Doing business today is drastically different than it was just one year ago. Everything is in short supply – from raw materials to labor. Complicating things even more, lead times have gone from three weeks to three months or more. Also, starting pay has increased three to five dollars an hour, yet nearly every business has a "Now Hiring" sign out front.
For those of you navigating the complexities of this "new normal," I'm with you. I have been selling tape and managing Tapeworks through seven presidents, and the pandemic has presented the most difficult obstacles.
Like many of you, we've been facing:
Disinfecting every surface touched throughout the workday
Constantly buying masks and hand sanitizer
Employees contracting COVID
Suppliers making delivery promises they can't keep
Suppliers changing lead times from 3 weeks to 3 months with little or no notice
Frequent price increases
Short shipments, causing multiple set ups for the same order
Sticking by Good Staff & Customers
However, with interesting obstacles come creative solutions. For that, I want to thank all of our staff. They've stuck with us everyday by coming to work and putting their energy into providing quality products despite these difficult circumstances.
I would also like to thank our customers who have been so understanding through these unusual times. We can't thank you enough for your support. We will continue to do all we can to provide you with the best service and products.
Randy Emmons
Author