Businesses Respond to COVID-19: Homer Chaney, Venturi Coffee Works
/By Hylan Joseph
Homer Chaney owns Venturi Coffee Works based out of the Nashville, TN area. Homer is a consummate technician who brings hard work and diligence to everything he does. He is a Veteran of the US Air Force and a very active member of the Coffee Technicians Guild. He sits on several committees and is very passionate about specialty coffee. He readily volunteers his time to the guild and local barista events.
I asked Homer to interview because I’ve always been impressed with how he puts his staff first.
HOMER CHANEY, VENTURI COFFEE WORKS
Hylan Joseph: How have your service calls/business been affected since this pandemic began?
Homer Chaney: Service calls dropped 85%(+), but projects such as planning for new cafes are still continuing. I am also still getting new requests for equipment.
Some projects had financial approvals early enough with some or all amounts paid so that they can basically continue as planned. Home machine requests for service have increased – we have a couple of out-of-area projects recently requested.
People and shops aren't giving up, and neither will we.
HJ: How are you communicating with your staff concerning the loss of work?
HC: I’m keeping my staff on with salary pay, putting them to work in the office and around the lab, and making temporary adjustments to standard tasks and job roles to widen their ability to be productive in some areas of the business (cross-departmental training). We’re using teleconferencing programs to meet and discuss progress on assigned work, training, education material, communications with clients, part orders and quotes, wrench work, etc.
I’m assigning additional administrative/operational roles to refine business processes and try new things, providing more internal training, and seeking out and scheduling online/manufacturer training. I’m taking the time to diversify work skills, increasing time on education and training pertinent to primary job roles and other interest areas (including refining barista skills), and opening dialogues to take team ideas on trying new things.
HJ: Are you going to utilize any of the state and federal program offered?
HC: I hope to in order to keep my folks at normal pay. There might be a possibility to utilize/combine the SBA and other loans with previously planned business loans to come out on top, depending on the structure. I’m still researching and plan to apply in the next few days.
HJ: Have you or your company participated in any community volunteer events or round table discussions during this event. If so, what were they?
HC: Not yet, but working on a plan to.
HJ: Is your organization doing anything to support your local community? If so can you provide details?
HC: Local social media support posts – Reaching out to clients and community directly to make recommendations on taking care of their equipment or providing resources for reference and guidance for equipment, awareness of current government orders that may affect the industry, and financial support references.
HJ: How do you feel your local community has responded to this situation?
HC: We’re trying to respect the severity of the situation while taking strong measures and everything needed to stay open, adapt and meet the requirements of the government and the needs of the community. Quality of life in a time of struggle or uncertainty is an easily ignored, yet significant thing to keep in mind. Maybe there will be less thriving for a time; however, seemingly small wins make a difference towards more than just surviving.
HJ: How are your employees reacting? What creative measure are you using to assist them through this time?
HC: They are concerned, stressed at times with the rapid changes and looming negative possible outcomes. However, I go over current changes or updates daily on what is happening and make sure we all have time to touch base about any concerns that arise and discuss options on how to overcome them. Adding extra morale activities (company lunch, music around the shop, more breaks, plans for after, additional technician shenanigans) and providing references on where and how to educate themselves on the situation, and what we can do or hedge against to adapt. I try to communicate intentions for stabilizing their pay and ensuring they stay on, providing them with new outlets and training to learn or experiment and ensuring them of their value to the company. I encourage them to be open with me about their needs and concerns so we can address them.
HJ: Do you think this event will alter our industry? If so how.
HC: It will have an effect to varying degrees everywhere. However, I believe that in certain aspects of our industry, there will be a few additional measures needed to be taken and awareness to be pushed out. Although I don't believe there will be long-lasting or hard growing pains. I believe there will be a fast recovery and a boom back to life.
HJ: What are your key takeaways so far? What are the crucial lessons you will walk away with for the future?
HC: Keep current on your business strategy. Have strong record keeping. Maintain realistic contingency plans. Stay informed on trends or events that affect our industry.
HJ: Are you hiring? If so why?
HC: We are still on track to hire a few positions this year based on previous planning and needs that will not have changed largely because of this pandemic. Looking to the near future and maintaining plans for growth. This isn't a niche industry, and while it may change its ways of working, it isn't going anywhere. There is still much good work to do.