Heater Fire Update - August 2011

In November of 2010, we had a heater fire in our brick and mortar store. Nine months later the insurance company has not settled our claim. Even though we have negotiated and agreed, our inventory is still sitting in storage pods in our parking lot.  Among other things, we have not been reimbursed for our extra expenses. We are not a multi million dollar conglomerate; just a mom and pop store that has manged to stay in business for over 41 years. We have done our homework by hiring a public adjuster and recently filed a claim with our state insurance commission.  In some states there are laws that require insurance companies to settle claims in a specified time frame; unfortunately our state is not one of them.
Yes, we have received  partial reimbursements. How else could we have manged to make in today's economy?  However, our busiest time of the year is almost here and we don't relish the thought of loosing another season.
We will keep plugging away, writing letters, sending emails, and making phone calls until our insurance company decides to honor our negotiated settlement. 
I do know one thing.  We will make it because Mike and I will not have it any other way.

Monday Again

It"s Monday morning again.   I am feeling overwhelmed and overworked.
The correct tactic is to make a list; and prioritize the list.  Sounds good; but it doesn't always work for me.
Let's see what comes first?  Family, our embroidery Fashions Boutique ecrater store, our brick and mortar store?  We haven't even reopened the Mike's Sporting Goods ecrater store yet.

Renovations in our brick and mortar store are complete.  However, there is still tons of clean up to do in the basement.  Inventory, which is arriving on a daily basis needs to be priced, sorted, and displayed. 

Between us we have 6 adult kids and 8 grandchildren. There is always something going on. The Easter holidays are fast approaching. Holidays translate into family dinners and celebrations.
No wonder I am overwhelmed.