BOZEMAN — This is an unprecedented time for everyone around the world, but this is especially challenging for one group of people in particular.
Business owners share a unique experience different from any other group at this time.
“I started EcoMontana in 2012, and we distribute compostable restaurant supplies,” explained owner Heidi Drivahl.
Drivahl and her husband have seen both highs and lows as a result of this pandemic.
“The first week, when restaurants started closing and started doing a lot of take out we were super busy. We had inventory trucks arriving almost daily and we were trying to keep the warehouse stocked,” she said.
Then business took a sharp turn.
“It’s way down. It’s way down. We’re maybe making one delivery a day. We can be doing anything from 10 to 15 deliveries a day,” she said.
But the business owner isn’t letting anything discourage her.
“We’re fully stocked. So, when it comes back up we will be ready. So, we are staying open. It’s just my husband and I, so we’re staying open to support those customers,” Drivahl said.
Choosing to look at the positives, Heidi said there are some good things coming from this unusual time.
“We have had a couple of people that didn’t maybe know we were here and were panicking because their normal suppliers couldn’t get them stuff and so we have been here for them, for that,” she said.
Business owner or not, this can be an emotional time for anyone.
“It’s scary. I have days where I’m trying not to think about it, days where I can’t help but think about it," she said.
Regardless of the future, Drivahl says she’s not going to give up.
