Why We Rejected The $150,000 Government Stimulus Check…
- By: Joseph Simonds
- on August 2, 2020

Doing the right thing…
The concept of “doing the right thing” isn’t easy these days… especially when we’re constantly bombarded with stories of corruption, lies, and leaders/politicians doing bad things and getting away with it…
I’ll be honest, I really struggled hard with the $150,000 PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) check that was staring me in the face… just begging me to take it and use it to grow Salt Strong.
But I knew deep down it wasn’t the right thing… we are having our best year ever, and even though I know of countless other CEOs who were having great years but still took the stimulus money, I knew this was wrong (at least for our company).
And I’m not talking about complete theft (like this business owner in Miami who used his PPP to buy a Ferrari)…
I’m talking about the fine line of doing what you know deep down is right vs wrong (especially when I know so many other small businesses who truly do need this money).
I knew that if I took this money it would come back to bite me (and many business owners are already starting to be exposed).
Find out why we decided to reject 100% of the government stimulus money and what you can learn from this.
Enjoy this episode and let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Why We Rejected The $150,000 Government Stimulus Check [PODCAST]
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If you remember anything from this episode, let it be this… Do The Right Thing!!!
Thoughts?
I’d greatly appreciate any and all feedback by leaving a comment at the bottom of the post.
You have my word I will read every single message (although it might be tough for me to get all of them considering the tens of thousands of people will read and see this).
Finally, I’d really appreciate if you’d take a second to SHARE this with your friends and family.
Thank you for being part of the Salt Strong family!
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Is God Real? Salt Strong Unchurched Episode 1
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I’m a small business owner as well. I know others who took the money “because they could” and they “wouldn’t have to pay it back”. Personally, I found it kind of disgusting especially because one person in particular makes over $400,000 per year and, without getting into details, absolutely did not need any of this money. I was pretty surprised at the attitude about the whole thing. I never considered applying for any of it purely on principle and my desire to be divested from the federal government as much as possible. Don’t take that to mean that I’m some weirdo sovereign citizen or anything- far from it. I just think too many people allow the government to make them think they need the gov’t to get by, which is simply not true. I did have a couple of slow weeks during the pandemic, but I was prepared for that and it wasn’t anything more than a bump in the road, thank God. It’s nice to see that there are others who feel the same way, and I wanted to also say that, in my humble opinion, you guys absolutely made the right decision. Keep up the good work.
That’s “The right Thing!” It’s nice to see. I’ve got even more respect for you guys now. You guys are like family, I watch you so much. I have had my own business for 31 years, and I had the same thoughts when it was time for the handouts.
Ora Pro Nobis
Great stuff, my friend. We’re proud to have you in the Salt Strong family!
Very impressive Joe and Luke. It certainly encourages me to do additional business with Salt Strong. Keep up the great work…I’m really learning a lot.
Thank you, Arthur! We’re blessed to have you in the Salt Strong family
I am not one of your members, due to my age, med problems, etc. BUT had to comment: You Sir are a fine person, and it is refreshing in this day and age. You did the right thing, and I am proud of you! I am sure you, your company, and family will prosper in the future. God will watch over you.
I read, and watch you every day, as through you, I feel as though I am still actively fishing. Love you guys! Prosper, and be safe.
Thank you so much for your kind words, David! We appreciate you big time!
Refreshing to say the least. I have a similar mantra “live it” which fits right in with “do the right thing”. Can you look at yourself in the mirror and be at peace with yourself?
What an awesome platform for sharing the truth. My kind of Church.
Glad I signed up.
LIVE IT! I love this. Thank you, Kerry! We’re blessed to have you in the Salt Strong family
Joe and Luke,
Your actions and ethics put a smile on my face! I’m an old guy (65) and have for many years ended all my emails with “Just Do The Right Thing”
I have been self employed for 46 years and always lived by this for my customers and friends. I’m sure it has financially had an impact but I sleep really well at night.
To know that others feel the same way is a blessing for me!
You boys are “Doing The Right Thing”
Happy to be a member of SaltStrong
I LOVE this, Leslie! Thank you so much for these kind words. We’re blessed to have you in the Salt Strong family
Now that’s how you lead by example.
Thank you for the kind words, Capt. Art!
Joe, what an incredible test of your faith and trust in the Lord!!!! Wow!!!!!! This is such a great story of integrity and trust in God’s plan for your company that I plan to share with friends!
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.”
It reminds me of God when he says “test Me in this!” in Malachi 3:10. Malachi 3:10-12 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/mal.3.10-12.niv
Money is a test from God. Is our trust in the Lord or in our bank account? I’d say you past a HUGE test my friend! Man, we have to do lunch soon! I’d love to hear this one again in person! God bless you and yours in the meantime!
Guy
Thank you so much for these words, Guy! We’re lucky to have you in the Salt Strong family.
I am Really Deeply Touched… That you did NOT take the money. I feel that God is going to even Further Bless y’all for doing the Right Thing! As long as you TRUST GOD, and follow what he places on your Heart.. You will Continue to be Blessed ! I Thank God for People and Companies like you and Y’alls business!! Stand FIRM in GOD, is ALWAYS the Best thing for Everyone!! Thanks for Sharing this. May His Blessing Continue to be poured out on you, your Families, and your Business!! Amen!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Best Regards ALWAYS! ❤❤
Ron Miller. 💪💪💪💪 Strong for GOD!! 😊
God will continue to bless your integrity, my friend. Just because it’s permissible doesn’t means it’s beneficial. I’m proud of you and the example you set for others.
Thank you for your kind words, Summer!!