John,

It’s National Small Business Week, and I am deeply proud of every Oklahoman involved in owning and operating a small business. There are over 340k small businesses alone in our great state, employing over 700k people!

They are a vital part of our district and state, and I hope you will join me in saluting those who are helping to fuel our economy.

I know from experience exactly how tenacious, innovative, and driven a person has to be in order to open and run a small business.

Sometimes people poke fun at me for owning a McDonalds franchise. They’ve even nicknamed me “McCongressman.” But the truth is that I spent 10 years flipping burgers in order to save up the money to purchase my first franchise in the restaurant system. I worked every part of the restaurant to learn all the ins and outs, and picked up any odd job on the side to save every penny I could. I’m so proud of what I was able to build with a dream and an unbeatable work ethic, and I’m proud of every American who has done the same.

I know the grit and determination it takes to be a small business owner, and I want to take a moment to recognize and honor all the hardworking Oklahomans who make up our small business community this week, and every single day.

If you are involved in a small business and everything that entails, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,
Kevin Hern