There is no doubt that this is an incredibly stressful and anxiety-filled time in America with the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all handling it in very different ways despite the fact that we are all in this together.
The design and building industries are intimately linked to the economy. Throughout my career, I’ve been through three slumps but nothing as fast as this. Typically, I spend the month of April interviewing and writing proposals and setting up work for the fall/winter construction while we wrap up the winter work for spring construction. It’s a little hard to interview right now so my approach to business is a little different… slow down and evaluate.
I’ve had time to reflect of my company structure, work ethic, process and quality and I’m SO humble to say that everything was working great. I have an amazing team: Molly (my right hand gal / “Boss Lady”), Nancy (my trusty bookkeeper who keeps money flowing in & out and -most importantly – keeps me away from a Dell computer & quickbooks!) and Cassie (our amazing intern from UNH who will sadly not walk across the stage in front of many as she graduates). I am incredibly thankful for this team!
Over the last eight years we have been working crazy hours in a hot market and producing high quality projects that I am so proud of. It has taken every bit of 22 years of running my own business to create a structure and format that works. But I’m also proud to say that we are always learning, changing and editing what we do to improve process. This next phase will be about flexibility and adaptability. In the meantime, I am learning to slow down (this, does not come easily to me!)
It turns out that I needed to slow down. Breathe deep. Spend time with my family (even though my two college girls would much rather be at college) and learn how to relax. Yes, I have a list of projects that I could do but I have yet to be bored. We have projects that are still moving forward so we are working on drawings and communicating with clients and subs. I am busy generating ideas for how we can keep the business up and running. Watch for these to be exposed on social media because some things will be free to you. While we are spending so much time at home, my goal is to bring inspiration, support and hope for you and your home.
If you have any questions or ideas for what you would like to see, please email me (amy@amyduttonhome.com) or DM on Instagram.
Future blogs to look forward to:
- 5 Key Morning Routines to Keep You Going During COVID19 Crises
- How to Create a Spiritually Healthy Home?
- Home Improvements for While You are Home During Coronavirus
- Staying Sane in your Home in a Crazy World
Here’s to a journey TOGETHER!
