Overcoming obstacles

by Robert C. Powell III, Editor
Virginia Business
February 2006

Sometimes success in business is not measured simply in dollars and cents. Business owners also achieve success when they overcome adversity. David Nygaard, the first winner of the Virginia Small Business Success Story of the Year, has been successful on both counts. He has a thriving enterprise because he was willing to take great risks, turning a one-store jewelry business into a five-store regional chain. At the same time, he and his family managed to persevere at a time when three of his children were facing serious medical problems.

Other finalists in the competition also overcame obstacles to meet their goals. Phil and Philise Conein of Techead, for example, kept their business going after their offices were flooded by Tropical Storm Gaston. Marti Morenings of Universal Cos. Inc. rescued and redirected her company after the departure of a business partner. Christian Hunt of Care Rehab and Orthopaedic Products Inc. started his own company after being fired as a salesman for a medical device manufacturer.

The four finalists were picked from a field of more than 76 companies that were nominated for the award. The nominations were evaluated by the magazine’s editorial staff with the help of C. Ray Smith, a professor emeritus at the Darden School at the University of Virginia. All four companies were recognized and the overall winner was revealed at a luncheon at Darden in late January.

Our two-story report on transportation issues deals with comeback stories of a different sort. Passenger rail service, neglected in Virginia for many years, now is getting a serious look as the state tries to fix its gridlocked transportation system. Also making a turnaround are some of the state's major airports. After losing business to other airports because of high airfares, they are enjoying renewed patronage because of the arrival of discount airlines, such as AirTran and JetBlue.

Perhaps with the right combination of roads, rail and air, Virginia can overcome its adversities as well and become a leader in transportation for the 21st century.