This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/business/bluestone-lane-nick-stone.html
The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 5 | Version 6 |
|---|---|
| A Coffee C.E.O.’s Pandemic Diary: ‘We Want to Still Provide an Escape’ | A Coffee C.E.O.’s Pandemic Diary: ‘We Want to Still Provide an Escape’ |
| (1 day later) | |
| A month ago, Nick Stone had a $50 million coffee business, with dozens of cafes in bustling downtowns. | A month ago, Nick Stone had a $50 million coffee business, with dozens of cafes in bustling downtowns. |
| Now the coronavirus pandemic has eliminated 90 percent of Bluestone Lane’s revenue, and he has laid off some 700 workers. “Everything I’ve put into this, everything all these other people have put into building the company, basically evaporated in five days,” he said. “It’s just been devastating, absolutely devastating, for hospitality.” | Now the coronavirus pandemic has eliminated 90 percent of Bluestone Lane’s revenue, and he has laid off some 700 workers. “Everything I’ve put into this, everything all these other people have put into building the company, basically evaporated in five days,” he said. “It’s just been devastating, absolutely devastating, for hospitality.” |
| Mr. Stone has kept 12 of his 52 stores — which sell pastries, sandwiches and other items in addition to coffee — open for curbside pickup and delivery in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. He said he has been able to keep about 90 staff members working. | Mr. Stone has kept 12 of his 52 stores — which sell pastries, sandwiches and other items in addition to coffee — open for curbside pickup and delivery in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. He said he has been able to keep about 90 staff members working. |
| A native of Australia who now lives in Los Angeles, Mr. Stone, 38, opened the first Bluestone Lane cafe in New York in 2013, at the start of a wave of Australian-inspired coffee shops and eateries. The business grew steadily, Mr. Stone said, with revenue projected to rise by 50 percent in 2020. | A native of Australia who now lives in Los Angeles, Mr. Stone, 38, opened the first Bluestone Lane cafe in New York in 2013, at the start of a wave of Australian-inspired coffee shops and eateries. The business grew steadily, Mr. Stone said, with revenue projected to rise by 50 percent in 2020. |
| Now, running a bare-bones version of his empire, Mr. Stone said he is determined to see glimpses of humanity in the crisis. He said he was enjoying spending more time with his family and had been touched by the gratitude of his customers who continue to patronize the newly contact-free locations. | Now, running a bare-bones version of his empire, Mr. Stone said he is determined to see glimpses of humanity in the crisis. He said he was enjoying spending more time with his family and had been touched by the gratitude of his customers who continue to patronize the newly contact-free locations. |
| “We wanted to make sure we could still provide an escape for our locals. If they’re stuck in their apartment all day, they’re going to deteriorate mentally,” he said. “We wanted to demonstrate that we were still remaining optimistic and positive that we will get through this.” | “We wanted to make sure we could still provide an escape for our locals. If they’re stuck in their apartment all day, they’re going to deteriorate mentally,” he said. “We wanted to demonstrate that we were still remaining optimistic and positive that we will get through this.” |
| 6:30 a.m. Woke up to the piercing cries of my kids. I grab Arabella, my 2.5-year-old, to play in 8-month-old Oliver’s room, change nappies and share some laughs. Despite the most challenging month in my professional career, a silver lining has been spending considerably more time at home after 100 nights away in the last year. | 6:30 a.m. Woke up to the piercing cries of my kids. I grab Arabella, my 2.5-year-old, to play in 8-month-old Oliver’s room, change nappies and share some laughs. Despite the most challenging month in my professional career, a silver lining has been spending considerably more time at home after 100 nights away in the last year. |
| 7:15 a.m. Call my brother, Andy, our vice president of marketing, to check in on him and discuss our new initiatives for curbside pickup and delivery. Sales were in line with our budget — albeit only 15 percent of normal revenue. We have issues with staff in New York commuting via the subway, so we discuss the feasibility of using a ride-share service. | 7:15 a.m. Call my brother, Andy, our vice president of marketing, to check in on him and discuss our new initiatives for curbside pickup and delivery. Sales were in line with our budget — albeit only 15 percent of normal revenue. We have issues with staff in New York commuting via the subway, so we discuss the feasibility of using a ride-share service. |
| 8:35 a.m. Talk with David Cook, our vice president of supply chain and wholesale, about a termination meeting he’s just come from. The gentleman terminated was a much-loved person and had built our wholesale business dramatically. However, with no end in sight for the pandemic, his business is one that will have almost no revenue during this period. It’s a shame that we have to make such hard decisions, including terminating talent, in order to ensure we have the best chance of reopening. | 8:35 a.m. Talk with David Cook, our vice president of supply chain and wholesale, about a termination meeting he’s just come from. The gentleman terminated was a much-loved person and had built our wholesale business dramatically. However, with no end in sight for the pandemic, his business is one that will have almost no revenue during this period. It’s a shame that we have to make such hard decisions, including terminating talent, in order to ensure we have the best chance of reopening. |
| 9 a.m. My wife, Alexandra (Zand), and I get the kids dressed and take the double stroller for a short walk to Bluestone Lane Santa Monica. Despite the beautiful weather, we see fewer than 10 people, all of which are maintaining appropriate social distance. | 9 a.m. My wife, Alexandra (Zand), and I get the kids dressed and take the double stroller for a short walk to Bluestone Lane Santa Monica. Despite the beautiful weather, we see fewer than 10 people, all of which are maintaining appropriate social distance. |
| 10 a.m. When we get home, I take Arabella for a quick bike ride. We ride past one local standing on the curbside berating anyone who enters the park — and then he berates perhaps the wrong person. An altercation between the two nearly erupts, but it’s settled by the police. | 10 a.m. When we get home, I take Arabella for a quick bike ride. We ride past one local standing on the curbside berating anyone who enters the park — and then he berates perhaps the wrong person. An altercation between the two nearly erupts, but it’s settled by the police. |
| 3 p.m. I drive to Fairfax, where we have our storage facility for events equipment. An employee and I elbow-bump, keep our safe distance and proceed to load a mini espresso machine and grinder into my car. While at home, I plan on improving my barista skills, as I’m a better coffee consumer than maker. On the drive home, I speak with both my parents in Australia. They’re concerned about my welfare and the stress of the business. | 3 p.m. I drive to Fairfax, where we have our storage facility for events equipment. An employee and I elbow-bump, keep our safe distance and proceed to load a mini espresso machine and grinder into my car. While at home, I plan on improving my barista skills, as I’m a better coffee consumer than maker. On the drive home, I speak with both my parents in Australia. They’re concerned about my welfare and the stress of the business. |
| 9 p.m. After dinner and checking email, Zand and I catch an episode of “Tiger King” on Netflix. Holy smokes. | 9 p.m. After dinner and checking email, Zand and I catch an episode of “Tiger King” on Netflix. Holy smokes. |
| 7.15 a.m. I do some email and then focus on interpreting all of the latest CARES Act legislation, particularly the new Paycheck Protection Program. I ask our operating counsel about this and for an update on our communications with landlords. We requested a rent abatement in April. Some of the landlords are very partnership-orientated; others just seem a little shortsighted, lacking empathy. | 7.15 a.m. I do some email and then focus on interpreting all of the latest CARES Act legislation, particularly the new Paycheck Protection Program. I ask our operating counsel about this and for an update on our communications with landlords. We requested a rent abatement in April. Some of the landlords are very partnership-orientated; others just seem a little shortsighted, lacking empathy. |
| 7:30 a.m. I dial in to a Milken Institute-hosted call to hear from experts on financial repercussions from Covid-19. The European commentators seemed noticeably more pessimistic than the U.S. commentators on the global economy and the time it will take to return to a pre-Covid world. | 7:30 a.m. I dial in to a Milken Institute-hosted call to hear from experts on financial repercussions from Covid-19. The European commentators seemed noticeably more pessimistic than the U.S. commentators on the global economy and the time it will take to return to a pre-Covid world. |
| 10 a.m. I speak with all my direct reports one-on-one, for 30 minutes each, to go over their priorities. For New York, we decide to put in place some strict measures, including a car service allowance for our retail team and a ban on multiple store visits. | 10 a.m. I speak with all my direct reports one-on-one, for 30 minutes each, to go over their priorities. For New York, we decide to put in place some strict measures, including a car service allowance for our retail team and a ban on multiple store visits. |
| 2 p.m. We have our weekly executive call. We all express a lot of concern about the deteriorating conditions in New York. Despite the challenges, the meeting is positive as we feel that persisting in a limited way is providing our locals with some respite and a brief, safe escape. We are also learning how to make delivery and e-commerce a bigger part of our business for the future. | 2 p.m. We have our weekly executive call. We all express a lot of concern about the deteriorating conditions in New York. Despite the challenges, the meeting is positive as we feel that persisting in a limited way is providing our locals with some respite and a brief, safe escape. We are also learning how to make delivery and e-commerce a bigger part of our business for the future. |
| 5 p.m. I jump on the Peloton cycle, which is conveniently located next to my new office desk. I ride a 45 minute class with the coach Robin Arzón — love her energy and focus. Exercise has always been a huge part of my life. I was a professional Australian Football League player for six seasons before transitioning to banking and finance, and it’s something I need as much for my mental well-being as physical fitness. | 5 p.m. I jump on the Peloton cycle, which is conveniently located next to my new office desk. I ride a 45 minute class with the coach Robin Arzón — love her energy and focus. Exercise has always been a huge part of my life. I was a professional Australian Football League player for six seasons before transitioning to banking and finance, and it’s something I need as much for my mental well-being as physical fitness. |
| 7:30 p.m. After a family dinner, I catch up with Zand. We share a few laughs on how life sometimes pans out. Up until three weeks ago, we were set to pack up our house to relocate back to the East Coast, in order to be closer to the team and reduce my nights away from the family. We were also booked to fly tomorrow to Barbados to relax on the beach while our furniture crossed the country! | 7:30 p.m. After a family dinner, I catch up with Zand. We share a few laughs on how life sometimes pans out. Up until three weeks ago, we were set to pack up our house to relocate back to the East Coast, in order to be closer to the team and reduce my nights away from the family. We were also booked to fly tomorrow to Barbados to relax on the beach while our furniture crossed the country! |
| 6:30 a.m. Grab Arabella out of her bedroom. Ollie ended up sleeping in our bed after nonstop crying from 3 a.m. — he’s teething. I play with the kids and make a breakfast of porridge with oat milk, mashed banana, cinnamon and honey. | 6:30 a.m. Grab Arabella out of her bedroom. Ollie ended up sleeping in our bed after nonstop crying from 3 a.m. — he’s teething. I play with the kids and make a breakfast of porridge with oat milk, mashed banana, cinnamon and honey. |
| 12 p.m. I call Andy, my brother, to talk about how we can support health care workers by donating and delivering ready-to-drink beverages and ground coffee to hospitals in New York and L.A. | 12 p.m. I call Andy, my brother, to talk about how we can support health care workers by donating and delivering ready-to-drink beverages and ground coffee to hospitals in New York and L.A. |
| 1 p.m. I have my weekly call with our digital director. We talk about our switch to mobile-only ordering and how this might be continued in the future at our coffee shops. It’s interesting how a crisis demands urgent innovation. | 1 p.m. I have my weekly call with our digital director. We talk about our switch to mobile-only ordering and how this might be continued in the future at our coffee shops. It’s interesting how a crisis demands urgent innovation. |
| 7 p.m. I quickly take our golden retriever, Barney, for a walk around the block and then head home for a Training Mate online workout. | 7 p.m. I quickly take our golden retriever, Barney, for a walk around the block and then head home for a Training Mate online workout. |
| 9:30 p.m. Check emails and read the news, when my paramedic friend calls — he’s in between shifts, and reinforces that the situation has really exploded in Northern California. His crew is doing a minimum of 12 suspected Covid-19 calls a day. | 9:30 p.m. Check emails and read the news, when my paramedic friend calls — he’s in between shifts, and reinforces that the situation has really exploded in Northern California. His crew is doing a minimum of 12 suspected Covid-19 calls a day. |
| 7 a.m. Call with an outsourcing firm in Denver and then with a Lyft manager about starting a commuting program for our employees in New York. | 7 a.m. Call with an outsourcing firm in Denver and then with a Lyft manager about starting a commuting program for our employees in New York. |
| Updated June 16, 2020 | |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. | Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. | Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. |
| The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. | The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| 9 a.m. Drive to Bluestone Lane Venice to pick up coffees, juices and a breakfast burrito. Arabella joins for an escape from the house. The store looks great, with seven locals patiently waiting outside three to five meters apart. | 9 a.m. Drive to Bluestone Lane Venice to pick up coffees, juices and a breakfast burrito. Arabella joins for an escape from the house. The store looks great, with seven locals patiently waiting outside three to five meters apart. |
| 11:30 a.m. Our long-awaited European-style four-seat cargo bike arrives. We’ve loved these since seeing them in Copenhagen. The seller says he’s never been busier. I take Arabella for a quick ride around the block to test it out. | 11:30 a.m. Our long-awaited European-style four-seat cargo bike arrives. We’ve loved these since seeing them in Copenhagen. The seller says he’s never been busier. I take Arabella for a quick ride around the block to test it out. |
| 1 p.m. I hear the heartbreaking news that a close friend’s father-in-law has passed away, from Covid-19. | 1 p.m. I hear the heartbreaking news that a close friend’s father-in-law has passed away, from Covid-19. |
| 3 p.m. Touch base with David regarding our roastery operations and inventory of the items we sell through Amazon and Fresh Direct. I also speak with our “chief people officer” about our internal communications. We commit to keep pushing a message of positivity, no matter the external conditions. | 3 p.m. Touch base with David regarding our roastery operations and inventory of the items we sell through Amazon and Fresh Direct. I also speak with our “chief people officer” about our internal communications. We commit to keep pushing a message of positivity, no matter the external conditions. |
| 8 p.m. Update our cash-flow model with the latest payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable data, with a specific focus on short-term liquidity and burn rate. I’m fortunate having worked in finance for a long time before Bluestone Lane, so I’m financially literate and can model different scenarios to get us through this unprecedented crisis. | 8 p.m. Update our cash-flow model with the latest payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable data, with a specific focus on short-term liquidity and burn rate. I’m fortunate having worked in finance for a long time before Bluestone Lane, so I’m financially literate and can model different scenarios to get us through this unprecedented crisis. |
| 6:15 a.m. Wake up, get the kids, make breakfast. I swap with Zand and jump on the Peloton. | 6:15 a.m. Wake up, get the kids, make breakfast. I swap with Zand and jump on the Peloton. |
| 9 a.m. I take Arabella for a ride on our new cargo bike, swinging past Bluestone Lane Santa Monica. Sure enough, on the way home our back wheel goes flat, and I end up pushing the bike home. | 9 a.m. I take Arabella for a ride on our new cargo bike, swinging past Bluestone Lane Santa Monica. Sure enough, on the way home our back wheel goes flat, and I end up pushing the bike home. |
| 11 a.m. I connect with all my direct reports, with a lot of focus on the small business loan application that’s set to open tomorrow. | 11 a.m. I connect with all my direct reports, with a lot of focus on the small business loan application that’s set to open tomorrow. |
| 2 p.m. On our weekly companywide call, I thank everyone for their dedication, empathy and for providing our locals with a daily escape. I’m proud of everyone, particularly given how traumatic the past weeks have been. | 2 p.m. On our weekly companywide call, I thank everyone for their dedication, empathy and for providing our locals with a daily escape. I’m proud of everyone, particularly given how traumatic the past weeks have been. |
| 4 p.m. I work with Andy on the announcement and launch of our hospital coffee donations, which we’re calling Fuel for Heroes. Earlier in the day, two members of our team drove cases of cold brew and coffee to Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, which has been overwhelmed by the crisis. We met medical personnel curbside for a contactless drop off. | 4 p.m. I work with Andy on the announcement and launch of our hospital coffee donations, which we’re calling Fuel for Heroes. Earlier in the day, two members of our team drove cases of cold brew and coffee to Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, which has been overwhelmed by the crisis. We met medical personnel curbside for a contactless drop off. |
| 6 p.m. A dinner of vegetarian burritos with the family, followed by the bedtime routine. | 6 p.m. A dinner of vegetarian burritos with the family, followed by the bedtime routine. |
| 8 p.m. The Small Business Administration releases the guidelines for the small business loans. I spend the evening reviewing our documents and calculations as we plan on submitting our application tomorrow. It does note “first come first serve,” and given what we’re enduring, I’m sure the demand is going to be overwhelming. | 8 p.m. The Small Business Administration releases the guidelines for the small business loans. I spend the evening reviewing our documents and calculations as we plan on submitting our application tomorrow. It does note “first come first serve,” and given what we’re enduring, I’m sure the demand is going to be overwhelming. |
| Interviews are conducted by email, text and phone, then condensed and edited. | Interviews are conducted by email, text and phone, then condensed and edited. |