A local small business owner had the chance to speak with a 2016 presidential candidate this week, as she made her way across Iowa.

When Bryce Smith, owner of the Adel Family Fun Center, heard Hillary Clinton’s campaign was setting up a small roundtable discussion, he contacted them via social media to see if he could be a part of it.

“I actually messaged the Facebook page and said ‘Hey, how is small business involved in this?  How do they get involved in this?  Can (anyone) do this and be a part of it?’  About probably 20 minutes later I got a phone call from someone from Hillary’s staff that said ‘We’re actually looking for a few more small businesses.’”

Despite being the youngest business owner at the table, at just 23 years old, Smith said he felt comfortable and respected by Clinton and the other panelists.

“It kind of threw me by surprise how very laid back it was.  Even though there was some press around and the people watching, it was a surprise to see that (former Secretary of State) Clinton really just wanted to hear (the small business owners), each one of us, talk about our own issues.  She had a few comments to add to it and to share but I think the main focus of it was on us.  For her to hear us and really hear firsthand what’s going on in our communities, our businesses, successes, struggles, barriers, all that.  So that was the most surprising part.  I think the most rewarding part was I felt heard at the end of the day.”

Smith will share more about the experience with us on a Let’s Talk Dallas County program next week on AM 1310 KDLS.