always form the backbone of the american economy. the problem is, our small businesses have been some of the hardest hit by this recession. there is no question that the steps we ve taken have improved the overall climate for small business across the country. but there is also no question that we ve got a long way to go. brian: okay. does that long way include four maurice? joining us now are small business owners locally. they re all from charlotte. you got sherwood webb, owner of webb and partners, inc. katy tyler is ceo of tyler 2 construction inc., and dr. rick wideman is here. he is an eye surgeon. welcome to all of you. about your business, how are you doing in 2008? how are you doing now? basically lost everything in the last four years. 30 years, everything i built, i ve lost the last four years. almost everything. brian: why? there is just no work. we manage large projects all over the country. lamb projects have come to a stop of the i have three hospital clients,