South Chandler entrepreneur Kenneth Morrow calls for action to strengthen community ties and revive trust in local small businesses.
CHANDLER, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / February 24, 2026 / Kenneth Morrow, owner and founder of One Way Group of Companies, is urging residents, business leaders, and local governments to do more to support local trades and small business operators-especially those in construction, contracting, and service-based industries.
Morrow, a 30-year business veteran in Arizona, is known for building One Way General Contractors into a trusted name in the region. But for him, it's about more than just business.
"We don't need headlines. We need handshakes," said Morrow. "Trust is built on consistency, and small businesses show up every day. We're the ones sponsoring youth teams, fixing roofs, and hiring local."
The Case for Community-Driven Economic Support
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 99.9% of all U.S. businesses and employ 46.4% of private-sector workers. Yet, many still struggle to access capital, keep up with regulatory shifts, or gain visibility amid larger corporate players.
"The community needs us just as much as we need them," Morrow added. "We live here, we shop here, we walk the same streets. That creates a shared responsibility."
He says the South Chandler community of Ocotillo-where he lives, works, and contributes to community life-is proof that strong local networks create strong local economies.
7 Personal Commitments from Kenneth Morrow
As part of this initiative, Kenneth Morrow is sharing his own personal pledge to support and strengthen the small business community:
Hire Local First whenever possible for both personal and business needs.
Mentor at least one new business owner each year.
Attend local business networking events to build relationships.
Sponsor or support youth and nonprofit initiatives in his community.
Share business lessons openly with younger entrepreneurs.
Stay active in civic discussions that affect local zoning, development, or infrastructure.
Walk three miles daily with his wife to stay grounded in the community he serves.
Why This Matters Now
60% of small businesses fail within their first five years (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Construction startups in particular face long cash cycles, labor shortages, and rising materials costs.
Only 1 in 5 small business owners feel fully supported by their local government (NFIB, 2023).
"I'm not here to complain. I'm here to say it's worth showing up for," said Morrow. "Even if you're not a business owner, you can help just by choosing a local vendor or giving someone new a chance."
Do-It-Yourself Toolkit: 10 Ways Anyone Can Support Local
Leave a positive online review for a local business.
Refer a friend or neighbour to a business you trust.
Buy gift cards from locally owned stores.
Tip generously when you can.
Recommend skilled trades to your HOA or property manager.
Show up to a city council meeting on small business issues.
Sign up for local business newsletters.
Follow, comment, and share posts from local businesses.
Host or attend a meet-up for entrepreneurs in your area.
Ask business owners how you can help-and listen.
Call to Action
Kenneth Morrow is encouraging everyone-from residents to regional decision-makers-to take the pledge to support their local small businesses.
"If you're lucky enough to live in a good community, it's your job to keep it that way," he said. "We don't just build homes. We build places people want to stay."
About Kenneth Morrow
Kenneth Morrow is the founder and owner of One Way Group of Companies, including One Way General Contractors, based in Chandler, Arizona. Raised on a ranch in Elk Grove, CA, he brings work ethic, loyalty, and consistency to every project and relationship. With 30 years in business and deep ties to the Ocotillo community, Kenneth leads by example through active living, close community connections, and unwavering support of small business resilience.
Visit www.onewaygroup.com for more.
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SOURCE: Kenneth Morrow
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