Have1.com

Gabe Nowak, long-time owner of local design, print, sign and promotional items shop Have1, said he was following the pandemic closely on the news starting back in December. In March it all quickly hit home.

Despite providing some essential services, Have1 saw most of their business grind to a halt when non-essential businesses shuttered. Many of their regular customers are in tourism or need supplies for trade shows and conventions, both of which dried up almost completely. The shop was forced to temporarily close their doors and lay off some staff.

But Gabe is not one to sit around. He got thinking, and soon developed a way to produce ear-saving clips in-house on his laser and 3D printers. 5,000 of these clips were given away to local nurses. The business then shifted to making plexiglass guards, and then high-quality face shields. The demand for face shields was so great that Have1 reached out and connected with local competitors to help meet demand!

Then, as the province entered Stage 2 and Stage 3, the request for floor decals and signs came in fast and furious. Gabe has now re-hired all of his staff, and they continue to meet demand for local PPE and COVID-19 related signage in-house. Their newest venture, coolmask.ca, is custom fabric cloth masks with logos. These masks are now being exported to regions across Ontario.

Entrepreneurs are always shifting to meet demand, and that is what Have1, like many small businesses, had to do. As the economy and more businesses reopen, regular business is starting to come back for Have1.

Check out their range of products and services by visiting Have1.com or calling 519-376-6000.