(TheCDCsuggests using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.)
Theyve also supplied bulk orders for hospitals, nursing homes, and other essential businesses.
(The below exchange details Mamedovs personal experience and perspective.
Maridav/Adobe Stock
His answers have been edited and condensed for clarity.)
M.M:As a small business owner, you have to wear multiple hats.
Id meet with our sales team to discuss growth trajectories.
Im still responsible for those items, except its very different now.
Were in an organized chaos state now.
However, this throw in of environment is what allows a business to evolve.
Were fortunate to have employees who will go the extra mile to keep the operation running.
We all cope in different ways.
Whats your new routine in light of the pandemic and business changes youve made?
My routine hasnt changed too much since the start of the pandemic.
What motivated you to start making hand sanitizer?
As distillers, we knew we had a unique scenario to produce hand sanitizer and help our community.
Not doing it wasnt an option for us.
How are you making money to stay in business and keep people employed?
When the state closed stores, calls and online inquiries went through the roof.
We knew there was a demand for what we could supply.
These products have kept our staff employed.
What has making hand sanitizer for your community been like so far?
Our community has been extremely supportive.
Weve received an outpouring of support since we started providing hand sanitizer.
Its been extremely heartwarming and motivational.
How else are you supporting your community during the pandemic?
Many of these donations have dried up since the pandemic, creating a great need.
Next up is a cinnamon-honey whiskey benefittingDog Town.
Its the least we can do.
Our distillery was built on equal cornerstonesone part entrepreneurial and one part humanitarian.
How have you managed to keep all of your staff employed and even add new positions?
The production of hand sanitizer has helped keep our staff employed as well as create a few new positions.
Everyones existing job has changed as we continually evolve and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
Our sales reps who used to sell to restaurants are now working on hand sanitizer partnerships.
Every single persons role has been augmented and has dramatically shifted.
What precautions are you taking to confirm your staff stays safe during the pandemic?
Weve been following CDC and state government guidelines to keep our staff safe.
We ask that all staff wear a providedmaskinside the distillery.
Employees who feel sick are required to stay home and contact their doctor via telehealth.
How are you feeling these days?
We take a stab at keep things normal with phone and video calls with the family.
My friends who live in different states have organized weekly trivia night over Zoom, and its been fun.
Honestly, fear is too strong of an emotion.
I dont believe in living in fear of the unknown.
you better be able to adapt and evolve and keep up with whatever life throws at you.
How do you incorporate self-care into your daily routine?
Working out and exercising has always been an important part of my routine to incorporate self-care.
My wife, who also owns the distillery, makes sure our diet is healthy.
We take care of ourselves as much as each other.
Whats keeping you positive right now?
The same thing that kept me positive in February.
