By Becca Johns director of practice growth becca . johns @ reacpa . com ( Dublin office )
NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES
When it was all said and done , PIONEER made 6,000 hospital field cots to meet the growing demand . “ Our IWS product was a critical component in our rapid response ,” said Leon . “ Thanks to the mobility and adaptability of the Flexturs workstations , we were able to assemble a cot every 30 seconds .”
PIONEER didn ’ t do it alone , though . “ We partnered with numerous other local businesses and manufacturers to make the beds – including Seaman Corporation , Weaver Leather , Zentru Home Furnishings , Miller Weldmaster and others ,” Leon said .
By the end of April , the demand for beds fortunately started slowing down – but PIONEER wasn ’ t done helping . “ Some of our partners on the bed project suggested the upcoming need for social distance barriers as companies were beginning to reopen ,” said Leon .
So the innovative PIONEER team got to work .
What resulted are PioneerIWS Social Distancing Barriers , which are lightweight , mobile , easy to set up and easy to clean . Available with clear or semi-transparent vinyl , and a sturdy metal frame in 3ft . or 5ft . widths with locking casters for additional mobility when needed , they are designed to easily connect to go around corners or to create long walls when necessary .
“ They provide a solution for businesses like banks , retail stores , workplaces , hospitals , restaurants , fitness centers , and others to maintain social distancing standards ,” said Leon . “ We created something that provides a warm atmosphere and portrays a safe environment to the customer . It tells the customer : We care about your safety and want to protect you .”
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
“ The biggest lesson I ’ ve learned in all of this is the benefit of having good working relationships with other local manufacturers and businesses ,” Leon said .
In addition to relationships with other businesses , Leon also credits PIONEER ’ s success to their internal team .
“ We have a competent engineering and R & D department , combined with a very strong marketing and production team . They understand the importance of Lean and workflow efficiencies , which is a very important piece of the puzzle ,” he said . “ Our accounting team has been critical too – using QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions to manage and track inventory and keep a close tab on our accounting from purchasing to billing to A / R and A / P .”
Even during these trying times , Leon feels hopeful for the future .
“ We have been richly blessed in many ways ,” he said . “ It is simply our duty to help our fellowman in time of need – and be a light to the world in these latter times . Our business belongs to the Lord . We are called to serve others and be faithful stewards of His resources on this journey of life . That is our goal . It has been rewarding to see the need , and harness the opportunity , to do something with a greater purpose , like with the hospital cot and social distance barrier projects .”
He continued , “ In today ’ s business climate , it ’ s more important than ever to be nimble and agile . Even in economic downturns , there is still opportunity . It might look different than what you thought , but the opportunity is there .”
To learn more about PIONEER or to order social distance barriers for your business , visit www . pioneeriws . com
Even in economic downturns , there is still opportunity . It might look different than what you thought , but the opportunity is there .
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