BY RACHEL PHILLIPS

With the emergence and spread of COVID-19, proper cleaning and disinfecting are more important than ever. As an essential service, there are several Capital Region commercial cleaning services still operating on the front lines during the pandemic.

When the first cases of COVID-19 broke out in the U.S., Matthew Montesi, president and owner of North Country Janitorial Inc. in Glens Falls, said he saw an uptick in business.

Initially, many businesses were requesting more thorough or more frequent services, he said. After the state-wide lock down went into effect, many of his contracts had to freeze services. However, business has increased for clients in essential industries, such as medical facilities and hospitals.

Derek Foster, president of Daigle Cleaning Systems, has clients from Albany to Lake George. He said is using displaced workers to fill the void and cover the increased demand for his company’s services.

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH

With the coronavirus pandemic gripping the nation, using hand sanitizer is one of the strong recommendation of health agencies around the globe.

To help bolster supplies locally, some businesses have turned completely away from their normal mission and are making sanitizer.

When John Carr first opened up the Adirondack Pub and Brewery in Lake George, he never imagined that 20 years later he would find himself making hand sanitizer. He said his business has been making 1,000 gallons a week since the statewide shutdown came. His business isn’t close to its usual revenue, Carr said, but his priority is doing what he can to help not only Lake George, but surrounding communities.

“Making the hand sanitizer is helping us to keep the lights on. It has allowed me to keep my employees working,” said Carr.

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH

Concord Pools of Latham and Saratoga Springs has a new owner.

Mike Giovanone, the former president and chief executive, recently sold the business to his vice president of pool sales, Jon Foshee.

Foshee worked 12 years working as a sales director and executive for Latham Pool Products. In February of 2019, he was asked if he would be interested in buying and running Concord Pools, with the intention of also managing the business.

“It seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a tremendous offer. Everything seemed to line up and we worked together to make it as seamless as possible,” said Foshee.

The process, Foshee said, took about 12 months to complete. He said it was unlike any other deal he had witnessed because all sides sat down and worked together to find the best way to meet everyone’s needs.

BY SARA MANNIX

How on earth do you market your business during uncertain times

I am frequently asked how businesses can market during Covid-19. Although every situation is unique, my advice is, don’t stop marketing, but change how you are doing your marketing.

Your customers have fears and uncertainties. Understanding those fears and how they relate to buying your product or service, will help you do a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) that can be used to inform your plan.

Here are 13 ideas to consider when marketing your business now:

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH

Not all businesses are having to scale back on their workforce as a result of COVID-19.

Grocery stores are facing the challenge of the sudden and dramatic demand for products. Convenience stores are facing similar challenges, including Stewart’s Shops.

Erica Komoroske, public relations specialist for Stewart’s Shops said “the traffic at our shops has increased for grocery items like milk, bread, eggs and other grocery items but because of our vertical integration, we are able to keep up with demand.”

Stewart’s is used to having an ongoing schedule of deliveries, including popular local products, like milk and eggs. Officials said eggs have been in especially high demand, but they are working with local farms to meet the needs of the community.

When we get ‘the other side’ of this shutdown, it will be critical to hit the ground running. Here is what you can do NOW.

Start with your business plan. A reboot will allow you to challenge whether your business is headed in the right direction. Consider whether you have the right product mix. Are you focused on the right markets? Which products or services provide you the best margin? Which have the most need in your market? You can adjust your strategy now, while you have time.

When given the all clear – quickly notify customers that you are back. Use social media. Use ads. Most importantly, call them! Make sure your sales teams are armed with your adjusted plan and reach out to as many customers as possible. It is critical that you re-establish relationships.