Business Philosophy
The Tribe needs a leader with successful business experience. Proven experience can best lead through these difficult economic times. I have owned my business for 25 years. I am 51-years old and have been self-employed since I was 23. My business has been a great success. However, it is time for me to serve my community. I can best do this by serving as Tribal Chairperson.
My approach to Tribal leadership stems directly from my extensive business experiences. Listed below are the principals that I applied throughout my career. These principals brought me success and will lead LTBB to success.
Don't Quit! A quitter is not a winner. I prefer to be a winner. The first few years after starting my business were the hardest. It would have been easy to quit. More than 95% of new businesses do not last seven years. My business has endured for 25 years. I attribute my success to never letting myself quit! Our Tribe will have to persevere to get through these times.
Determination; A determined individual or team will seek an answer, option or solution until they find it. A determined individual or team looks for a reason why, without letting obstacles get in their way. A determined individual or team doesn't stop until they accomplish their goal.
Hard Work; Successful business is created from hard work. Productive use of time complements a hard work ethic. Our Tribal Government is basically an 8 to 5 operation and Tribal Chairperson should be expected to be available from 8 to 5. With Dexter and me as Chairman/Vice Chair, we will be available from 8 to 5 plus, and on call as needed. We're not afraid of hard work.
Professionalism; In government and business professionalism leads to success. As Tribal Chairperson, I will act and look professional for the benefit of my Tribe. A first impression can make or break a business deal. In Tribal Operations, first impressions are important to build trust and lasting relationships. Our Tribal operations deserve the utmost professionalism.
Marketing; My success in business came from aggressive marketing. Marketing is sales. In sales, we close the deal. If it's not broke, don't fix it. As Chairperson I would encourage marketing that would bring back local customers.
Patience; A good business owner or manager must be patient. Our Tribal citizens will gain more confidence with patient leaders. A more confident Tribal citizen work force will lead to high lever jobs for our citizens. In Tribal Government, with Dexter and me as your leaders, we will be patient with our employees, directors and Tribal Council. We will however expect professionalism and hard work in return.
Diversification; Our Tribe is at a turning point. The economic times are bleak. Diversification of Tribal businesses is needed to succeed. Renewable Energy is the wave of the future. Dexter and I have plans to help our Tribe be the leader of the pack in this field.
Dexter and I want to help our Tribal citizens diversify. A diversified Tribal employee can work in several areas of the Tribal operations. This will help us keep Tribal families working during layoff periods. With diversified Tribal workers we can move Tribal employees throughout Tribal operations. Keeping Tribal families employed is a priority!
Quality; Quality work results in success for business and Tribal operations. In our Government, Health Clinic and Tribal businesses individual quality and effort put forth by our work force will be a determining factor in our future success. We currently offer quality but there is always room for improvement.
Desire; In business desire is an asset. A successful business person seeks knowledge and wants more. In Tribal Government desire may mean doing your job the best you can. A Tribal citizen may have the desire to step up to a higher position or transfer to a different department. Dexter and I will encourage the ambition of our citizens. Desire is the will to succeed.
Calculated Risk; Hope for the best, plan for the worst. If we had this business philosophy when planning Odawa Casino, we would not be in our current dire financial situation. When we calculate future risks we can never again forget that we have a fiduciary responsibility to our Tribal families.
Migwetch