PHOENIX (AZFamily) — It’s another First Alert Weather Day on Thursday because of extreme heat across the Valley. While it takes a toll on all of us in different ways, it’s especially tough for local small business owners.
It’s a slow time of year with so many Arizonans out of town, and now the owner of Proof Bread is publicly sharing the uncertainty of the season.
In a recent Instagram post, owner Jonathan Przybyl shared how much he loves his business and employees but thinks they’re spending $20,000 more than what they’re bringing in each week. He also talked about being a dad and the personal struggles he faces this time of year.
“The big struggle is, how do you deal with a 30% decline, let’s say, for the summer season when winter is right around the corner?” he told Arizona’s Family.
With the busy season not far off, Przybyl says it’s hard to make adjustments for just a few weeks while also trying to grow. Since sharing the post, he says he’s gotten huge feedback from other businesses and has been setting up calls with others to see how they can help each other.
Przybyl is urging everyone to shop local and try to trade convenience for the community this summer.
“We’re a brand that values transparency,” he said. “We’re facing real situations that implicate real people.”
Thomas Barr, the vice president of business development from Local First Arizona, says Proof Bread is a great example of how business owners can promote themselves to connect with the community. The nonprofit organization represents more than 5,000 local businesses across the state.
Barr says sharing your story, roots and why you do what you do can be effective. “They can get creative with how they connect people,” he said.
Barr added that creating special deals or promotions can help get folks in the door.
Przybyl shared that original post, stating that the bakery cut its weekly deficit in half in the last week.
Here are more resources for local businesses in Arizona from Local First Arizona.
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