Back in Business: Miami Lakes companies help restart commerce

Featured By Megan Jacobo, Reporter Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Back in Business: Miami Lakes companies help restart commerce

When Dr. Eddy Sedeno and Dr. Melissa Alfonso Sedeno wanted to retrofit their orthodontics practice to comply with safety guidelines during the coronavirus outbreak, the Miami Lakes doctors turned to an unlikely source: Sir Speedy.
That’s right, Sir Speedy, the printing and marketing company known for business cards and envelopes.
“We considered ordering sneeze guards from an online supplier at first,” Eddy Sedeno said. “But after learning our friends at Sir Speedy could customize them to our needs, it was a no brainer to support a local business. Especially during these times.”
The Sir Speedy franchise in Miami Lakes is also making colorful face masks and disposable menus.
It’s just one example of Miami Lakes businesses that have shifted gears during the pandemic, creating new products to keep their enterprises alive while helping neighboring companies work in a way that’s safe for staff and customers alike.
It’s also a tale of mutual survival. These business relationships forged during the outbreak will hopefully keep local firms healthy until the virus is under control.
While the sales of Sir Speedy’s usual products that also include signs and marketing materials have fallen, Denise Garcia said the new line has given the company some breathing room.
“We have limited our losses,” Sanchez said. “I’m happy that I’m selling a product that people actually need.”
Oasis Solutions of Florida usually restores properties after fire or water damage and removes mold, among other services.
Now the company sanitizes offices and disinfects work areas.
“I decided to go with Oasis Solutions because they use a product that is hospital grade,” said Dr. Maria Briceno of Lakes Family Eye Care.
“It’s a fast-acting, disinfecting product that is non-toxic, which makes it ideal for my staff and patients.”
Briceno chose a Miami Lakes company “because I wanted to support a local business. I think we should all support each other during this time.”
Realtor Eddie Blanco, who chairs the town’s Economic Development Committee, called selling and buying products needed during the pandemic essential to the local economy, as is keeping all of this commerce happening within town.
“Post COVID-19, business owners are now required to compete at a level they never had to worry about,” Blanco said. “[Customers are wondering] ‘how safe is it to shop here?’”
“Many consumers will be deciding on where to shop based on how safe they feel,” Blanco said.
Creative Displays specializes in custom trade show exhibits for conventions and expos.
“In mid-March, we had shows setting up in California and were preparing for the Palm Beach Boat Show,” said Brad Hopkins, owner of Creative Displays. “Business was booming.”
But when the virus struck, instead of going bust, they pivoted.
Now Creative Displays makes acrylic shields, floor decals and other safety products.
The Graham Companies purchased Creative Display’s sneeze guards for its headquarters on Main Street.
“We feel good about trying to help do our part to get the economy running again and to help people feel safe.” said Hopkins.
Associated Printing Productions, Inc. creates signs that guide consumers safely through businesses and restaurants that must keep clients and diners six feet apart.
When Associated Printing Productions, Inc. makes a sale, the company gives away a healthy workspace sign.
It states that no one should enter a business if they feel sick, customers must maintain six feet between others and must always wear a mask.
“APPI is thrilled to be a manufacturer and supplier of so many products that will help our fellow businesses return to work,” said President John Beadel.
He believes the firm’s protective face masks and other personal protection equipment products such as signs and graphics “are all vital for our clients as they return to work.
“We must embrace the “new normal,” work together and build upon the greatness of our American spirit,” Beadel said. “We are doing our part to help the economy recover, and every bit helps.”
Other Miami Lakes businesses selling safety products:
--Bolay: hand sanitizer, 15141 NW 67th Ave.
--Brigaderios Boutique: hand sanitizer, 6702 Main St.
--General Hotel & Restaurant Supply: masks, gloves, surface disinfectant, sanitizer, 13900 NW 82 Ave.
--Hale’s Health Food: gloves, hand sanitizer, masks, supplements and vitamins, 16427 NW 67th Ave.
--Pharmacy Care at CVS: masks, hand sanitizer, face shields, gloves, medical robes, 7413 NW Miami Lakes Drive.
--Remedy’s Nutrition: sanitizer and vitamins, 7331 Miami Lakes Drive.
--Wise Care: masks, face shields, and gloves, 6710 Main St., #234.
--Zativa Life Health & Wellness: hand sanitizer and masks, 6849 Main St.