What New Orleans Taught Me About Building a Business With Heart and Hustle

Every January, I think about the small business owners I grew up around in New Orleans — people who built their livelihoods with grit, creativity, and community. They didn’t have fancy software or consultants. They had determination, pride, and a belief that their work mattered. Watching them taught me something I carry into every client relationship today: a business grows best when it’s rooted in both heart and discipline.

New Orleans entrepreneurs know how to stretch a dollar, how to build relationships, and how to stay resilient when life throws curveballs. But they also know the importance of structure — keeping records, managing cash flow, and planning ahead even when times are unpredictable. That balance of hustle and strategy is what keeps a business alive.

That’s the same balance I help clients build at Facts & Figures. Whether you’re running a trucking company, a salon, a catering business, or a consulting firm, the principles are the same: know your numbers, protect your profit, and stay true to the community you serve. New Orleans taught me that a business isn’t just a business — it’s a legacy. And January is the perfect time to honor that legacy by strengthening your foundation.