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774-565-0140Small Business Owner Perspective
Supporting each other through the pandemic
Website Design by Robin is the type of business that supports other businesses, especially those of our clients. So we asked some questions to see how they have navigated the past year and hope to move forward. We wanted to know what they have learned, any adjustments they’ve made, what they will remember most about this time. Here’s what they said.
Hear from Scott Gear
"We really need to help and support all small businesses by buying their products, purchasing and using their services even if it cost a little more."
Scott Gear
Boston Electrical Services
Scott told us he’s ready for things to get back to normal, and although he sees things slowly getting better he also knows we still have a long way to go. The pandemic has taught him two things:
That life is unpredictable! And that no matter what precautions you take or how careful you are, life will try to knock you down. When it does, you just have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep moving forward.
There’s no working through Zoom for electricians, so they wear masks on the job and practice social distancing when possible. Common sense and safety are two things they are committed to in their work environments.
Scott is grateful that his business is still up and running. He knows many other business owners that had to close their business because of the government shutdowns. What he will remember most is how badly small businesses were hurt by these unconstitutional shutdowns.
Hear from Claudia Schumacher
"I, for one, cannot wait until I can see many of our faithful patrons coming into the building again, being able to talk with them and help them find what they are looking for."
Claudia Schumacher, Reference Librarian
Fiske Public Library of Wrentham, MA
After closing down last March the library was unable to offer any services until late in the summer when they instituted curbside pickup. After July 2020 they were able to have more staff on at once which meant they could offer this. Patrons could place holds on materials through the online catalog or call the library with requests. Returns and materials from other libraries had to be quarantined before they could be checked out again. Several patrons have taken advantage of the curbside service and are not sure they want to come into the building when the library re-opens so they will continue the service for now.
Claudia was able to start processing passport applications again and the people that needed this have been so grateful. This along with the Notary service has been well received. She doesn't see libraries getting back to "normal" but it is really too soon to tell.
At the Fiske library, not being able to enter the building has been a hardship for many patrons. The library staff misses seeing everyone and they are looking forward to allowing people back in, regardless of what restrictions will be in place.
Hear from Ronald F. Polion Jr.
"Communication and personability are key, and being straightforward is important. On a personal note, a little empathy goes a long way!"
Ronald F. Polion Jr.
East Coast Chauffeured Transportation LLC
Ronald thinks most people would like to get back to normal but it has been a slow process. He doesn’t personally see things going back to normal this year at all. In January and February of 2020, they had more work than they had in the previous 5 years and now they hope to rebuild.
Keeping an emergency fund on hand is something Ronald has learned the importance of, as well as flexibility and adaptability. He also believes in having strong partnerships with sub-contractors that you can rely on and collaborate with. Making sure his staff understood that they are in this together, being aware of their stress and their needs, and helping them in any way they could was a top priority this past year.
They never closed. Instead, they donated their time and vehicles to deliver some PPE at the beginning of the pandemic. Since then East Coast has continually provided transportation for veterans and the elderly who did not have a way to get their vaccines. The elderly can’t use rideshare companies for day surgeries, however, they can use private car services if they stay on-site and wait for them.
On the positive side, by showing compassion and humanity Ronald saw that touching people in a meaningful way has lasting results. He has learned that you never know when a life-altering event is right around the corner and thinks that many companies have realized that employees can work from home successfully and will be prepared to do so if something like this happens again.