Santa John’s View from the Bridge – February 2021
The View from the Bridge is an opinion piece that explores how societal changes can/will impact the future, especially as these changes apply to the Graphic-Products industry and small businesses in general.

Another WOW! What a month! That said, I feel we are in the semi-quiet part, just before the fireworks-finale. Political sparks will fly in March. Grab the popcorn. Enjoy the show.

On a personal note, Holley and I got our first Covid-19 vaccine shots yesterday. Slight soreness in the shoulder last night, good to go today! Ours was the Moderna vaccine.

Looking Ahead

What a relief to know we are on the road, back to a more normal life.

From a business perspective, it’s becoming clear that the US economy is headed toward huge growth in the electrification of transportation. As we turn to renewable energy sources — sun, wind, geothermal, etc., our air will clear, and we’ll become much healthier.

Other business changes we all see are the growth of on-line shopping, virtual business meetings that don’t require travel, and people working from home, etc., etc.

Closer to home, the personalization industry (our business) will continue to thrive; people love unique gifts and businesses need signs. That said, how we sell, produce, and deliver our products will change.

Established businesses may turn to selling on the Internet and shipping. I know of one highly successful business, which recently opened a retail banner shop online. On average that new business has been generating $4,000 per month in NEW banner sales.

Startup businesses will need to build their exposure. How to start and build exposure for an entrepreneurial enterprise is what we intend to focus on in future articles. Having a great idea is only the beginning. Manifesting that idea into reality and growing it, takes some work.

Our Restart

As with any new venture, we need a plan.

Our Objectives – Travel and Explore – be of help – move closer to family – start another small business.

As some of you may know, we have a house in Buckeye, Arizona, that will sell sometime in March and close sometime in April or May. We plan to move closer to family. (one objective)

To assist in our move, I installed a tow hitch on our Tesla Model 3. I chose to install it myself for several reasons. (1) The only installer I found in the area that had installed a hitch on a Tesla model 3 was booked for several weeks. (2) I read the installation instructions and determined I had the necessary tools, as well as the available time for the job. And (3) I wanted to see firsthand how the hitch attached to the Tesla’s frame.

Next, we tested towing by renting U haul trailers. Then, we acquired a cargo trailer. We will outfit the trailer with shelving that will roll in and out.

We’ll use the trailer to move stuff from the house to storage, to the donation center, or the dump. After which we will use the trailer as a stock trailer for swap meets and a delivery trailer for local deliveries. (Objective – Start another small business.)

We intend to document and share each step along the way. This is our starting a new business.

Next step, next time – why we chose installing a hitch on the Model 3.

In Short

Thank you for your attention. Keep in mind that we don’t know what we don’t know. So, don’t take our word for it. Meditate and find what is right for you.

As we’ve said before, working from home may become the norm. Commuting to an office, not so much or so often. (great for reducing air pollution, not so great for oil producers and gas stations.)   

The economic transformations COVID-19 has initiated will last long after the dis-ease is brought into balance (i.e., suppressed). We consider ourselves blessed to be here to witness and help in this transformation.

These changes will favor small businesses that work from home.

Next time – Installing the hitch, getting the Tesla to work for a living.