Since the start of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Scottsdale resident, Charles Sacks has managed to keep both a succulent plant alive and the family business, The Fixture Zone afloat as well.
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Since the start of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Scottsdale resident, Charles Sacks has managed to keep both a succulent plant alive and the family business, The Fixture Zone afloat as well.
Using his global supply chain experience, CEO, Mr. Sacks, pivoted his business model to help provide personal protective equipment to hospitals and retails across the country.
Historically, for 60 years, the company has offered retail displays and other fixtures for businesses around the country.
“We started receiving a rush of inquiries from our customers for protection products and saw that they were challenged to get what they needed,” said Mr. Sacks.
“And, the news was full of stories about similar challenges. We already had our supply chain in place and wanted to do something to help make a difference and protect lives. We quickly began contacting our manufacturing partners and determined we could easily pivot our business model to provide the necessary equipment. We had the process in place and knew we could execute.”
Since March, The Fixture Zone has been distributing a host of PPE products including face masks and shields, sneeze guards, sanitation stations and social distancing equipment to hospitals, senior care facilities, retailers and more countrywide.
In addition to hospitals and health care providers, The Fixture Zone has also supplied equipment to grocery stores, hotels, banks and military facilities.
“Equipment and supplies are distributed directly where the need is and are sometimes routed through its Arizona distribution center,” Mr. Sacks said.
“As an on-going business, we realize that our reputation is on the line and are working to serve while delivering value and service.”
Mr. Sacks added how blessed he and his company is to have a system in place to help the community and providers. Plus, his business strategy has allowed his company to retain its existing workforce.
“Our core customers aren’t open right now so the move just made a lot of sense to us. It’s the right thing to do right now,” he said.
Mr. Sacks detailed how he has learned a lot during the pandemic that has caused him to not only grow his business but make time for a growing houseplant.
“I got this succulent at a wedding I went to in January. The bride and groom took beer cans and made them into pots with the succulents. I took one and figured I could see how long it could survive,” he said, adding that he keeps it in his small apartment’s kitchen window and rotates it every few days to get sunlight.
“I usually travel too much to keep things alive, but COVID-19 has allowed me to keep this little guy going. I guess COVID-19 is teaching me that I may be able to keep something alive after all.”
Meanwhile, the Arizona native answered some basic questions for the Independent about his company adjustments during the changing times.
• What was involved with meeting the sudden increase for demand of PPE?
Seeing what products tied most closely to our existing supply chain and who could produce the fastest.
• How did your business operate before the pandemic and how did it have to pivot during the pandemic?
We used to have our staff all in the office with an open showroom. We have people working remotely with only small groups coming to the warehouse. We will not change for the foreseeable future.
• Name some of your manufacturing partners or at least how many you deal with?
We have six to 10 key suppliers with dozens more for various projects.
• What efforts are underway to distribute PPE where needed?
We are reaching out to existing customers, cold calling and networking.
• What do the core companies consist of that usually use your company?
Grocers, convenience stores, senior care facilities and large offices.
Mr. Sacks welcomes organizations looking to order PPE equipment contact him at charles@thefixturezone.com.
Starting my media career in 1994, rumor had it that newspapers would not exist much longer. Years later, the newspaper is still around and so is my passion for storytelling and capturing life’s moments for the community.
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