As much as senators try to make decisions in government that would benefit small businesses across the United States, no one can understand the challenges faced by small business owners everyday more than someone who was and is a small business owner. To help senators understand what businesses need, people work as delegates or consultants to help educate and inform those in government about what is needed and the repercussions of their decisions.

Wayne Hartung from Alabama once played that very important role. “I was appointed by Senator Tom Delay as the small business delegate for lower Alabama,” says Wayne Hartung. His appointment was confidently made by Senator Tom Delay, who knew a business professional like Wayne Hartung would help Congress understand the everyday needs and concerns of small business owners not only in Alabama, but everywhere.

“Even though I was selected as the delegate for lower Alabama, I knew that many small businesses across the United States faced the same challenges and needs,” says Wayne Hartung. Although the role of representing hundreds to thousands of people may seem daunting, Wayne Hartung knew he could perform his task confidently.

Wayne Hartung started his career young. He founded his first business at age 19. “I founded a commercial real estate company while I was in university,” says Wayne Hartung. By 24, he was hired by a collision company. In only two years time, he grew within the company to the position of Vice President. “During my tenure, I grew the company to 77 locations across our nation,” says Wayne Hartung.

With experience growing and heading business, Wayne Hartung’s appointment to represent small businesses was well-made. He worked diligently to make it easier for small businesses to get grants needed to continue operations. With 20 years of business experience, Wayne Hartung knows there are good and bad market conditions for every industry. “When I was the delegate for small businesses of lower Alabama, I worked with legislators to obtain grants for small and minority businesses,” says Wayne Hartung.

In 2013, Wayne Hartung continues to head his businesses. He is President of Hartung Commercial Properties that he founded in 1988 and Marshall Auto Painting and Collision from 1998. Wayne Hartung was honored to represent small business owners and be their voice in congress.