After a severe flood submerged the facilities of Better With Buckwheat (BWB) in December 2023, CEO Lewis Goldstein faced a daunting task of recovery.
The flood hit BWB at the end of their most successful year, halting their momentum and leaving them with a massive loss. Goldstein expressed the personal toll it took on him, as they had tripled their revenue and had a strong flow of orders to fulfill before the disaster struck.
Referred to as the “Grinch Storm” locally, the heavy rains caused widespread flooding, submerging BWB’s new facility, which they had recently renovated and equipped with new machinery.
Due to the emergency declaration by the government, Goldstein and his team were unable to access the BWB facility for several days. When they finally entered, they found that most of their ingredients, stock, finished goods, and packaging were destroyed.
Despite the setback, BWB aimed to reopen by January 22, 2024, offering support to employees and focusing on rebuilding and resuming production.
By late March 2024, BWB had achieved a 90% work capacity, with Goldstein emphasizing the importance of resilience and planning for emergencies.
Enlist others for emergency business plan advice
Goldstein sought advice from industry peers and disaster recovery teams, prioritizing the cleanup process and communication with stakeholders.
Clear communication and support from partners like Whole Foods were crucial in navigating the crisis and rebuilding operations.
Create strong relationships with other businesses
Goldstein emphasized the value of strong relationships with partners and the community in times of crisis, highlighting the support received from local and non-local businesses.
Building trust and goodwill with service providers and partners proved essential in the recovery process after the flood.
Make sure you understand your business insurance policy
Understanding insurance coverage and regularly updating policies is crucial for adequate protection in the event of a disaster.
Goldstein stressed the importance of thorough insurance coverage and seeking guidance from experienced owners to ensure comprehensive protection.
Proper insurance coverage can mitigate losses and facilitate a smoother recovery process in the aftermath of a disaster.
