Brainard’s Lamanna: ‘Now is the Time to Buy American’

Joe Lamanna, general manager at Brainard Rivet Co., a fastener manufacturer based in Girard, is coming back strong. You can read more about this employee-owned company and its 100-plus-year history at its website.

What are some ways the COVID-19 outbreak has affected your organization, and how is it rebounding?

We were deemed an essential business, so the main thing we focused on first was making sure the work environment was safe for our workers. We were fortunate to receive orders for product that was used in hospital beds and other medical applications. It was nice knowing our product was being used to help others in need. Sales dropped over 50 percent initially but have slowly rebounded. However, we are still well below pre-COVID levels.  We have kept everyone employed but a corporate wide hiring freeze was implemented.  I anticipate this ending soon.

How has the outbreak affected your personal life?

Thankfully, all my family and friends have stayed safe.  My wife and I reduced the number of times we eat out. Also, I cut back on the number of store visits and buy more online.  I play a lot of travel softball.  Initially, this came to a complete stop.  However, restrictions were eased in early July, so I’ve played in several tournaments since.

What steps are you taking to come back strong?

We are rethinking how we market ourselves.  There were many supply-chain issues as a result of the virus.  We are proud to say our product is Made in the USA. Now more than ever is the time to buy American-made products.

What advice are you sharing with the people you love?

This is only temporary.  We will get through this and be back to normal soon.

What is the biggest challenge you face running your business during this crisis?

My biggest struggle is balancing the needs of the whole organization with those of the individual employees.  This worry is present whether we are surviving a pandemic or not.  However, this outbreak has created unique needs for several individuals that add strain to the essential processes we employ to satisfy customer demand and achieve profitability.  I care deeply about each one of our employee-owners, but I bear the burden of protecting the whole.  I pray that when this is behind us, we can all look back and feel good about the choices we have made.