Persistence Can Be a Problem-Solver, Shares ADP® Grit & Wisdom Winner

ROSELAND, N.J., July 2, 2026 – In its continued series spotlighting this year’s Grit & Wisdom Award winners, ADP highlights BarkMore Park owner Mike Goonewardene’s advice for small business owners on staying persistent when tackling challenges.

Small Business Spotlight: BarkMore Park

Unexpected challenges can pose a real business risk, especially for small businesses who often operate leaner. When Hurricane Helene brought 100-mile-an-hour winds and record rainfall to North Carolina and other parts of the southwestern U.S. in September 2024, BarkMore Park, a dog daycare and boarding facility in Asheville, North Carolina, faced one of its biggest hurdles. At 300 miles from the ocean and 2100 feet above sea level, it’s a challenge owner Mike Goonewardene wasn’t anticipating for his 90-day old business.

Roads became impassable, airports and railroads closed, and electricity and internet access were unavailable for weeks. Yet even with food, water, gasoline, and other necessities in short supply, Mike and his employees were able to keep serving their community.

Mike notes that a big lesson he took from the experience is the importance of staying persistent when the unexpected arises. Whether it was finding a way to clear downed trees blocking building access or finding alternate internet and supply sources, solutions were possible if you looked hard enough. As a veteran, Mike learned you have to keep fighting no matter what: solve one problem, then the next.

“It’s so important to prepare for the unexpected,” Mike adds. “Plan for business continuity and be honest with yourself who on your team cares deeply about your business and customers. It’s also important to know when to reach out for expert help. When we were experiencing difficulties accessing emergency unemployment benefits for workers who were temporarily furloughed, ADP and its affiliates helped us navigate and resolve an incredibly complex situation. Thankfully, staff were taken care of and are now back on the job supporting our customers.” 

For more small business stories and support, visit adp.com/gritandwisdom.

FAQs:

• What can small businesses learn from ADP’s Grit & Wisdom Awards?

The awards highlight real examples of entrepreneurs navigating challenges such as cash flow pressure, operational disruption, leadership transitions, growth decisions and unexpected external events. Their stories offer practical lessons other business owners can apply as they strengthen their own operations.

• How can small businesses build more resilient operations?

Small businesses can build resilience by formalizing and documenting key processes, improving financial visibility, preparing for workforce and supplier disruptions, and creating systems that add structure and continuity to business processes. ADP’s Grit & Wisdom Award winners show how structure, adaptability and leadership can help businesses navigate challenges and drive growth.

• How does ADP support small businesses?

ADP supports more than 900,000 small businesses with the workforce infrastructure that makes business possible. ADP’s HR and payroll solutions are designed to help businesses manage their most critical workforce functions with precision, compliance, and confidence.