A San Francisco mayoral candidate wants to be called a “small business owner” even though his company is worth $100 million
San Francisco mayoral candidate Mark Farrell wants to be described as a “small business owner” on the upcoming ballot. However, he runs a company with $100 million in venture capital.
This revelation comes Farrell recently filed his papers to officially run for mayor in the November election. In San Francisco, candidates must specify how they want to be described on the ballot under their name. This provides voters with additional context surrounding potential candidates.
As Managing Director of Thayer Ventures, Farrell has achieved much business success. But “venture capitalist” doesn’t make him relatable to voters. The phrase “small business owner” probably has a more positive connotation, mixing business acumen with someone who keeps the needs of everyday voters (or consumers) in mind.
It is not clear whether the city will accept this designation request. Farrell reportedly left the section blank asking why this classification was accurate.
What this story illustrates is the power that the title “small business owner” carries. People in communities across the country generally revere small business owners as successful entrepreneurs who are also their neighbors and people who look out for their best interests.
This doesn’t mean that every small business owner has a clear path to running for public office or using their title as a way to gain more public attention. In fact, those who co-opt this term for their own gain may ultimately damage the reputation of small business owners and make consumers more wary of those who claim the title.
For those who already own small businesses, getting involved in your community and genuinely trying to make a positive impact can help this title continue to carry a lot of positive meanings. Overall, this is great for small businesses as they aim to connect with customers and become an integral part of the communities they serve.
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