Guide to keeping a Miami businesses alive. At Van Ordel, we’ve survived 100 years | Opinion

Miami is renowned for its vibrant culture and business-friendly ethos.

The city is a long-standing top-tier location for starting a business, with entrepreneurs flocking to its promising landscape and diverse community. In fact, WalletHub named Miami the 5th best city (Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville ranked higher).

Although launching a business in Miami and Florida may seem auspicious, surviving and thriving is far from it.

Yet, growing up in a business that opened in 1924, that’s 100 years ago - and running it for 39 years has taught me that staying in business requires more than a solid business plan, well-funded angel investors and engaging marketing.

Recent reports show that Miami is the most challenging city in the U.S. for small business owners to operate; in fact, the city landed at #1 when it comes to high-risk scores due to hefty operational costs, steep rent increases, sluggish economic growth, and a volatile labor market.

With these converging pressures at play, even well-established businesses struggle to stay afloat. As the steward of a century-old funeral business with deep ties and a strong following,

I’m struck by the thought that Van Orsdel Funeral Services might be the exception rather than the rule.

Well-established and beloved businesses are closing or struggling. Frieze Ice Cream Factory — a beloved shop on Miami Beach — recently shuttered after nearly four decades in business.

Regulars responded by lamenting the loss and sharing their memories. When Sesame Step (an iconic children’s shoe store in Miami) announced it was closing after 36 years, the community launched a petition and mobilized support to keep the fight alive.

The community’s response to these closures highlights the broader efforts at play to support and sustain local businesses. There’s no denying that business support exists.

Elected officials court multinationals to relocate, with tremendous success. Business groups like the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) offer grants to entice retailers to downtown Miami.

Elected officials host small business workshops, offer mentoring and dispense resources. Tax breaks, business grants and loans are invaluable, and organizations like the DDA play a crucial role in business development.

We’ve often overlooked the intangible elements of culture, climate and access to key differentiators, like technology.

By recognizing and valuing these critical factors, my family business hasn’t just survived—it’s thrived. Our community is more diverse today than it was even five years ago.

Understanding your audience in Miami means understanding and embracing the customs, language and cultural nuances of the ethnic groups that make up Southeast Florida. We made that commitment and it’s a core value that is key to our longevity.

Miami’s location makes it vulnerable to climate change.

This poses a significant challenge for all businesses because climate shifts disrupt supply chains, increase operational costs and demand adapting to new regulations and consumer expectations.

In our industry, adopting green practices involves a substantial financial sacrifice and challenges long-standing business norms that have persisted for decades. But we’re serious about making these changes and customers respond to our efforts.

Incorporating new methods and the latest technology remains essential to our success.

Today we live-stream funeral services and manage funeral arrangements fully remotely, ensuring our services are accessible and convenient for all families, regardless of their location.

Companies that fail to invest in the latest methods and technology in their industry risk being left behind in a competitive market. Though daunting, these investments offer significant potential for growth and resilience.

We need our local leaders and business groups to adopt new approaches to business development. Yesterday’s tactics address yesterday’s needs. Miami’s business environment is a dynamic mix of challenges and opportunities.

While the city offers many attractions for entrepreneurs and businesses, the obstacles require innovative solutions. No amount of tax breaks, loans, or relocation support will change that.

Long-standing family businesses are a testament to the importance of community engagement, adaptability and culturally relevant service. This is how businesses endure for generations in Miami.

While we specialize in end-of-life services, our century of experience has taught us a great deal about sustaining and thriving in business.

Donald Van Orsdel is the CEO of Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area.

This story was originally published August 20, 2024 at 9:22 AM.