Why community involvement matters

Small business owners are the backbone of every community. Each business not only helps the local economy but also makes that space unique, drawing in new community members. In this month’s Tales From the Road article, Cornwell Quality Tools distributor Eddie Neugebauer discusses his involvement with his community of Lawton, Oklahoma.

Though Neugebauer has only been a distributor for around two and a half years, he’s made a big impact on those around him. Every year, the distributor runs a raffle on his truck where for every bike his customers donate, their name is entered for a chance to win a Cornwell tool cart. The bikes are then donated to local kids during the town’s holiday parade.

Neugebaur’s community involvement goes beyond this to feeding the homeless, organizing a parade for a young girl after she was struck by a stray bullet, and so much more. I know some of you are probably thinking, ‘What Neugebaur is doing is amazing, but I would never have time to do that.’ And I get it, the 24-hours we’re given in a day constantly seems too short to accomplish everything we’ve set our minds to, but if you can find the time, getting involved in your community is rewarding in more ways than you can imagine.

The simple act of you volunteering your time can inspire others to do the same. Most people want to help, but they’re often stuck wondering how and feeling like they can’t make a difference. The way you volunteer doesn’t have to be world-shattering. Sponsoring a local kid’s sports team or even offering to run the concession stand can make a big difference.

By putting yourself out there and helping your community, it’s also a great way to meet new people. Perhaps you’re at your local clothing drive helping sort clothes and you start chatting with someone who’s looking for a change in career and you just so happen to be looking for a new driver. This opportunity never would have presented itself if you weren’t out among your community.  

Of course, volunteering can also help get your brand’s name out there and drum up some business, but that’s a minuscule portion of what this is about. Overall, it’s about supporting the community that supports you.

What are some ways you’re supporting your community? Or perhaps ways you’d like to? Send me an email or give me a call. I’d love to chat about how you’re making a difference.