Running a small business in today’s economy is no easy task, and no one knows that better than Mark Fuqua, owner of M&D Enterprises. Recently, Fuqua joined the All About Network Webshow to share his perspective on what it takes to keep a family-owned company thriving in western Oklahoma.
With five locations spread across a 100-mile area, M&D Enterprises has built a reputation for offering an impressive range of products—everything from lawn mowers and hunting blinds to portable buildings and storm shelters. But behind the shelves of inventory lies the daily grind of managing supply chain issues, rising operating costs, and the thinner profit margins facing many small businesses today.
Fuqua was candid about the added pressures. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted that customer patience has grown shorter, which has put additional stress on both employees and owners. Yet even in the face of these obstacles, he continues to stay the course, balancing day-to-day business demands with a strong commitment to the communities his stores serve.
That commitment goes well beyond sales. Fuqua serves on several local boards—including the Pioneer Telephone Board and the Northwest Oklahoma Alliance—and is a familiar supporter of schools, clubs, and fundraisers throughout the region. For him, small businesses are more than retail operations; they are the backbone of rural towns, providing not just products but vital community support.
Looking forward, Fuqua remains optimistic. By leaning into technology, strengthening local relationships, and keeping a customer-first mindset, he believes small businesses like M&D Enterprises can continue to adapt and succeed.
