The New Normal

2020 has been a challenge, no doubt. As we start to transition back into the public world I wanted to take a minute to look at the changes we have made and what those mean to our clients.

The zoom effect

With the proliferation of virtual meetings, classes, and happy hours, it seems most of us have jumped aboard the video platform train. For us, Zoom meetings have proven to be extremely effective. I asked JF designer and showroom manager Paula to share her thoughts on working remotely.

“Zoom meetings work great in my opinion. I am able to connect with people as if we were together. We can share the screen to show plans and images, we can visit the website together. I have found it very easy and it’s a great way to keep things moving on schedule. We don’t need to wait for an in-person appointment and there are no parking issues.

I have initiated and closed new projects since the pandemic started. The clients and I had our introductions on Zoom. We talked about the project, looked at inspiration images, and got to know each other. People feel comfortable in their homes and there is no rush to beat the traffic or pick up the kids, so the conversation is more relaxed. There’s time to really connect. The process is the same as any other project but instead of in person, it is on Zoom. This actually allows for more meetings which makes things more efficient”.

In person

As we move back into our showrooms we can start meeting in person once again. Our primary focus is on the health and safety of our team and our clients. So we are limiting numbers in our showrooms and, we are strongly Team Mask! We are also developing contact-free ways for you to share your info with us and setting protocols for sanitizing our surfaces.

Given how effective we’ve found virtual meetings to be, we recommend a hybrid of the two. With some meetings in the comfort of your own home and when it’s time to see doors and drawers and those special JF custom luxuries in person, we would schedule a time to meet in the showroom.

Business as usual

The JF cabinet shop has quickly adapted to our new safety precautions. Masks are worn by everyone working inside, in both the cabinet shop and in the office. Our 30,000 square foot building means that our craftsmen and finish team have the space to distance themselves while they work. They say it only takes two weeks to form a habit and our team has proven that with new standards in wiping down equipment, doorknobs and shared use spaces. Our employees committed to being responsible during their working time and their free time, we are so thankful for their dedication and credit our team’s good health to their careful actions

Some things change, some remain the same

Your design process may look different from the way it has in the past, but all the parts that keep you informed and knowledgable are still in place. You may walk through your final design via Zoom, but the PDF and paper plans will be sent to you as normal. Samples might be selected online, but they will be delivered to your home so you can check them out in real life. Our wonderful sales and design team’s smiles might be hidden by their masks, but I can guarantee you’ll see it in their eyes.

We are moving and changing because we know how important it is. We believe in science and keeping our people safe. The things that we have learned during this pandemic will stay with us and become part of our new normal.