Small-business owners, you deserve a moment in the spotlight. In this regular column, we highlight entrepreneurs from all over the U.S. who can answer the question: "What makes you stand out from the crowd?" We know you're proud of your accomplishments — now you can tell the world about them, too.

Mike McDerment, founder of FreshBooks, answers our questions:

What makes you stand out from the crowd?

Hiring right. Getting the right people on the bus makes us look good and helps me stay focused on the things I need to spend my time working on.

My name is: Mike McDerment
My business is: FreshBooks is an online billing and time-tracking service.
Location: Toronto
Year founded: 2004
Number of employees: 20
Web address: www.freshbooks.com

What's the best part about owning your own business?

Getting to focus on the challenges that interest me the most. The trick then is hiring people who love to do what you don’t. The thing that never ceases to amaze me is that there are people that love to do the things I loathe.

What's the biggest hurdle you've overcome?

The desire to say "yes." On an order of 10 to 1, we've turned down more opportunities than we've pursued. Saying "no" is powerful. I've found it generates better opportunities over the long run.

What's the best business advice you can offer?

Do business with people and partners who share your values. If everyone is aligned, then your business will sing.

Are You a Stand Out?
To be considered for this column, please send an email (and a digital headshot!) to Editors@smSmallBiz.com , answering these questions:

My name is:
My business is: (name of business, plus description)
Location:
Year founded:
Number of employees:
Web address:

What makes you stand out from the crowd?
What's the best part about owning your own business?
What's the biggest hurdle you've overcome?
What's the best business advice you can offer?
If a business organization referred you to us, please tell us which one.

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