As I write this article, I’m on day 11 of a 15-day self-quarantine. On a recent ski trip, I was in close contact with people that had come from a known virus hot spot. In an abundance of caution, my family and I went into a self-imposed lockdown.
In a matter of days, the country went from a booming economy to mandatory shutdowns, shelter-in-place situations and an economic slowdown. We’ve all been impacted by COVID-19, and almost overnight the world has become a very different and scary place.
So far, my family and I haven’t exhibited any symptoms, but what I’m experiencing is cabin fever! I won’t lie … I desperately miss face-to-face interaction, as I know most all of you do, too. It brings into focus what I’ve written many times.
The decorative concrete industry is a very personal business. Relationships matter, more so than other trades. Installers establish relationships with their suppliers, suppliers have relationships with vendors, and everyone in between both knows and works with each other. This is one of the things that makes this industry different and special from others.
The good news is for the most part, the construction industry — both install and supply — has been deemed essential, and many in our industry are still working. I firmly believe construction will be the economic engine that brings us through this.
In time, this will pass. Like 9/11 and the global financial crisis of 2009, we’ll learn from it and become stronger. We have to. There’s no other option.
I remain both optimistic and confident that the best days are ahead. As Americans, as humans, we are resilient. We’ll come together, support each other and in time be back better than before.
Mark Cuban, billionaire entrepreneur says it best: “I truly believe in American exceptionalism.” I hope by the time you read this, the worst is over and the world is well into recovery mode. Stay safe and I look forward to seeing you all back at work in the near future.
