Paperwork, Politics, and $30K Lost: One Business Owner’s Fight for Freedom

What happens when a family business is nearly shut down over a simple paperwork error?

In this eye-opening episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Chase Sharp, a third-generation business owner from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who shares how the federal government nearly wiped out his company—not because of fraud or abuse, but because of a minor administrative mistake.

Chase walks us through how the Biden administration’s “zero tolerance” gun policy triggered an aggressive ATF response that led to a year-and-a-half court battle, $30,000 in legal fees, and untold hours diverted from actually serving customers. He explains how this level of federal overreach isn’t just bureaucratic—it’s personal, and it’s threatening the future of Main Street businesses across America.

But it’s not all bad news. Chase also reflects on the positive impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which helped his family-owned pawn shop expand to five locations, give raises to employees, and serve more customers during a period of historic economic growth. Now, with TCJA set to expire, he warns what’s at stake for business owners and working families if Congress doesn’t act.

From navigating audits and red tape to surviving targeted regulation and building a legacy with his family, Chase’s story is a powerful reminder of why economic freedom matters—and how it’s under threat.

If you care about protecting small businesses, keeping the American Dream alive, and making government work for the people—not against them—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.