Across the Counter recently had a chat with Boston Granite Exchange General Manager Bill Thomas and VP of Sales John Byrne. We asked about challenges they’ve had guiding the company during the last 25 years.
They both agreed on the two biggest challenges they’ve faced:
#1. The 2008 housing crash.
Bill recalls, “The company was young at the time and, as the news of the housing crisis unfolded around us, we feared the possibility that we might have to close our doors.”
They didn’t anticipate how important home improvement would be for homeowners during this difficult time. In 2008, many people found themselves upside down on their mortgages, meaning they owed more than their home was worth.
Homeowners took a couple of different approaches to dealing with this problem. One strategy was to make improvements on the home in order to sell it. For those who chose not to sell, the other approach was to make renovations in order to stay in the home longer. Both groups were visiting Boston Granite Exchange to choose stone to upgrade their kitchens and bathrooms as well as other home projects.
“We were surprised by what happened”, said John, “we found ourselves recession-resistant in those tough times; we were shocked.”
#2. The pandemic.
Covid-19 was a different challenge. “During the early weeks in March 2020, we didn’t know what would happen. Everything was closed and we had no idea what the restrictions would be or how long they would last,” Bill said. “Then, we were classified as an essential business.”
Like every other business, adjustments were made; masks, hand sanitizer stations and social distancing became part of the day-to-day operations for the duration of the pandemic. The popcorn machine in the showroom was put away. People, spending long days at home, were eager to update their space. Social distancing shifted showroom visits from walk-in to by-appointment-only. BGE pivoted like so many businesses and made it work.
Thankfully, things are back to normal, now. Customers visit in person and the showroom hums again with people coming whenever it is convenient for them and interacting with the BGE team.
Looking back, it is remarkable to reflect on our two biggest challenges while also acknowledging how quickly time passes. Like all businesses, we’ve had our ups and downs throughout the years, but we’ve made it to 25 years in business and we’re excited to celebrate this significant milestone.
We get new, beautiful, natural stones, quartz and porcelain in every week. If you are planning a kitchen, bathroom or other home renovation project, visit one of our showrooms in West Bridgewater or Haverhill, MA to see the many beautiful stones we offer for your kitchen, bathroom or other home renovation project.