Business and Businesspeople Are Not Evil

That was the title of a speech I once gave.

After reading several books on the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009, I understand why some people became angry. Some of the behavior described during that period was troubling, and in some cases, deeply disappointing.

But to take the actions of a relative few and use them to paint all businesspeople as greedy, selfish, or evil is not only unfair. It is wrong.

As businesspeople ourselves, my partner and I have been alarmed at times by the hostility directed toward business owners and executives. That hostility seems especially misplaced when aimed at the men and women who own and operate small and medium sized businesses.

These are not nameless institutions.

They are people.

They are founders, family business owners, second generation leaders, entrepreneurs, managers, and executives who often carry far more responsibility than most people realize. They risk their capital. They sign the loans. They worry about payroll. They make hard calls in difficult seasons. They employ people, serve customers, support suppliers, and contribute to their communities in ways that often happen quietly and without recognition.

Years ago, while I was still with Plante Moran, I gave a presentation at the Manufacturing and Distribution Practice Workshop entitled, “Who Are Our Clients?”

My opening comments went something like this:

“Our clients are men and women who risk their wealth every day to make stuff. Most of them work quietly behind the scenes, providing great jobs and career opportunities for millions. They serve on nonprofit boards, school boards, and city councils. They seem to be the ones driving much of the charitable activity in their communities.”

That was true then.

I believe it is still true today.

These do not sound like evil people to me.

In fact, most business owners I have known sincerely care about their customers, associates, suppliers, and communities. They do not always get it right. None of us do. But many of them carry a deep sense of responsibility for the people whose lives are connected to the business.

If you talked with them about the financial crisis, many would tell you that 2008 and 2009 were among the most difficult years of their professional lives.

Not only because of the financial losses. Not only because credit tightened. Not only because customers slowed down or disappeared.

But because they had to make decisions they never wanted to make.

Layoffs. Pay freezes. Reduced hours. Delayed investments. Difficult conversations with lenders, suppliers, and team members.

I watched many business owners work harder than they had ever worked before just to keep the doors open. Many did everything they could to avoid Chapter 11. They were not looking for sympathy. They were trying to protect the company, preserve as many jobs as possible, and survive long enough to rebuild.

That is not greed. That is stewardship.

Of course, there are bad actors in business. There are people who abuse power, chase short term gain, mistreat employees, mislead customers, or make decisions with little regard for the consequences.

But bad actors exist in every field. They do not define the whole.

One of the great misconceptions about business is that profit and purpose are enemies. I do not believe that. Healthy businesses create value. They solve problems. They provide goods and services people need. They create jobs. They train people. They develop leaders. They support families. They pay taxes. They strengthen communities.

There are some who believe one of the best ways to reduce poverty is through the creation of sustainable, for profit jobs.

That makes sense to me.

A good job does more than provide income. It can provide dignity, structure, growth, opportunity, relationships, confidence, and a path forward.

This is why I continue to believe in business…not in business as an abstract idea.

I believe in the people behind the business.

I believe in the owner who lies awake at night wondering how to make payroll.

I believe in the founder who mortgaged the house to get started.

I believe in the second generation leader trying to honor what was built while also modernizing for the future.

I believe in the executive who cares deeply about both performance and people.

I believe in the business owner who quietly gives to the local school, the food pantry, the youth sports team, the church, the hospital foundation, or the family in need. These are the people I have spent much of my life serving. And I am grateful for them.

So, if you are a business owner or executive, I want to encourage you.

Keep going.

Do not let the loudest voices define who you are.

Do not let the failures of a few cause you to forget the good work you are doing.

Do not underestimate the impact of the jobs you create, the people you develop, the families you support, and the communities you help strengthen.

You know who you are.

You know what you are trying to build.

You know the weight you carry.

And while the work may not always be noticed, it matters.

Keep on keeping on.