Pro-Growth Policies: Why They’re Good for America

America’s at a crossroads We’re facing challenges that demand strong leadership and clear-headed policies—ones that set us up for long-term prosperity and security. As someone who invests in American-made businesses, I see firsthand how the right policies can create jobs, strengthen communities, and secure a brighter future. This isn’t just about politics—it’s about common sense. It’s about building a country where businesses thrive, families feel secure, and opportunity is within reach for everyone. Here’s why these pro-growth policies matter and how they align with what we’re doing at Beliade.

Economic Independence Starts at Home For too long, we’ve allowed foreign goods to flood our markets, undercutting American businesses and putting local workers at a disadvantage. Between 2001 and 2018, the U.S. lost nearly 3.7 million manufacturing jobs, with over 75% of those losses tied to increased imports from China. It’s time to change that narrative. Tariffs can level the playing field by incentivizing domestic production and protecting American manufacturers. Critics argue that tariffs increase prices for consumers, but let’s take a step back and look at the big picture: they create jobs, strengthen industries, and ensure higher-quality goods. At Beliade, we’re all about supporting brands that make things the right way, right here at home. Our portfolio includes companies that embody the excellence of American craftsmanship—whether it’s organic hummus from Montana or artisan ice cream from Brooklyn. When American-made products succeed, local communities prosper. Tariffs are a step toward making that happen.

Let States Compete The federal tax system? It’s bloated and outdated, stifling growth and innovation. Shifting more tax collection to the state level would force states to compete, creating incentives for better policies and business-friendly environments. Look at the numbers: in 2023, Texas saw over 475,000 new residents move in, many of them fleeing high-tax states like New York and California. These states, in contrast, experienced population declines of 179,000 and 250,000 people, respectively. People vote with their feet, and they’re choosing states that prioritize economic growth. At Beliade, we invest in brands that thrive in dynamic, growth-focused markets. A state-based tax system would make those markets even more attractive, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to innovate and scale. Healthy competition among states isn’t just good policy—it’s good business.

Strong Borders, Stronger Communities Let’s be clear: border security isn’t about shutting people out—it’s about doing things the right way. Legal immigration strengthens America, adding skills and diversity to our workforce. But unchecked illegal immigration? That puts unnecessary strain on resources and destabilizes local job markets. The numbers tell the story. In 2023 alone, over 2.2 million migrants crossed the southern border, with many overwhelming already stretched border communities. The costs of this strain trickle down to all Americans, affecting schools, healthcare systems, and public safety. Living in New York City, I see the challenges every day. Businesses, especially small ones, feel the pinch as wages stagnate and resources thin out. Strong borders lead to stable communities, and stable communities create the foundation for thriving businesses.

Merit Should Always Win I’m a big believer in meritocracy. At its core, it’s about rewarding talent, hard work, and innovation—the very principles that make businesses succeed. Unfortunately, I’ve seen how politics can cloud good decision-making. Take my recent application to join the SEC’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee. Despite strong endorsements from multiple members, the final decision seemed more about optics than qualifications. This isn’t just disappointing—it’s a missed opportunity to bring real expertise to the table. At Beliade, we focus on talent and vision. It’s how we build winning teams and invest in iconic brands. Merit-based decisions aren’t just the right thing to do—they’re the only way forward if we want to compete on the global stage.

Energy Independence Is Non-Negotiable Energy independence isn’t just smart policy—it’s vital for national security. When we produce our own energy, we control our destiny, stabilize prices, and reduce reliance on foreign adversaries. Under the Trump administration, the U.S. became a net exporter of energy for the first time in decades, producing a record 12.3 million barrels of crude oil per day in 2019—a 52% increase from just three years earlier. These gains benefitted everyone, from consumers paying less at the pump to businesses cutting operational costs. At Beliade, lower energy costs mean our portfolio brands can reinvest savings into growth and innovation. Independence fuels more than just our economy—it powers our ability to lead on a global scale.

Safe Communities Make Good Business When communities are safe, businesses thrive—it’s that simple. But rising crime rates in major cities have become a real concern. Between 2020 and 2023, violent crime in urban areas rose by nearly 30%, straining law enforcement and making it harder for businesses to operate. Some of Beliade’s retail brands have experienced vandalism and theft in recent years. That’s not good for anyone—customers, employees, or owners. Supporting law enforcement and investing in public safety isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential for economic growth. Safe streets mean stronger businesses and better opportunities for everyone.

Deregulation Spurs Growth Too much red tape slows everyone down. Between 2017 and 2020, federal deregulation saved American businesses an estimated $50 billion in compliance costs. That’s money that could be reinvested into new products, better jobs, and expanded operations. For example, deregulation in the energy sector allowed natural gas producers to expand operations, driving down costs and boosting U.S. exports. Manufacturing companies saw similar gains, with streamlined environmental compliance rules enabling increased production capacity. At Beliade, fewer bureaucratic hurdles mean our brands can focus on what they do best: delivering exceptional products to consumers. A pro-business environment empowers entrepreneurs and drives the kind of economic dynamism that benefits everyone.

America succeeds when we focus on what works: independence, security, and opportunity. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the foundation of a thriving economy and a prosperous society. At Beliade, we’re proud to back brands that embody these values—hard work, innovation, and quality. Together, we can build a future where businesses grow, families prosper, and communities feel safe and secure. Let’s keep moving forward.