I don't know what version of capitalism people in this thread are experiencing that is so friendly to small business that it's a surefire way to get rich but please send it my way because I've seen way too many great small businesses disappear.
I think the stereotypical example of what I think of is the small town good ole boys in "middleman" lines of work that really create no economic value but provide a steady stream of income to underwrite their sense of self-importance.
Car dealers, insurance agency owners and fast food franchise owners are the worst offenders. Go to a Chamber of Commerce or Republican Party meeting in a rural county and you'll meet these people.
