Business survival lessons from West Coast companies

INC. THIS MORNING Business survival lessons from West Coast companies Note: Kevin J. Ryan, staff writer at Inc., is stepping in for Cameron while he is away from the computer this week. Good morning, With wildfires in the area of his Eugene, Oregon-based business, Stretchscapes CEO Niko Mantele sealed up his events company’s warehouse this week to protect it from smoke. Mantele had half as many hands to help with the task as he would have just a few months ago: The company has been forced to reduce its headcount from 40 to 19 since the pandemic hit. For West Coast businesses in industries like events and dining, the wildfires are just the latest blow in a year that’s been financially and emotionally devastating. Los Reyes Restaurante Y Cantina--already unable to offer indoor dining due to Covid-19 restrictions--now is missing out on outdoor customers as ash rains from the sky. Owner Nathan Reppert estimates the restaurant has missed out on $40,000 in revenue due to the fires. But that hasn’t stopped many of these businesses from looking out for their own. Reppert says he’s helping employees whose homes have burned down or who have had to take in loved ones. He’s also allowing those who have lost their homes to eat for free. Read our story to learn [how West Coast businesses in battered industries are coping with the latest threat to their existence.]( SPONSORED CONTENT [The Knoll Annual Sale September 17--29]( Enjoy up to 15% off and free delivery on furniture and accessories for living, dining and working. Work from Home favorites ship in 1-3 days. [Shop knoll.com]( HERE'S WHAT ELSE I'M READING TODAY: [On this week’s What I Know podcast:]( Mod Pizza co-founder and CEO Scott Svenson on managing the tension between purpose and profit. --Inc. Oracle’s agreement to buy TikTok’s U.S. operations [needs to undergo a national security review by the Treasury Department]( before it can become official. --The Wall Street Journal What you should do [when an employee disagrees with his or her performance review.]( --Inc. Amid an increase in online shopping, [Amazon plans to hire 100,000 more workers]( in the U.S. and Canada. --The Wall Street Journal [In his new book, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings explains]( the origins of the company’s unlimited vacation policy--and the mistakes often made by companies that try to emulate it. --Inc. Having trouble focusing these days? [Try these five hacks from a psychologist.]( --Inc. --Kevin J. Ryan Staff writer, Inc. How are we doing? Send us ideas and feedback for Inc. This Morning at [calbertdeitch@inc.com](mailto:calbertdeitch@inc.com?subject=) or on [Twitter](. [Click here]( to forward to a friend. This email was sent by: Mansueto Ventures 7 World Trade Center, 29th Floor New York, NY, 10007, [Unsubscribe]( • [Update Profile]( • [View in Browser]( • [Privacy Policy](