Somebody has to say it: Small business owners can simply do and say crazy things, that you just wont see and hear at Fortune 1000 companies.

For instance, I was speaking to a former employee of a printing company located in a very upscale part of Los Angeles. She returned from a short bathroom break, and a minute or two later, the owner came up to her.

Uh, Julie, I noticed you went to the bathroom and used a paper towel. I saw it in the trash. Theyre there for customers, so please bring you own, in the future.

So, along with her lunch, she made a point of having two paper towels with her, each and every day.

She told me this story, and in a combination of laughter and near-tears exclaimed, My gosh! You can buy a whole roll of paper towels for 99 cents!

My jaw drops, still, as I repeat this tale, but piddling things like this drive employees, vendors, and contractors batty who have to deal with these firms.

Ive heard countless episodes about small businesses that either stiff their employees and supply sources outright, by not paying them, or who treat them as if they are banks; sources of ongoing, interest-free loans.

When asking about their checks, these poor folks are shot a look that says: Are you kidding? Youre having all this fun working for me, and you expect to be paid, as well?

Bizarre business owners need to think bigger, and focus on what really counts in building profits. They also need to avoid those petty behaviors that only serve to de-motivate their employees and suppliers.