“We need more competition." We only have one grocery store.”“Why can’t we get a Walmart?” “Our hardware stores don’t carry enough; we need a Lowe’s.” These statements seem reasonable. At first glance, they suggest progress, more choices, convenience, and growth. But many small towns may not realize that not all development helps the local economy.   In many cases, it quietly takes money away. What people call “economic growth” often turns into a long-term trade-off, where loc

As Pete started reading the building (his superpower, truly), she leaned in with: “Why would you do that?” “Are you 100% sure?” “How would that work?” Perfectly reasonable questions… unless you’re a contractor who’s been burned by know-it-all homeowners armed with Google and YouTube. I saw it instantly. She asked a question → Pete interpreted it as a challenge → he drifted as far away from us as possible to go inspect the other side of the building.