A Small Business and Capitalism During Hurricane Irma
I want to give you a look into my family's business, CampingMaxx, and the current situations occurring across the Gulf of Mexico. This is a photo of what we are doing this month; filling up FedEx trucks with fuel cans and supplies to Houston and many other Texas towns, Florida, North and South Carolina... this is only increasing, as Hurricane Irma continues to make landfall in Florida and the US seaboard.
This unfortunate scenario, a lack of preparedness on the part of government and citizens, displays the successes and weaknesses of capitalism within our country. Private businesses including Delta and Disney Cruises are going above and beyond to serve their customers, even at a loss of profit, so that they can make it safely home or across the country. CampingMaxx is continuing to work with municipalities, sheriffs' offices, and county emergency relief organizations to ensure that supplies are delivered exactly to where they are needed.
Weaknesses of our capitalistic system can be seen in price gouging and restriction of volunteerism. Chevron and other providers of basic essentials (water, gas, generators, etc) are increasing prices for local consumers, rather than producing a positive experience for these consumers. CampingMaxx has reduced profit margins and is working around the clock to ensure that customers will receive the supplies that they need ASAP; as the storm makes landfall, however, our business cannot guarantee its arrival.
Police and government officials are also halting volunteerism in Florida - this is a positive, only in how Hurricane Irma is making it dangerous for citizens to be in at-risk areas. Hopefully these restrictions will continue to be lifted above normative law, as greater numbers of Americans are hit by disaster.
I am incredibly lucky to work with my family's business, where I directly see how our products help people in need. In these disastrous times: Good luck to all, we wish you the very best.