Udderly Smooth’s Kennedy: Staying Grateful, Diversifying

Bill Kennedy Jr., president of Udderly Smooth, right, is coming back strong, along with his sister, Linda Kuzior, and son, Mike Kennedy. You can read more about Udderly Smooth at its website.

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

Early on we were deemed an essential business, so navigating the work environment to keep our workers and families safe was our priority. As you can imagine with so much hand sanitizing, moisturizing became critical. Securing packaging and raw materials from our suppliers became another pressing concern. 

How has the outbreak affected your personal life?

Bill: My circle became very small. No traveling, longer hours at work, endless conference calls and eating at home every night.

Linda: We are a family-owned and operated business so I knew we had support at work. My whole family was home distance-learning so we had more time together as a family. I learned that some things really aren’t that important after all and have reached out to friends that I lost touch with over the years.

Mike: With being a young family and my wife being a teacher, we have had to learn how to balance work along with taking care of our children.

What steps are you taking to come back strong?

Diversification, doing private-label filling of hand sanitizer.

What advice are you sharing with the people you love?

Bill: Wash your hands, wash your hands, take your vitamins and keep rested. 

Linda:  I keep telling my family to be kind and that we are all working through our own challenges at a much larger scale. So now is a great time to pay it forward without expecting any acknowledgement. 

Mike: Due to the outbreak we are really focusing on keeping our house clean and stressing to our three-year son you cannot wash your hands enough during the outbreak.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Bill: Support local restaurants and business any way you can. Buy goods made in Ohio and the USA. 

Linda: It’s disheartening to see the businesses that have already filed for bankruptcy or closed their doors. So many people go into business because it is their dream or passion. Something of this magnitude isn’t on a business plan. We are also a small business and grateful for the support of people.