May 2018

SMALL BUSINESS MONTH
Small businesses
make a big difference
by Aaron Krause
“Is your reptile sick?” the friendly
voice asked the patient’s owner
into a telephone. “What do you see
in his eyes?” The person on the other
end of the line was inaudible. However,
it sounded as though the customer
would receive personal, caring service
throughout the pet’s treatment. “We’ll
see what we can do for him,” the woman
behind the desk continued. “Dr. Pico is
very understanding.” Vicky Pico should
know – she’s Dr. Pico’s wife, the office
manager, and one of four people who
work at Abacus Animal Hospital on Wiles
Road. It’s been in business for more than
20 years.
The Picos are among more than half
of Americans who either own or work
for a small business, according to the
U.S. Small Business Administration
(sba.gov). “We support America’s small
businesses,” notes a description of the
organization.
National Small Business
Week is dedicated to
supporting and celebrating
small businesses, as well as
“Mom and Pop” stores. The
weeklong recognition, which
has existed since 1963, is
scheduled this year for April
29 to May 5.
Vicky said when it comes to size, Abacus
Animal Hospital is “as small as you can
get.” Dr. Jerry Pico is the sole practitioner,
a veterinarian who’s been practicing for
more than 20 years. Abacus’ employees
also include a veterinary technologist
and a receptionist. Abacus has a mobile
unit dedicated to making house calls.
Such a service is useful because some
people have a hard time bringing in their
animal companions. It might be due
to transportation difficulties or having
Support
Local
Business
SMALL BUSINESS
MONTH
multiple pets, she added. Once a pet and
its owner enter the hospital, Vicky said
she or another staff member will “chitchat”
about family and what’s happening
in the customer’s life. “When it comes
to medical treatment, patients and their
owners receive personal care,” Vicky
said.
A personal touch, knowledge, and
compassion are characteristics of the
type of service that The Mechler Group’s
clients should expect, founder and
Realtor Bobbi Mechler said. While The
Mechler Group falls under the umbrella of
RE/MAX, the Mechlers are independent
contractors. They’ve lived in Parkland
since 1984. Bobbi said her two children,
Brent and Courtney, were 7 and 9 at the
time. All three are now Realtors.
“A small business brings knowledge of
the community,” she said. “We have
a knowledge of Parkland. It makes us
credible. We live what we sell. And we’ve
lived it for 34 years.”
The business receives a lot of referrals
and repeat customers, Bobbi said. She
added she’s never heard anyone say a
bad word about The Mechler Group.
“Our biggest thing is communication,”
Bobbi said. Customers know that she
and her business partners are a phone
call away. They’re also available via email
or text, she said.
At Coral Springs law firm Brodzki Jacobs
& Brook, Andrea R. Jacobs said a family
approach is key. “Everyone who walks in
our door is treated like family,” she said.
“We listen and offer sound legal advice
in a comforting environment.” The firm
has been in business for six years. Small
businesses “bring personalized service
and often jobs,” Andrea said.
Small businesses create about two
out of every three new jobs in the U.S.
each year, according to the U.S. Small
Business Administration P
the PARKLANDER 133