Thousands of college and university towns depend on revenue generated by school events. The state ordered shutdowns tackled local businesses for a loss all across the country. Restaurants and hotels were among those hardest hit. The Comfort Inn in Flagstaff, Arizona suffered devastating losses after decades of success. Watch how the owner responds when I ask, "Are you going to make it? "
Why was this man forced to endure pain for two months? Why was he denied surgery to relieve it? Because state rules determined his surgery was non-essential. This happened to thousands of people around the country. In this report, the CEO of Trusted Care Surgery Centers in Arizona tells about fighting for the freedom to have doctors and patients decide what's best, not bureaucrats and politicians.
Kyle Rogers had the dream of playing Major League Baseball. He was drafted out of high school by the Texas Rangers. That's him on his own baseball card back in the day. Now Kyle's business, Baseball Showcase, helps today's young baseball hopefuls try to achieve their dreams. But Arizona's shutdowns not only closed his business but dashed the dreams of many a young player hoping for a college scholarship or pro contract.
Why is this man still smiling? 19 state governments forced him to close his 50 pizzerias and layoff 1700 employees. State orders forced millions of businesses to close and jump through hoops to re-open. Thousands did not survive. This is the story of one who did. It's been a struggle but he has his people back. Introducing Joseph Ciolli, one of the most upbeat business leaders you'll ever meet. What a story of perseverance!
Meet the hard-working patriotic crew at the Phoenix Air Department. They install air conditioners. If you're sweating in the Arizona heat, call them. They are fire-tested. When the China Virus hit, they were all working for other companies. Then one of them got laid off and so he decided to partner with a buddy and start their own company. Yeah, in the middle of a pandemic. That took guts. It's been challenging but they are determined to succeed. And they are! Watch.
This young family of five were fed up with government restrictions imposed by the state of Oregon. So, they picked up and moved to South Dakota so that their children may once again attend school and church.
When the China Virus struck, work got scarce for Steve Dadamo. He's a welder. With no prospects in sight, he packed a suitcase including his welding hood and drove from Texas to South Dakota. He didn't have a job interview but he went anyway. He knocked on a lot of doors. For weeks. In three different cities. You won't believe what happened next. Watch.
Six months before the China Virus hit Scott Sawyer invested $319,000 in the business of fun — laser tag and ax throwing. Every dollar is now in jeopardy. Revenues are down 80%. And he's had to cut payroll by more than 50%.