Small business owners

Matthew Dunaif, owner of East Aurora Veterinary Hospital, speaks up about the struggles of owning a business in a small town. Dunaif has been his own boss for a little over 23 years and claims he wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.

Opening your own business is one thing, but keeping it open is another. East Aurora is a fairly small, historical town, located 25 miles outside of the city of Buffalo. East Aurora has been home to important individuals, such as U.S. President Millard Fillmore and creator of the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement, Elbert Hubbard.

In order to open a business in East Aurora, one must obtain a permit from the Village and pass various inspections that are conducted by Village Hall representatives. Building additions, conversions, repairs, plumbing, demolitions, decks, and signs all require permits.

Bringing in over 1,000 customers yearly, Dunaif said he is still worried for the future. “Although I have a large clientele, most being loyal customers that I’ve had for years, I am always worried about the future,” Dunaif said. “In order to obtain loyal customers, you must give them reasons to come back,” He added. Those reasons include; giving out discounts and getting to know your customers; knowing your customer’s names and a little bit about them will surely make them feel comfortable and stay loyal.

Another fear Dunaif has for the future of his business is the constant wonder of, “Will my business get purchased when I’m ready to sell and will anyone even want to buy it?” Owner of Visual Impact Designs, Eric Zimmermann, also has the same concern. What happens when you’re finally ready to retire and sell your business? What if no one wants to purchase it?

Zimmerman has been his own boss for 31 years and hopes to one day sell his successful sign business to someone, seeing that his four children show no interest in taking over the business. Both Dunaif and Zimmermann feel that they are the “go-to man” in town when it comes to animal care and sign design.

The definition of a “go-to man,” would have to be townie and owner of his own renovation business, Jeff Ramsey. Ramsey has owned Ramsey Renovations for nearly 25 years. Ramsey is the guy you call when you need just about anything fixed; he is known as the town handyman. “I believe it’s all about being kind and caring towards your customers and their homes,” Ramsey said. He also claimed that he does not use any social media. He does business by word of mouth and dropping off his business card at local establishments.

Dunaif and Zimmermann both said that one of their main reasons for success is the fact that they both have establishments on Main Street, the street that runs through the entire village of East Aurora. Zimmermann has a large paintbrush sculpture, which he crafted and mounted on top of his roof. The paintbrush is quite the eye catcher for all who pass by.

Owning your own business is clearly quite the responsibility. Before one plans on opening a business, they should be aware of how challenging it is. When running a business, one must make sure they hire the right people, pursue the best opportunities, stay organized, manage their money well, and secure a loyal clientele.

People, who are their own boss should expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised. “Owning your own business is like riding a rollercoaster, there are so many ups, downs, twists, and turns, but at the end of the day, you feel accomplished and satisfied,” says Zimmermann.