoned, and who soon became his best friend.

But the story doesn’t end there: Phil wanted to help his fellow brothers and sisters find the same kind of experience – so he launched Brothers and Sisters in Arms, pairing veterans with rescue dogs. In other words, he’s saving the lives of both dogs and our American heroes. Check out this powerful photo essay and Q&A with Phil to learn more about his story. It’s an inspiration for how we can all seek out unique ways to help our own brothers and sisters, too.

Is there a particular small business or small business owner in your community who is fostering unity? Share your own stories in the comments below!