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Investors Push to Secure TikTok’s Future in the U.S.

Just over ten years ago, I was dedicating long hours as a firefighter with CalFire, driving my old Corolla to work while dreaming about creating something meaningful. Today, I find myself at the helm of a collective of American investors who have made a significant offer to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations. It’s incredible how quickly life can change, isn’t it?

However, this endeavor transcends mere business aspirations. It’s fundamentally about safeguarding the creative contributions of everyday Americans on TikTok and ensuring alignment with American principles. Having built my own business from the ground up through tenacity and commitment, I understand the importance of protecting something valuable.

When I embarked on my journey to create what is now employer.com, it began with just me, my laptop, and an unwavering amount of caffeine at Temple Coffee Roasters in Sacramento. Without the backing of venture capitalists or a financial cushion, I was simply a firefighter looking to connect talented individuals with promising job opportunities. This story resonates with countless creators and small business owners thriving on TikTok today.

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I still drive that same Corolla, even after the success of employer.com. To me, success is not defined by luxury cars or plush offices; it’s about staying authentic and remembering one’s origins. It’s crucial to recognize TikTok for what it truly represents: a platform where ordinary people share their experiences, aspirations, and creativity.

The ongoing fight to preserve TikTok within the United States is driven by users’ desire to protect their investments in the platform. Concerns about Chinese ownership are valid. As someone who helps countless small businesses manage their employee information, I take the issues of data privacy and security very seriously. However, an outright ban on TikTok would be an extreme reaction—a clumsy solution that could inflict far greater harm than good.

My experiences as a firefighter taught me that the best approach is often to take control of the situation rather than shutting everything down. This principle applies here: American ownership of TikTok is vital not just for national security, but also for maintaining a platform essential to millions of entrepreneurs and creators.

That’s why a collective of dedicated business leaders and investors, including myself, has stepped up to the challenge. We aren’t just affluent tech giants; we’re entrepreneurs who have crafted our businesses from the ground up and recognize the value of dedication and opportunity. Our goal is to secure and protect a platform that is integral to so many Americans’ livelihoods and creative expressions.

I’ve observed firsthand how TikTok has transformed the landscape for small businesses. For example, a restaurant owner in Oak Park saw her business thrive through TikTok, while another individual in Roseville transitioned from a corporate career to full-time woodworking, using the platform to build his entire clientele. These are real stories of perseverance and passion, not just statistics.

Reflecting on my own journey, I know how daunting it can be when the odds are stacked against you. Many doubted my potential due to a lack of connections or resources. Yet, I learned that with determination and the right opportunities, anyone can achieve remarkable things.

What’s at stake goes beyond just an application; TikTok serves as a vital opportunity platform for countless Americans. We need to ensure its separation from Chinese ownership and actively protect user data, but it’s imperative that we do so without dismantling the platform that has become a cornerstone for hardworking individuals across the country.

I remain rooted in Sacramento and continue to enjoy my coffee at Temple. Ultimately, it’s not about being the largest or most glamorous—it’s about doing what is right and fostering opportunities for others. This mission is driving our collective efforts. Sometimes, those most equipped to protect something of value are those who have built their dreams from scratch.

Let’s save TikTok—not to preserve algorithms or technology, but to support the millions of Americans who have built their dreams on this platform. If a firefighter from Sacramento can create a company that now assists over 10,000 small businesses, just imagine what the future holds for the next wave of innovative thinkers and creators given the right opportunities.

Let’s remember: it’s not how you begin that matters; it’s where you’ve set your sights. Together, we are determined to keep TikTok alive for every American who relies on it to fulfill their ambitions, just as I pursued mine.

We appreciate the opportunity provided to us in this initiative, and we believe we have crafted the most viable proposal to meet the objectives of safeguarding American interests while ensuring TikTok remains a vibrant space for freedom of expression.

Let’s make this a reality—not for corporate interests, but for the heart of America—because that is where our values lie and whom we are truly fighting for.

As CEO and founder of employer.com, I lead an investor group that has made a bold $30 billion bid for TikTok.

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www.foxnews.com