A Sarasota business is especially busy this time of year. The Flag Man has been selling American flags to people all over the Bay area for more than 40 years.

The key to success for the family-owned store isn’t a fancy billboard or store-front. Owner Dede Horne said they’ve survived 43 years on patriotism.

"There's such turmoil even in our own country right now,” Horne said. “But, I still think the American flag stands true."

She sells American flags of all sizes.

"When the stripes start to tear, that's when they usually call, 'I gotta have a new flag.' " she said.

Named for Horne's late brother Ned, who passed away earlier this year. Dede Horne has kept the name and the store going. Especially important this time of year, when customers need their red, white and blue.

"Fourth of July is the big symbolic day of the flag," said Horne. “In the business, you learn a lot more about what the flag - the significance of the flag, and the importance to different people."

Her long-time customers include Ronald Hendrick. He bought a new flag for the Fourth and raised it up the flag pole as his granddaughter looked on.

“You want to make sure the flag doesn't touch the ground," Hendrick said.

Hendrick has bought flags from The Flag Man for 15 years. He flies them in honor of his Army Ranger son Ray.

"We have to hold that tradition. We have to keep that, we have to instill that in our children and grandchildren and respect that flag," he said.

That's a tradition Horne has made a career of - one that's less about paying the bills and more about the American dream.

"When I go home at night, it's not like, 'oh, another day,' " Horne said. “You can't help but feel good about what you've done throughout the day."

The Flag Man store is located at 4405 17th Street in Sarasota. All of their flags are made in America.