Journal of Small Business Strategy                                                                             Vol. 25 ● No. 2 ● 2015


From the Editor 

It is with great pleasure and a profound sense of duty that I assume the role of Editor-in-Chief 
of the Journal of Small Business Strategy.  The faculty and staff of Middle Tennessee State 
University, the Jones College of Business, and the office of the Wright Travel Chair of 
Entrepreneurship are grateful to the members of the Small Business Institute® for giving us 
the opportunity to publish this exceptional journal with such a rich heritage.  The hard work, 
dedication, and research of authors, reviewers, and previous editors have all contributed to this 
body of knowledge we know as the Journal of Small Business Strategy. I am especially 
humbled when reviewing the list of editors during the 25 year history of the journal.  The 
previous editors include: 

• Gwen Fontenot
• Lloyd Elgart
• Joe Singer
• Stephen Osborne

• Fred Fry
• Paul Stephens
• Ross Fink
• Gerald Hills

This issue marks the first issue of the Journal of Small Business Strategy to be published by 
Middle Tennessee State University in conjunction with the Small Business Institute® after 
being housed for more than 10 years at Bradley University.  I would like to express my sincere 
appreciation for Gerald Hills and the editorial review board who have served the journal well 
and made the transition to Middle Tennessee State smooth and seamless.   

The contributions in this issue include two papers in the area of Entrepreneurship.  The first 
paper primarily focuses on the early influencers on potential entrepreneurs while the second 
paper specifically examines the gender of the entrepreneur and the relationship to 
performance.  These two papers are followed by the best and distinguished papers from the 
2015 Small Business Institute Conference that was held in St. Pete Beach, Florida.  These 
papers include an article that deals with the small business board of directors, a paper on 
sustainability, one on philanthropic intent, and concludes with an empirical examination of 
pedagogical methods and the impact on student entrepreneurial propensity.   

The future of the Journal of Small Business Strategy is bright, and there are some exciting 
collaborations that will be unfolding as the New Year approaches.  The key to success, 
however, lies with you and your research in small business and entrepreneurship.  Your 
submissions are always welcome.  In addition, the editorial team would like to see book 
reviews once again become a regular feature of the journal.  Your comments and suggestions 
can help us stay at the forefront of small business and entrepreneurial thought.  I look forward 
to hearing from you! 

William C. McDowell, Ph.D.