ZD – It’s possible you’re right and what he said was based on misinformation. However, I think the more likely possibility is either that he was referring to those people who do own their own businesses or that he thinks that people should not work for businesses that do not allow them to close for Shabbos.
As you wrote:
“If you are going to make a statement about a business, at least know all the details”,
Don’t you think that a poseik would make sure to have all the information he needed before he issued a psak? And wouldn’t it be “chosheid b’kisheirim” to assume otherwise, especially if there is a viable explanation?