According to the recent U.S. Census, 90% of all small businesses are family owned and operated. One of the contributing reasons for this impressive result is succession planning. There are many companies throughout the state and our nation that are second and third-generation family-run, and one that has been able to stand the test of time is Pillow Logistics.

During the pandemic, many working mothers and fathers were forced to simultaneously maintain their jobs and care for their children. Because of the disruption of childcare, many working moms bore the brunt of this problem and were forced to leave their 9-5 due to childcare demands. Not only did this force the hand of corporate jobs to become more flexible to retain working moms, but it also inspired moms to become entrepreneurs. While being a mom and business owner is a challenging balancing act, the determination to make a dream a reality and build a legacy for their families is why I support mom-owned small businesses.

In May, Herd Strategies is celebrating National Small Business Month by highlighting small business owners who exemplify the #entrepreneurialspirit. This week, we interviewed the always-inspiring Joslyn Kelly, founder and owner of J’s Breakfast Club in Gary, Indiana. Recently named the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center’s 2023 Community Impact Small Business of the Year, her restaurant serves as a gathering place that is revitalizing her community. Joslyn is also the founder of the This is Gary Foundation and The Love for Jalyn, Inc.