Recession Tests Small Business Owner

Business owners across the nation feel the tight grip of the recession these days. When the news is brimming with well-known companies like GM and CitiGroup faltering to the current economy one can only imagine the squeeze small businesses are feeling.

As co-founder and co-owner of Baths and Rooms by Denise, long-time Oklahoma City resident, Chuck Mankin, will be the first to tell you consumers are spending less.

"Yes, to a certain degree we are seeing a slight downturn in business from last year," Mankin says.

The company first started in 1997, focusing on transforming simple household bathrooms into personal retreats for its customers. Today, Baths and Rooms by Denise moves beyond the lavatory drawing board specializing also in design and recreation of kitchens, offices, and laundry rooms.

Mankin says during this downturn in the economy people haven't necessarily tightened their budgets, but are noticeably being more cautious with their spending.

People now will go for competitive pricing, seeking many bids from various companies ensuring the lowest price.

"A lot of times we would get jobs based on our reputation, not just price," Mankin says. "Now price is definitely a factor."

Baths and Rooms by Denise does their best to lower the total price tag for its consumers, cutting costs where available. It isn't just a game of saving money for the consumer, either. Mankin says they attempt to cut as much waste as possible for the business to yield higher profits as well.

Mankin has seen better customer relations from his suppliers due to the economy and the suppliers' increased drive to hold on to valued customers during the recession. It seems every business across the board realizes the importance of customer support during tougher times.

Uncertainty about the future from consumers will continue to affect business, Mankin says. In the short term he thinks people will hold on to their money out of fear to spend it.

"But as it drags on and possibly starts getting a bit better, I think people who own homes will stay in their homes and hopefully will remodel," Mankin says.

In this economic downturn and uncertain time hopefully Wall Street will decide to remodel, too.



Below, I sat down with Chuck and got his personal take on business in a troubled time.




Apologies for the low video quality. Video by Hunter Mankin, 4/14/09

For more information on Baths and Rooms by Denise please visit www.BathsandRoomsbyDenise.com

2Much2Lose Grant Funds Norman PD $80,000 to Stop Underage Drinking & DUI


The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office will up it's funding to the Norman Police Department to reduce the number of intoxicated drivers on Norman streets in 2009.

The increased enforcement is all part of the program and grant called 2Much 2Lose. The 2M2L program is a statewide initiative focused on reducing and preventing underage drinking through law enforcement efforts, community and social norms change, and youth leadership.

"This year the Norman PD will receive $80,000 to solely focus on the problem," Officer Dirck, Norman police officer says at a meeting with employees at Seven47 Restaurant and Bar.

Click Image to Visit 2Much2Lose.com

The program will instill many different tactics to fight underage drinking and intoxicated drivers.

DUI Checkpoints, which have become a standard on most busy weekend nights, will be funded by 2M2L. Other measures will include saturation patrols, educational tactics, and random ID checks at local Campus Corner bars, Officer Dirck said.

Many OU students are fully aware of DUI checkpoints and random ID checks, however saturation patrols are something the Department plans to make known with its recent budget increase. These patrols focus on certain neighborhood areas on any given nights. Police will be patrolling the random spots more heavily and will look for large numbers of parked cars on streets, indicating a possible house party.

The overall goal is to have a highly visible program that will discourage people who have been drinking from getting behind the wheel, and to target and address those who make the decision to drink underage.

"We certainly are not out to trick and get anyone with what we are doing," Officer Dirck said. "Underage drinking and driving under the influence are increasing problems and could result in dangerous consequences."

The program is designed to eliminate those who put themselves and potentially others at risk.

While many students feel the Norman PD are cracking down to hard they are simply protecting Norman residents with the best ways they know how.

Below is a Google Maps Image mapping the two main locations DUI checkpoints will be close to campus. Norman PD feels these two locations are heavy traffic spots for those leaving the bars and heading home. These won't be the only checkpoints, as other sites will be selected on any given night. The Checkpoint locations are conveyed by the maroon dots.Image from Google Maps, rendered by Hunter Mankin.