As the President and CEO of Premier Wireless, I've had the privilege of guiding a company that’s seen immense transformation over the last 30 years. Starting out as Premier Paging in Fort Bend County, Texas, we've evolved to meet the changing needs of the market and our clients, standing today as an exclusive T-Mobile partner and the proud recipient of T-Mobile's Choice Government Partner Award.

Our journey began at a time when communication was about pagers, not smartphones. We began serving our first school district, Fort Bend ISD, nearly three decades ago—a relationship we cherish and maintain to this day. This enduring partnership underscores a fundamental truth about small businesses: we thrive on personal connections and the trust we build with each client.

Today, Premier Wireless is a nationwide company serving clients across the country and in nearly every state. Our reach is broad, yet our approach remains deeply personalized. Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. We account for 44% of U.S. economic activity and create two-thirds of new jobs. We're not just a statistic; we represent the dreams and efforts of millions of Americans. We contribute significantly to the Gross National Product, ensuring the country’s economy remains vibrant and resilient.

Recently, our commitment to excellence was recognized on a national scale. Premier Wireless was honored as the 9th fastest-growing inner city business in America by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICCC) 2023, and the Houston Business Journal named us the 6th fastest-growing business in 2023. These accolades reflect not just our growth but also our deep-rooted commitment to the communities we serve.

Small businesses are innovation leaders, constantly developing new products and services to address challenges and fulfill previously unmet needs. For example, our team has introduced groundbreaking solutions, including a comprehensive public safety program and a suite of advanced safety and fleet management tools for school buses. These innovations exemplify how small businesses can respond creatively and effectively to community needs.

Like many small businesses, Premier Wireless's growth and success have been significantly influenced by invaluable support, training, and mentorship from organizations like the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and Houston's Silver Fox Advisors. These groups have provided us with the tools and knowledge to expand our business and access capital, fostering a supportive community that champions the spirit of entrepreneurship. Such organizations play a crucial role in nurturing small businesses, enabling them to innovate and meet community needs effectively. As small businesses, we offer something unique that larger corporations often cannot—an ability to respond quickly to customer needs, adapt to changes, and provide personalized service. Our size is our strength, allowing us to navigate challenges and opportunities with agility and creativity.

Running Premier Wireless has always been about more than just business. Like many entrepreneurs, it started as a way for me to support my family. Then, it quickly evolved to be about building a family—a team of dedicated individuals who have supported my vision and actively shaped our journey to excellence. These incredible team members are the reason we've been able to provide exceptional service for more than 30 years. I am immensely proud to have steered this ship, but it has been my team that truly propelled us forward. Their commitment and hard work have not only earned us accolades like T-Mobile's 2023 Choice Government Partner Award but have solidified our place as a pivotal part of the clients we serve.

To my fellow small business owners, our contributions are significant, and our impact is profound. We do more than employ millions; we nurture economies, innovate industries, and build the fabric of our communities. Let's continue to drive forward, support one another, and contribute to a thriving, dynamic America. Here’s to many more years of innovation, service, and community building. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my incredible journey and everyone who is taking this journey for themselves. Together, we can. Together, we make a difference.