In June 2020, I joined an online discussion hosted by Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, where North Carolina farmers, manufacturers, and business owners came together to highlight the devastating impact of tariffs between China and the United States.
As CEO of Ravenox, I shared how tariffs forced small businesses like ours to absorb hundreds of thousands of dollars in unexpected costs, directly stalling growth and preventing us from creating new jobs. Five years later, in 2025, tariffs continue to burden small businesses across the country, and new policies are making the environment even more uncertain.
The Real Cost to Small Business
During the discussion, I explained:
“Knowing that as a small business we have spent over $150,000 on tariffs, we are not able to hire [more] employees like we would want to. And I know a number of other U.S.-based manufacturers that are facing the same problem.”
For Ravenox, and countless other small manufacturers, tariffs are a direct tax on growth, hiring, and innovation.
Tariffs in 2025: What’s Changed
In 2025, new tariff expansions are reshaping the landscape:
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Broader tariffs on raw materials like steel, aluminum, and auto parts are driving up costs for manufacturers.
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Businesses face uncertainty as new categories of goods are reassessed for tariff inclusion.
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Small businesses operating on thin margins are hit hardest, as increased costs cannot always be passed on to customers.
North Carolina’s Growing Losses
The impact is severe in North Carolina:
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Citizens in North Carolina have lost more than $1.4 billion to additional taxes caused by tariffs.
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Job loss projections exceed 60,000 positions, hitting small towns and manufacturing hubs particularly hard.
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Farm bankruptcies have already increased by 33%, devastating rural communities.
Advocating for Change
As both a veteran and a small business leader, I believe it is my responsibility to speak out on behalf of American entrepreneurs. Tariffs may be framed as tools of leverage, but in practice, they are crippling U.S. businesses that are already carrying heavy loads.
The solution is not silence, it is advocacy, smarter trade policy, and a stronger commitment to American-made manufacturing.
Moving Forward
Tariffs remain one of the defining business challenges of 2025. For me, this is about more than numbers, it’s about protecting jobs, ensuring that small businesses can grow, and strengthening the Made in USA economy for the long term.
As I continue to lead Ravenox and advocate for small business nationwide, I remain committed to amplifying the voices of those most affected and pushing for policies that enable small businesses to thrive, not just survive.