Small Business Thread - Advice for Navigating Covid-19

Discussion in 'The Mainboard' started by dallasdawg, Mar 18, 2020.

  1. Wendel Clark

    Wendel Clark Gambling God
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    I wish I could have my people stay home. Unfortunately I am the only capable of working from home. The other 12 employees need to be there.
     
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  2. Wendel Clark

    Wendel Clark Gambling God
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    More good news for the rest of the world, my Swiss distributor is sending product back for testing like normal.

    Also would love everyone opinion. I was going to have someone while slow to call customers that hand't ordered this year who did last year. Is it pretty bad to sales call in the current state? Im leaning towards not to doing it.
     
  3. NYGator

    NYGator Well-Known Member
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    I wouldn't. I would take the approach of is there anything I can do to help.
     
  4. IHHH

    IHHH Well-Known Member
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    Pass it as you giving them 5% discount for their loyalty
     
  5. NYGator

    NYGator Well-Known Member
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    5% is awful. Meaningful is 15% or more.
     
  6. IHHH

    IHHH Well-Known Member
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    Yeah, probably the wrong message and an awful idea
     
  7. Room 15

    Room 15 Mi equipo esta Los Tigres
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    If they haven’t ordered this year I’m not sure now is the time to call. I feel like everyone has plenty of shit on their plate.
     
  8. dallasdawg

    dallasdawg does the tin man have a sheet metal cock?
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    passing this along from the homeboard

    "We received word yesterday with more details of a stimulus package that has been fully approved, of which included SBA Disaster Relief Assistance for small businesses and non-profits. Please see below for my latest update regarding this assistance. If this is your first time receiving my updates, please also see my previous email from yesterday.

    Please also feel free to share this as you see fit. Oklahoma’s small businesses need these funds, both short-term to weather this tumultuous time, as well as long-term to maintain a healthy cash balance while the economy recovers.

    · All states are expected to be added to the list of eligible disaster areas by Sunday or Monday. Oklahoma is still not on the list but should be added within the next few days. You can find the up-to-date list at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Declarations/Index. The loan application process will be handled virtually through www.sba.gov/disaster with no field offices being set up (note: this is a good thing). There is a customer service number specifically set up for this program that is available to answer questions (1-800-659-2955) or email at [email protected].

    · The loans will have 30 year terms with a 3.75% interest rate. They will have a full deferment for the first year with no payments due for the first 12 months. Most types of businesses will qualify including some that aren’t eligible for typical SBA guaranteed loans such as passive real estate owners and non-profits that sell a product. The business will have to be “small” as determined by their NAICS code and matched to the SBA size standard for that code (https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf).

    · The funds will be for working capital needs related to business operations. This includes items typically thought of as working capital, i.e. payroll (including any regular salary of the owner(s)), rent, etc, but it can also include paying fixed debt obligations such as a mortgage payments, paying back short-term or bridge loans made by lenders specifically for this purpose and credit card debt related to these economic circumstances. Borrowers must maintain receipts for all proceeds from the loan for three years in case of an audit.

    · The amount available to a borrower will primarily be determined by dividing last year’s gross profit in half up to $500,000. If a borrower needs more than $500,000 and their gross profit calculation will support this, there is a slightly more involved calculation that can allow up to $2,000,000. Historically, 95% of borrowers have used the first calculation. To qualify for the loan, the SBA will pull an Experian credit score. The SBA will not say what the minimum score requirement is, but our understanding is that most businesses will qualify.

    · Historically the average processing time on these loans has been 3 days with disbursement within 30 days. Obviously the volume should be substantially higher for the current economic relief loans than previously loans, but the SBA still plans to turn these loans around as quick as possible. Disbursement will be one lump sum directly into the customer’s account."

    First email that was referenced

    "See below a message directly from the Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce, Sean Kouplen. Here is a link to the application he references: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Documents/Disaster Business Loan Application (SBA Form 5).aspx.

    Some of this is a repeat of what I said the other day, but I would recommend businesses also consider completing the two attached forms, as well as a short written narrative (half page) of how COVID-19 has affected their business, in addition to a short written narrative (half page) on the history of their business. The SBA will also likely require three years tax returns and interim financial statements dated w/in 90 days.

    Also note that these loans will be administered directly through the SBA. There will be no bank involvement."
     
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  9. gocams

    gocams Well-Known Member
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    Our company:
    • Xxx rent annually (two majority owners, i am one, few other investors).
    • Primarily strip retail/office/flex B class, local tenants
    • Xxx construction a year, only few outside clients, mostly captive for real estate development. I am 100% owner.
    What we've done.
    • Offered immediate discounts for receivables. People will run out of money to pay you very soon.
    • Drawn fully on all credit lines
    • Negotiated with banks to extend interest only (on new projects) and complete payment deferrals for 60 days. Rate mods ongoing.
    • Stopped paying cash for materials. Put on credit.
    • Called in and pulled forward ALL construction inspections so we can keep working even if gvt shuts down
    • Implemented as much hygiene and clean standards we can to keep us healthy as long as possible
    • Offered rent payment programs for tenants in exchange for some collateral or improved lease language.
    You need immediately negotiate payment deferrals and improve your working capital positions.
     
    #59 gocams, Mar 21, 2020
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2021
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  10. dallasdawg

    dallasdawg does the tin man have a sheet metal cock?
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    welp it sounds like we are officially closed down until at least april 3rd

    it’s a medical clinic (IVs) but strictly retail, so we’re closing the doors in accordance with dallas’ new restrictions implemented this evening
     
  11. dallasdawg

    dallasdawg does the tin man have a sheet metal cock?
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    i’ve been in contact with a regional executive of a major healthcare company about possibly using our facility if they need it. we have the supplies and the staff to do a few things that could help them in the event of a major overflow. he’s going to keep me posted. it’s the largest hospital group in dfw and they’re not overrun at all yet but expecting it at some point
     
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  12. comrade static

    comrade static i love french fries
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    possibly the same person but on the home board Jaaa might be a good contact. I know he’s in the health field in some sort of way
     
  13. dallasdawg

    dallasdawg does the tin man have a sheet metal cock?
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    i’ll pm him (i’m tfgk on scoop)
     
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  14. Name P. Redacted

    Name P. Redacted I have no money and I'm also gay
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    This is my hell
     
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  15. The Hebrew Husker

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    Was going to let this thread know about this Monday, since I couldn’t remember the details from the email I received via work email.

    I am not entirely sure, but the way the email was presented it sounded like each state may have to get “approved”. Just a heads up on that possibility. I’m sure most if not all will be approved, but just in case it hasn’t happened yet for anyone’s specific state that’s how I interpreted it.

    (No longer work with SBA customers but still am on their email list, that’s why I don’t have 100% details.)
     
  16. beerme

    beerme Well-Known Member
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    What could they do that’s that drastic as far as credit lines are concerned? Can they just eliminate them? Is that even possible?
     
  17. beerme

    beerme Well-Known Member
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    Beer wholesaler here... restaurants and bars are about 40% of our customers so this is a huge kick in the nuts. We’ve got about 65 employees. Friday we notified all salaried employees they’re taking a 30-40% cut salary wise until we get through this... I was dreading that but they all took it really well. We got some amazing responses I didn’t expect, a lot of words of encouragement.

    If we’re only paying necessities and this new level of payroll we’ve got enough cash for a while, my biggest concern is we have exclusive contracts with our vendors which we violate by not paying them and if we lose them we lose our business. Our receivables usually outpace our payables, but I don’t expect that many of our closed customers will be paying on time or at all until they reopen so that will be a challenge. Another issue we’re struggling with is should we even be chasing them down, our customers are closed, we at least have 60% or so of our customers still intact... state law dictates we report all delinquent customers to the state late payment and force them to pay COD to all alcohol vendors but this seems like not the time to be a dick about it and the states are being lax with the laws that put pressure on those affected at the moment (bars and restaurants can deliver beer now, for example)
     
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  18. Mix

    Mix I own a Fuddruckers with Scottie Pippen
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    My LOC was just eliminated. It wasn't huge, just about 30k, but they said they can't fund that if we want to draw it.
     
  19. Wendel Clark

    Wendel Clark Gambling God
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    Its a crazy time. The scary part is when does it end. I had one guy call me today that his sons mother tested positive so hes been around his son and needs to be quarantined for 14 days.
     
  20. NYGator

    NYGator Well-Known Member
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    Yes, depending upon the terms, most are written that they can call it back under certain conditions that are beneficial to the bank. They also may not allow you to use all of what was made available to you.
     
  21. Wendel Clark

    Wendel Clark Gambling God
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    You're in Orlando right? I could hook you up with my bank guy after this shit. I don't know if they're willing to do any LOC right now but after it. Let me know
     
  22. Gin Buckets

    Gin Buckets Well-Known Member
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    Didn't see this when you posted, but in my case... We are a small manufacturing company, and our product is used and bought by construction companies -- as that market goes we go. Weirdly, we are slammed right now, so I kept the doors open in order to be able to float the business when all these orders start to dry up.

    Problems... None yet, because there are literally only 3 of us who come in right now (had a guy leave last week, and have been using a temp to fill in for him). That said, one of my guys is like 73, so I told him to work from home -- but he wants to come in. My biggest fear is that one of us younger fellas gets the virus without symptoms.

    Payroll... I don't know, when we inevitably close, I'll probably not pay them since they are hourly, but I mayyyy throw them a bone and pay them for like 8 hours a week (normal weeks for them are 24 hours) depending on how my finances are at the time.

    No loans for now.
     
  23. dallasdawg

    dallasdawg does the tin man have a sheet metal cock?
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    i was just going to bring this up. we have a few full time employees, 2 part time W-2, and the rest (about 10) are 1099

    i already told the full time ones not to worry about it, and i’m going to offer a set amount of cash per week to the part time (their hours fluctuate)

    what do i do about the contractors? most are ER nurses so some have already told me they won’t be available. but a few are L&D or OR nurses that may not have other shifts available unless their units are called in

    pay them a bonus each week we’re closed?
     
  24. Wendel Clark

    Wendel Clark Gambling God
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    Part of my problem for one of the companies. I got 30 national sales people that sell medical equipment and they can't go into facilities.
     
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  25. Wendel Clark

    Wendel Clark Gambling God
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    Also does anyone sell stuff on Amazon for their business? Got a couple questions about confusing bank statements
     
  26. dallasdawg

    dallasdawg does the tin man have a sheet metal cock?
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    what are y'all doing about insurance premium payments? rent? any success getting those pushed back?

    another thought is advertising. what are y'all doing in the meantime? reserving some funds from a loan for marketing once you reopen?
     
  27. NYGator

    NYGator Well-Known Member
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    Like I said earlier, you shouldn't cut back on marketing as a rule during a downturn. The issue is do you have anything to advertise.

    We reached out to our building to ask for rent reduction or delay. Waiting for a response. Insurance we are paying.
     
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  28. Room 15

    Room 15 Mi equipo esta Los Tigres
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    My off the cuff thought is you can use this time to market for brand awareness / community involvement vs. calls to action for sales. Obviously depends on industry.
     
  29. NYGator

    NYGator Well-Known Member
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    exactly
     
  30. NYGator

    NYGator Well-Known Member
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    I have a CEO peer group meeting tomorrow, where we are going to talk about many of the issues and what we are doing about them. The group is comprised of small to medium sized businesses with revenues of $5M-$500M. If you have any questions you want me to ask please let me know.
     
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  31. NYGator

    NYGator Well-Known Member
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    Amy K is a pretty solid speaker that I have seen on a few occasions. For those interested...

    In times of uncertainty, our job as leaders is to help our teams connect, communicate, innovate and continue to understand the significance of the role they each play.

    And… it’s easier said than done.

    Which is why I’m facilitating a FREE MASTERCLASS this Wednesday, March 25th to set you up for success -- so you can set your teams up for success.

    Join me LIVE at 9am Pacific for Leading & Communicating in Turbulent Times.

    You’ll learn how to:
    • Frame your messaging to reduce fear and increase certainty
    • Best respond & adapt to changing conditions
    • Effectively communicate expectations during times of heightened stress
    • Increase connection working remotely
    • Lead effective & engaging video conferencing & virtual meetings - tips everyone will appreciate
    • Maintain & sustain your energy & the energy of your culture.
    The Masterclass will be followed by a Q&A. I'll be answering questions such as:

    • How do I keep a doom & gloom team member from negatively influencing the rest of us?
    • How do I continue to sell in an era of the Coronavirus without looking insensitive?
    Send your questions ahead of time to [email protected], and we’ll place yours at the top of the queue.

    Register now and I’ll see you online on the 25th.

    Cyber safe hugs,

    AmyK
     
  32. dallasdawg

    dallasdawg does the tin man have a sheet metal cock?
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    i’ve reached out to Carter to see about a blood drive. i’m not sure how the stay in place ordinances in dallas would affect this, but we are a clinic and i do have a big mailing list

    also been talking with some executive level people for a hospital system in dallas about becoming an overflow center for anything that they need for non-COVID related patients that no longer have a place to go

    not sure what else i can do besides newsletters with updates from CDC, etc

    feeling kind of hamstrung right now with what else we can do :donotwant:
     
  33. Wendel Clark

    Wendel Clark Gambling God
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    It amazes me that Dallas could get overflow. From Parkland to Presby to UT Health to Medical City. Those are some massive hospitals.
     
  34. dallasdawg

    dallasdawg does the tin man have a sheet metal cock?
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    they’re almost not even worried about it (med city specifically)
     
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  35. gowolverines8

    gowolverines8 Well-Known Member

    General sba question for anyone that has went through the process before. My brother and I started our consumer packaged goods company two years ago and used all personal loans and savings for startup capital. We used a lot of our credit card credit we had available. We now certainly have the cash flows to get an sba but the main thing I am worried about is our personal credit. My brother and I’s payment history’s are literally perfect but due to our credit usage from debt we have used for the business our trans union scores for example have went from close to 800 to the low 600s. Generally I have read you need a 700+ score to qualify. I am wondering if anyone has experiences with a similar situation and knows if banks and/or the sba are willing to consider situations like this and still lend.
     
  36. NYGator

    NYGator Well-Known Member
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    I heard you need about a 680, but I would file and see what happens. Also, some of the loans may be different depending upon what you are asking for and the terms.
     
  37. Wendel Clark

    Wendel Clark Gambling God
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    Outside of the stuff that came in over the weekend, which thank god was big orders, I had 2 orders today
     
  38. NYGator

    NYGator Well-Known Member
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    Mine is getting worse and worse. I don’t expect it to get better because my clients in hospitals are overwhelmed.
     
  39. Funshot Residue

    Funshot Residue Mammoth Stabber
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    We decided that after tomorrow there will be no more indoor work on my side of the company. I agonized over it all weekend, so I actually feel better now that I did this morning. Weirdly, we have plenty of work, but won't be allowed to perform it for a while. I look for VA to move to shelter in place next week, maybe sooner. Until then we'll knock around on some outside non-contact projects. Finance wise, we're good out to about 90 days for payroll, or thereabouts. Hoping we don't get that far.
     
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  40. Wendel Clark

    Wendel Clark Gambling God
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    Yep its getting bad. My lab workers are still busy so my intake is doing well. Just the new orders dying.

    I am getting non stop emails from Asia to buy supplies or distribute supplies. Heres one email from tonight.

    Dear Madame/Sir,

    How are you doing?


    This is Robin Wu from FIT Electronics Co., Ltd., with headquarters in Hong Kong and sales office in Shenzhen, China.

    We are a trading company specializing in sourcing medical and fitness products, such as electronical sphygmomanometer, electronical thermometer and medical consumables.

    We have plenty of experiences in sourcing for good-quality and reasonable-price medical products in China.

    At this very moment, we are able to provide medical supplies your people may need, such as respiratory masks, medical protective suits, goggles, medical gloves and other materials.

    If you have any requirement on these materials, please don’t hesitate to let us know the specific material name, volume and needing date.

    We will be glad to fulfill your requirements and help expedite the course of constraining the spread of coronavirus.


    Let us know how we can help!


    Wish you and your people all the best!


    Regards


    Robin Wu

    Business Development Manager

    Email: [email protected]

    FIT Electronics Co., Ltd.

    16 years pursuing excellent products, ensuring public health
     
  41. NYGator

    NYGator Well-Known Member
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    Yes, I received similar regarding N95 masks and I decided to stay out of it thinking it is either a scam or I am just getting int he way of what needs to be done.
     
  42. dallasdawg

    dallasdawg does the tin man have a sheet metal cock?
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    i’ve gotten like 10 emails from “marketers” that can promise “20-30 new clients per month”

    lake of fire for these people
     
  43. herb.burdette

    herb.burdette Meet me at the corner of 8th and Worthington
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    I posted this in the lawyer thread, but one of the first coronavirus business interruption insurance claims was filed last week. The Oceana Grill filed against their London Market insurers

    https://www.insurancejournal.com/research/app/uploads/2020/03/Oceana-Petition-for-Dec-J-executed.pdf

    Most first party property policies have business interruption or business income coverage. Coverage typically is triggered by a direct physical loss to the property which prevents the business from operating.

    Classic case is a fire that closes a business during the period of restoration to repair the fire damage and reopen, with the policy paying the business net income during that period of restoration.

    Oceana appears to be arguing that presence of coronavirus is a direct physical loss triggering the coverage.
     
  44. dallasdawg

    dallasdawg does the tin man have a sheet metal cock?
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    interesting. what’s your opinion?
     
  45. Oranjello

    Oranjello Well-Known Member
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    This is hard to square with your hundreds/thousands of dollars per day spending on bourbon. As a lawyer, I understand where you are coming from, but at the same time how do you view yourself as different than any large publicly traded company that greedily underwent stock buybacks? You siphoned money off from your company for personal reasons but now you expect someone else to help your company out?
     
  46. NYGator

    NYGator Well-Known Member
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    What the fuck are you talking about? You are taking one minor thing you know about me and exaggerating it to make a point about something I don’t do. Have I spent a few thousand dollars of my own company money on bourbon that was mostly used for company events, yes. Have I done what you said, not even close. Do I pay myself huge bonuses or declare dividends that take money out of the company, no.

    What I actually do is pay my people really well, not cut back or fire them when everyone else is, up their insurance coverage, take out an additional $500k loan and looking for more to keep them employed and paid through the crisis. Our business has been hurt because we service hospitals and they obviously are a bit busy right now. We will get through but we are not sitting on tons of reserves to pay 60 people an average of 85k per year while we can’t do business. The money isn’t for me. It is for my employees. You really have no clue. Not sure why you felt you knew so much to make an absurd statement like that.
     
    #96 NYGator, Mar 24, 2020
    Last edited: Mar 24, 2020
  47. Wendel Clark

    Wendel Clark Gambling God
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    I have no idea what just happened or who this guy is
     
  48. NYGator

    NYGator Well-Known Member
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    Not really sure either other than he participates in the bourbon thread and I have a large bourbon collection, of which I apparently must spend thousands of company money on a day.
     
  49. Oranjello

    Oranjello Well-Known Member
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    I mean you make posts about constantly overpaying MSRP for bourbon and paying secondary prices, to the extent it’s almost daily, yet your company lacks reserves to pay employees. I’m not saying the two things are 1:1 equal, but at the same time you can’t be so naive to not see my point. Or maybe you are?
     
  50. Oranjello

    Oranjello Well-Known Member
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    I don’t read—much less participate—in the bourbon thread anymore because people like you are the problem