FEDA NEWS & VIEWS
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Tackling the Perfect Storm
As supply chain issues challenge the recovery, collaboration between CFESA and FEDA members is more important than ever.
The hits just keep coming. We’ve done the pivot.
Resolving the supply chain issues is key to realizing I
thought by now we’d see the light at the end of the tunnel. I thought by now we’d be well over 100 percent of where we were in 2019. We’re just not
there yet. Rather than wallow in the negative, let me take this
opportunity to mention that I have not seen this level of collaboration amongst CFESA members in my 30-plus years of being in the industry. Over the last 18 months, CFESA members have been in constant communication with one another troubleshooting, forecasting and assisting one another through this perfect storm. Additionally, the collaboration has spilled over to our work with FEDA and NAFEM members. Working in concert, we are helping to source out of stock new equipment and replacement parts to the benefit of our mutual customers. This level of collaboration has become even more critical
as
our industry is facing ongoing supply chain issues, increased labor shortages and inflation. We know the problems, let’s talk solutions. Many CFESA members are reporting an uptick in
qualified applicants in the states that have chosen to end the extended unemployment early. Our membership is also pushing hiring and signing bonuses, both for applicants and for internal staff. Easing the labor shortage will provide CFESA members and its channel partners with the manpower they need to tackle the supply chain challenges facing the industry.
all about “This level of
collaboration has become even more critical as our industry is facing ongoing supply chain issues, increased labor shortages and inflation.“
that 100 percent recovery. Speaking to fellow CFESA members, many estimate $40,000 to $300,000 in uncompleted repair work due to backordered parts. The result is a job left as a “work in process” at an all-time high affecting cash flow and top end sales. To combat the supply chain issue of replacement parts, CFESA members are collaborating and sharing inventory. If the factory does not have the part, we’re getting on the phones with each other in real time to support one another and survive this latest hurdle. FEDA members are also working with service agencies to offer replacement equipment – another great example of collaboration in our industry. Some have said this supply chain
issue may only last a few more months. Every day this goes on it makes all of our jobs harder. We are asking for our customers’ patience and understanding at a time where many of them are barely treading water. Perhaps this may be the greatest
takeaway of all – that this turmoil has proved that so much of business is
relationships. Are you a bridge-burner
whose actions will come back to haunt you? Or are you a problem solver, a collaborator and a friend? As president of CFESA, I am proud of the team that is our membership, our relationships and the support we have provided one another.
Kirby Mallon is the owner and president of Elmer Schultz Services and president of the Commercial Food Equipment Service Association (CFESA).
6 FEDA News & Views
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