Name: W. Dudley McCarter
Education: Knox College, 1972; University of Missouri-Columbia, 1975
Years of experience: 37
Years working with small businesses: 37

What are the biggest challenges you face when helping small businesses?
Having the financial and other resources necessary to fully comply with all the federal, state and local regulations in a proper and timely manner.

What’s the No. 1 piece of advice you would give to small-business owners?  
Engage professional help for legal, accounting, insurance and other advice early in the process for a major transaction or business decision that could substantially (or adversely) affect your business.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve seen small-business owners make, and what advice would you give to solve the problem?
Proceed into a new business transaction or relationship too quickly and without having all the terms, specifications or critical criteria acknowledged and agreed to by all parties.

Where does your motivation to help small businesses come from? 
The satisfaction of watching small businesses grow and succeed through the hard work and vision of their owners.