The difference in sign stakes

Many of us never think about yard sign stakes until we need to plant a few around our home or business. Did you ever think about what went into its design, its engineering, I mean it’s just a wire stake that holds a plastic sign up in a yard?

And where do these things originate; many would guess a large factory in China cracking out millions of them for a cheap price. As a small business owner, you start to ask questions about how things are made and where they come from. We are living in times where we need to think about where the items we buy come from.

There is one small manufacturer who actually experienced a problem and decided to figure out how to make it better for everyone. StakeWorld manufactures and sells a variety of sign stakes to organizations and businesses that put up plastic signs in their yards. The idea of improving it came from the owner’s frustration of putting a stake into the ground and having the support bar bend or break, making getting the job done mush longer. Being an engineer, he looked at the construction of the wire stake and then the materials that go into the wire to form the stake. Many designs and prototypes later he found a way to develop a strong sign stake that not only would be strong enough to work but one that actually can be used many times. He also looked at only getting US steel supplies and having the products manufactured 100% in the USA.

Years later when COVID 19 Pandemic and the resulting supply chain issues arose, the company was able to supply their customers with sign stakes because many competitors who used Chinese made stakes were no longer able to keep them in inventory. The best part is that their stakes are really not much more than the ones from China and offer a far superior product.

Sign stakes are just another simple item most people never think about except to buy the cheapest product to do the job. On one hand you have to consider is it worth it to save a few pennies now and continue to buy more because the product doesn’t last or is the difference in cost offer a longer-term usage thus saving us money in the long run.

Another thing we need to consider is supporting our fellow small businesses rather than going abroad just because we can save a few pennies. In many cases foreign products are subsidized by their government to be competitive and hopefully take over the market and squeeze out the little guy. Its understandable when the price difference is very large but in something as simple as sign stakes, these items are not only better quality and more durable in many cases they are the same price.

Neal Rabogliatti, President Digital Marketing Stratagies LLC

The Best African Violet Mix

Mosser Lee is an American company that started in 1932 and has become the largest harvester and fabricator of sphagnum moss long fiber products in North America. Below is an article on how to make the best African Violet plant soil mix for healthier and vibrant violets.

Mary Poe’s Mix is a perfect potting soil mix for the sensitive needs of African Violets. It is light weight, easy to plant, clean to use and easy to clean up. Following this easy recipe will produce a mix with the perfect water retention and nutrition for your African Violets. The main ingredient in this mix is milled sphagnum moss, which holds up to 20 times its weight in water without producing a soggy environment. Mosser Lee harvests long fibered sphagnum moss in the marshes of Wisconsin and mills it perfectly into its light weight NoDampOff organic seed starter.

What you will need:

1.      2 bags of Mosser Lee NoDampOff™ Seed Starter (222 cu in bags)

2.      5-gallon bucket for mixing

3.      1 ½ pint of Perlite

4.      3 cups finely ground Eggshells

5.      1 ½ cups Mosser Lee Horticultural Charcoal

6.      3 level Tablespoons Dolomite lime

7.      1 teaspoon of Optimara African Violet Plant Food

8.      Gloves (Always wear gloves when handling moss, plants, and soils.)

9.      Hot water

Easy directions to make May Poe’s African Violet Mix:

1.      Place all the ingredients in the bucket.

2.      Add about 1 quart of very hot water. The moss mixes with hot water easier than cold water. Mix well. Make sure that you wear gloves when handling moss, plants, and soils. Hint: The moss may tend to float on the water, so just keep pushing it into the water until mixed. You may need to add small amounts additional water. The mixture should look like a stiff paste.

3.      Cover the mixture and let stand for a few days. It is now ready for use.

Article Courtesy of Mosser Lee Company

Why Make a Blog About Made in America?

We want to shine a spotlight on all the products and services made in America, Why because products made in the USA are not just commodities, they reflect the passion, mission, and dreams of individuals who have taken a chance to make their dreams come true. Many companies start because a person feels they can make something that is better than what is on the market or have a passion to create something or solve a problem. 

Most people don't realize the risk these people make in order to bring their ideas to market. It takes time dedication and patience to turn an idea into a viable business. It takes money, planning and a lot of trial and error and it can really test an individuals willpower. But with patience, planning and the ability to persevere, the fruit of their labor eventually takes root and people discover them and become customers. Its a long process but a rewarding one, not just in making money, but the reward to realizing the accomplishment of creating a product, a business. It is a rewarding feeling to work hard, survive the setbacks, and finalize experience the satisfaction of success.

We have a great country, and we have millions of people who take on the challenge to create something they believe will improve other's lives every day. This blog is dedicated to sharing their stories, their products and services. We hope that you will not only find these posts interesting but inspiring. We encourage you to learn more about them and support their business and maybe light the fire of entrepreneurialism inside you. 

Is Small Business Important?

According to the SBA Small Business Administration: 

How many small businesses are there? 

In 2010 there were 27.9 million small businesses, and 18,500 firms with 500 employees or more. Over three-quarters of small businesses were non-employers; this number has trended up over the past decade.

What Defines a Small Business?

The Office of Advocacy defines a small business as an independent business having fewer than 500 employees. For the small business definition by industry used in government programs and contracting, see www.sba.gov/content/small-business-size-standards.