What’s Still So Great About America?

[Karen Schimpf]

Look, there are a lot of things that are very messy about America right now. Anyone can see that. But I deal every day with something that is VERY COOL about America. NO OTHER COUNTRY has the same upward mobility potential as America. Here in America, you can open a business, with a unique edge, or better service, or hit the right market at the right time and you can become wealthy. Or become better off at least.

We have the highest GDP per Capita in the world-higher by far than any other country in the world. In America, you can start a business and become rich. Still, right now, today. Regardless of race-I know MANY minority-owned businesses with owners who are well off. I helped some of them get started! Yes, rates are higher now, but there is no cap on ingenuity. I can get a client 80% of the total cost of opening a restaurant from scratch. Yes, the rate is a lot higher than a year ago. But if the payment is affordable, and they succeed, they can make many TIMES their money back. With franchising, you can start something that has a proven track record with proven success and they have to report the averages…so you can even plan effectively.

Let’s say opening an XYZ franchise costs $250,000. You invest $50,000 and borrow $200,000-I can do that loan. Let’s say that the franchise averages $500,000 in first-year sales and 20% profit margins. That is a $100,000 profit in year one if you hit their averages. THAT IS A 100% RETURN on the $50,000 you invested! Yes, you borrowed at prime +2.75% or 11% but you made 100% on the bank’s money. Not bad. Sweet leverage is almost 10 to 1. This is being done right now, in America, every day.

Almost half of my loans are SBA and half of those are start-up loans. People are starting businesses, they are succeeding, right now, today. In America, all you need is a little money saved, a willingness to work, and a passion for what you do and YOU CAN RISE FROM THE ASHES. After my parents divorced, we pretty much became lower-income people with a single mom just trying to make it. All three (3) of us kids went to college (we all had to pay our way), we all ended up doing well financially, and all of us make above average. You don’t have to come from wealth to make it. Does it help? Sure. But here in America, there is nothing stopping you from crashing the wealth party….not that money is all that matters…but if you want to earn more income...if you want to go to the next level, it is there for you. There is no better place to start a business and thrive than right here. What opportunities are around you today? Keep your eyes open, they just may be right around the corner. Have a great week!!!!!

Karen Schimpf