Well, its the day after. Hard to believe, but the reality is our U.S. friends chose a new President, Mr. D. Trump. One of my favourite colleagues in my industry wrote a really nice post today about coming together and seeing our likenesses instead of our differences. A great sentiment, for sure.
But the pragmatist in me has been anxious all day. I am struggling. We have been very bullish for the past few years at PBJ Merch Co. and for the most part — its all worked out well. We’ve added three team members and about to add a fourth in a few weeks. We’ve purchased a commercial building and relocated the business to the suburbs. Currently, we have a bunch of expensive sponsorship and new webstore projects on the near (or very near) horizon.
And, now…I’m unsure what to do. Pull the plug or “pause” a few opportunities? Streamline? Change the specs to match the new (or unknown) reality? So much of our business is tied to b-2-b transactions with vendors and/or clients in the USA.
I am most worried that one or both of these situations will become a reality: 1) cross-border goods the shipments will become very difficult and/or very expensive. 2) The economy will tank along with our Canadian dollar negatively affecting our business and in turn, our clients’.
It’s sorta like we’ve been enjoying this awesome neighbourhood for years — and then a Hell’s Angels full patch member moves in next door. Will the Biker take down our property value or turn out to be a great neighbour… it remains to be seen. by Rich Patterson