Kettlebell Shortage

Seriously.  I was doing my random reading of business blogs a couple of weeks ago and came across one about the kettlebell shortage as a result of fitness and health conscious people working out at home vs. the gym during the pandemic.   The good news is that this gave me one more excuse to why I will start exercising more “next month” vs. this month.   The bad news is that people that really do want to exercise at home, with kettlebells, can pay up to $400 for them when they do find them.

Let’s be honest, I don’t plan to buy kettlebells even if I run across them at the local sporting goods store at 50% off.  Whether it be personally or on the business side, most of us have experienced some sort of supply shortage or price inflation over the recent months that is similar to the kettlebell issue.  At Storey Kenworthy we are experiencing price increases, extended lead times, and increased expenses associated with freight and fuel.  Inflation is happening and the labor market is very tight as we return to the office and try to interpret and navigate a new norm.  All that said, I personally think many of the issues have been easy to navigate even though there has been no shortage of meetings and planning to figure it all out.  What has made it easier is the fact that we have built strong relationships with our vendors, our partners, our employees, and our customers.  With strong relationships comes trust and with trust comes confidence that we will do the right thing when a challenge presents itself.  We will be transparent, we will communicate, we will listen, and we will do what is fair.  There is simply no other way, and when you operate that way for 80 plus years it starts to become a little easier.

SK is very fortunate to have great customers, trusted business best partners, and an employee base that makes us look good.  Thanks to all of you for letting SK make a difference during these unprecedented times!