If there is one thing Vectair is known for in our industry, it’s leadership. We are known for being leaders in aircare, passive fragrance solutions, scent marketing and innovative hygiene products. The Company are also known for their proactive, not reactive, leadership too. During COVID-19, as Executive Vice President, I’ve been proud to lead our North American operations – I’d like to think proactively!
The world has changed, but our focus on aircare & hygiene innovation hasn’t. While others sit and ponder, we as a team have collectively rolled up our sleeves and pioneered. That’s not to say that everything has been “rosy” as our English counterparts would say(!), as it hasn’t been. We’ve hit many an obstacle and my leadership skills have been tested at times.
I would like to thank our customers, employees & partners helping to keep Vectair “active” during this period. We appreciate the loyalty and help during these challenging moments for us all.
As you may have read from staff in the organization in our COVID-19 coverage, we’ve seen our entire business impacted. From Operations to Marketing and Finance to Logistics, we’ve all experienced negative effects. The (un)availability of raw materials such as ethanol (for our instant hand sanitizer) is one example of issues faced. As the need for alcohol to use in sanitizers increases, this puts severe strain on the supply chain.
In my leadership, I focus a lot on managing customer expectations and particularly during a pandemic, it rings true. If we can’t deliver the goods, we don’t promise that we can. We’ve heard some instances of trucks turning up at facilities and unloading only a 1/3 of the promised supply.
Managing customer expectations
It’s all well and good having the best products and the most customers if you can’t service those customers properly. We are not interested in just “grabbing business” if it doesn’t make sense for either the customer or supplier. My leadership has focused on ensuring customers are kept informed about products and delivery dates as best as we can.
This includes having difficult conversations at times where we may experience high levels of back orders due to high demand. I know myself the frustration over promising and under delivering can cause, so we’ve strived to always avoid that.
Taking industry leadership to new levels
During the COVID-19 crisis, we as a Board of Directors, analyzed potential ‘gaps’ in our product offering. We didn’t just want to bring products to market that offered little but cost much to ‘make a quick buck’. As I’ve mentioned before, we are about programs, not products – leadership through an entire concept not just one single item. We focused our energy on optimal hand hygiene and encouraging the public to optimize hand hygiene while on the go. How was that achieved? I’d like to think through our own, unique USP:
- Universal Dispenser Stand.
- Securing Bracket for Instant Hand Sanitizer Bottles.
- Personal & professional Antiseptic hand sanitizer bottles.
Part of the EZ-SAN® program, these solutions create a range of effective hygiene essentials that can help businesses reopen securely. Our hand sanitizer at 70% alcohol, helps keep the public protected in many different settings. Our dispenser stand and securing bracket are made in the USA and offer portable hygiene solutions in a pandemic.
Conclusions from COVID-19
COVID-19 has made me evaluate my own leadership style and has validated Vectair’s approach to market. I’d like to think that we can look back on this period and say we offered our customers outstanding support. No question, it’s been tough for us all, but there is light appearing at the end of the tunnel. We continue to innovate for our customers and we will continue to offer excellent customer service in the years ahead.
As an essential business, we’re more fortunate than others and we think of all those affected by the COVID-19 crisis. You are in our thoughts.
Here’s to brighter days!
Chad Davis | Executive Vice President | Vectair Systems, Inc.
