Video Description:
The slide shows the spotlight screen with text showing Deaf Ecosystem Spotlight, A conversation with Dennis Bacon, and Nutcracker is on the right. On the left, Dennis Bacon is a male with white hair. He has facial hair and is wearing a blue-collar shirt. The transcript is below:
Sonya: Hello I’m here with Dennis Bacon
Dennis: Hello, it’s good to see you again!
Sonya: Yes of course. I wanted us to take this opportunity to tell us about yourself.
Dennis: Sure, I graduated from the Missouri School for the Deaf in 1977. I went to Gallaudet University for two years. When I came back, I worked for D Square for nine years. Formally, I owned three businesses, but now I focus on Black Walnut cracker equipment. I will show you that a little bit later.
A little bit about my background is that I was a professional repair person before and like I mentioned I owned three businesses: A photo sculpture business, a fishing rod business and a daycare business. And the Cracker business, which again, I will show you later.
Sonya: In being a business owner what are some problems that you have faced?
Dennis: One of the issues I have faced is text communication, while living out in the country. I have had to be very strict with people to change their attitudes and realize that weaknesses can be strength. That has been a challenge, but I have been able to move on and move forward with my business.
Sonya: What has been your favorite part in owning your own business?
Dennis: (Pause) I really love the shows. The (television) show Shark Tank I have learned a lot from them. The Non-profit show, it is really good. It shows people how to establish their business and what kind of influences can occur in the market. Another show, is called the Undercover Billionaire. I really love that one because it shows how people can start their businesses from scratch and work their way up. It is so fascinating to see that people may start at $3,000 and within 90 days be a millionaire. From those three shows I have learned a lot.
Sonya: So from those three shows you have learned a lot about business.
Dennis: Yes, but even prior to those shows, being able to see my father, in his process of owning a business and then when it became my turn, I realized I needed to be very ambitious. I enjoy owning a business and making money.
Sonya: Yes understandable. From owning a big business, what kind of personal growth have you experienced as your business has grown?
Dennis: So when I first started, I started with SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives. These are experienced business owners that will teach and provide information, for people that want to have their own businesses. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) hired an interpreter and a SCORE mentor met with me. They realized that I had a serious business idea and suggested taking classes. The classes, themselves were free and offered through the Small Business Administration. The classes were in Kansas City, but are offered at various locations within the state. As long as there was an interpreter, I would go. In addition to SCORE, the Small Business Administration provides financial assistance; discusses “investors” and how they can help your business grow, and inform of the importance of researching & testing the market. Figuring out what customers would be interested in buying or not and then improving one’s method of approach for more of an increase in profit.
Sonya: What made you decide to own a business?
Dennis: I just love it! I just love it! Owning my own business was in my heart. Seeing my dad, my brother, my uncles and family members, go through that process and really enjoyed it. It keeps one active. My dad, is still active and needs to be “retiring,” he is 85, but still going strong.
Sonya: Yeah I guess you don’t become old until you cannot work anymore. You just keep going!
Dennis: Yeah!
Sonya: Thank you so much Dennis for your time!
Dennis: Yes of course! I enjoyed it!