Apr. 5--If you are a business owner, now would be a good time to own a recession-proof business.

There aren't many, but Deb's Dancewear and Uniforms may be one.

"We carry a lot of medical uniforms, and there will always be a need there," said the store's owner, Susan Rude. "The only place we thought people would cut down a little was in dancewear, but people just want to keep their kids busy."

Rude has not only managed to survive the recession, she's also survived running a family business her mother, Marge, started. She vowed long ago not to take work problems home, or take home problems to work. "If work problems do come up during family time, I just say, 'That's the first mistake I've ever made,' " she said.

The business at 111 S. 24th St. W., Suite 207, can be reached at 406-656-7838 or 1-800-442-3327. Here's what else Rude had to say about keeping the business healthy.

Nature of the business?

Retail sales of medical uniforms and accessories, such as shoes, hosiery, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs and lots of other small necessary items. We carry Cherokee, Landau, Dickies, Barco and Peaches uniforms. We have aprons, polos, tux shirts and bowties for casinos and restaurants. We have EMT pants and shirts as well as pilot shirts. Get your favorite NFL, NBA or ALB team shirt to watch your games.

We also have leotards, pants, tops, sweaters, skirts and various styles of tights in the dancewear. We have ballet, tap, jazz, character and hip-hop shoes for the dancer as well. The brand names we have are Bloch, Bodywrappers, Style Queen and Danskin.

Why start this business?

There are several nursing, dental and other medical schools as well as dance schools in the area. We get many people traveling through from surrounding areas and states.

Where did startup funding come from?

Long-term banking at our bank.

How long have you been in business?

Between my mother, Marge, and myself, we have been in business 25 years this year.

Biggest challenges in running the business?

Good help. It is difficult to find people with good work ethics, and when I do, I try very hard to keep them.

What was done to overcome those challenges?

Many hours of interviews and reference checking.

What is being done to expand the business?

Due to the current economy crisis, I do not feel this is the time to expand or move. We've always thought being the biggest was better than having two or more stores. It also saves us from having double rent, utilities and payroll.

Your best business decisions?

We have listened to what our customers say they want. Our sales representatives through the years have also been extremely helpful in many ways.

Your worst business mistake?

We were shipped 35 boxes of freight from one company instead of 17, and I decided to keep them. There was no room for the excess in the store. Plus, I didn't even think about the invoice amount.

What advice do you have for someone running a business?

Listen to your customers and your fellow employees. Sometimes they come up with some ideas you haven't thought of.

Number of workers?

I have six employees, not counting myself.

What's your five-year plan for the business?

To keep going and stay ahead of the game. I would very much like to be on the street level, but the rent doubles or triples depending on location. I don't care much for mall spaces -- too many restrictions.

A question you would ask other entrepreneurs?

Do you enjoy your job as much as I do? I love my work, employees and customers. They always make my day.

If you weren't doing what you are now, what would be your dream job?

I would be working for someone else and wishing that some day I would be able to own my own business.

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