Christmas Lights at the End of the Tunnel
There’s an old expression describing when people find themselves in a dark and difficult spot today, but believe the future presents a brighter picture for them. They’ll say that they can “see the light at the end of the tunnel.” I believe that our country – at least when it comes to business – has been in that proverbial tunnel for the last three or four years. And as an eternal optimist, I believe we are about to come out of it and into a much brighter time for our businesses.
We can help the process by thinking positively about this Christmas season, and why we celebrate it in the first place. We can also celebrate the incoming administration for some of the changes they are proposing to make in education, taxation, burdensome regulations, energy and more. Not that I agree with everything they do or propose, but the new administration does appear to be more favorable toward small to medium size businesses. That would be you and me. Also, if they can get energy costs down as they propose, that will help our industry – and everybody else – immensely, and free up capital for people to buy the supplies I sell, and you install and maintain. I feel better already.
What has really helped Landscape Warehouse get through these tough times is our loyal and new customers that have stayed with us – or found us – when other businesses are scrambling just to keep their doors open. Thanksgiving has already passed, but I remain thankful for our wonderful clients throughout the year, not just once a year. It is because of them that we were able to open a new store (in Bakersfield) while others were closing theirs.
Now that we can see the light, let’s all enjoy our families and traditions this Holiday season. For me, I think back to those wonderful family gatherings both in Mexico and in the U.S., sharing delicious food and big hugs with relatives and friends.
I can also think about more recent Holiday celebrations with friends, family, customers and employees – like our annual company Christmas Party that’s coming up later this month. This is our way of thanking Landscape Warehouse employees for the exceptional job they have done all year and includes some of our best customers and closest friends. There’s food, games, prizes, music, some adult beverages, and a lot of fun. Just thinking about it makes me happy.
What tunnel? Bring in the mariachis! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
– José Robles, owner, Landscape Warehouse