APE May 2020 | Page 10

COVER STORY | ADVERTORIAL The Rec-Tech line of sport surfacing offers the very best in color quality and durability for any recreational surface. New to this line is the especially blended pickle ball court coatings. Maintenance Inc. is delivering high quality equipment at an affordable cost nationwide. unit, all the way to a 700-gal spray rig. Maintenance, Inc. also stocks replace- ment parts for all major brands. “We’re a complete, turnkey operation,” said Wellman. Here comes the boom Wellman expects that operation to return to full steam once fears around COVID-19 subside, but that doesn’t mean things have stopped until then. While many industries have been forced to shutter temporarily in order to enforce social distancing guide- lines, pavement maintenance has been deemed “essential” enough to continue op- erating in many areas. As a result, Wellman said he has seen many local municipalities in Ohio expedite roadway repairs during the outbreak. It has also given contractors a www.callape.com chance to catch up on existing commercial and residential contracts. “There isn’t a lot of traffic, so this is ob- viously a great time,” said Wellman, who also encouraged contractors to embrace technology the way other industries have with virtual appointments via video con- ferencing. But perhaps the most important thing, said Wellman, is to be ready when the pandemic is over. “Obviously we’re a little bit slow right now due to all this uncertainty, but we’re still here to try to help educate our cus- tomers and suppliers that the industry isn’t shut down,” said Wellman. “It may be temporary, but we have to make sure we have everything ready and rolling so that when this all blows over, our indus- [10] try has everything we need to succeed.” That means communicating with your supplier. “We’re trying to map out a plan for our customers and say, ‘Hey give me an idea. You don’t have to order but give me an idea of what your contractors are looking for,’” said Wellman. “Everyone’s going to want everything tomorrow when this breaks, and that’s impossible to do.” The most important takeaway, said Wellman, is that this spell will eventually subside, just like every one before it. “I believe our industry will thrive as soon as this thing breaks,” he said. “I believe everyone is going to go back to work and it’s going to be a madhouse. I really see the industry taking off here real soon.” 1.800.210.5923