THE TEMPEST. The play and drama jump to mind when I look back on 2021. Truthfully, 2021 and 2020 blend together in a foggy blur of stormy weather and strong waves splashing.  

Maybe I exaggerate the visual a little, but one must admit that it has been challenging. To continue the metaphor, I am proud that, as we arrive at the end of the year, our ship is safe in the harbor and that there are only minor repairs to be made. We have done well navigating the ups and downs of the past year. 

We have seen long-time staff move on and welcome new members who bring in knowledge and enthusiasm, and I could not be happier with the enrichment. We continue to work in a combination of remote and at the office, and contrary to some CEOs, I think our productivity is just as high, if not higher; the plus being that we all enjoy a better quality of life which in the end makes for happier staff.  

Our Renovation division, SR/A Too, has been glorious this year under the direction of Jennie Crouch, our Renovations Manager/Whisperer. We have successfully upgraded and refreshed a number of properties both rental and condo buildings. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is rewarding. 

We always think, or hope, that the new year will be even better, but this time I am seeing the signs to back up the hope that 2022 will be better in many ways. For starters, there has been a tsunami of RFPs, proving even the most doubtful that new construction projects are finding financing and are back to the table. There will be challenges as well, as the supply chain is still greatly disrupted, making FF&E procurements problematic and construction materials having to be substituted during construction, risking the integrity of the design. As long as Southeast Asia is troubled by the Delta variant the supply chain will suffer, and although I am hoping to be wrong, I doubt this will end in 2022 (the recent news of the Omicron variant bears this out). I wish we could see a revival of domestic fabrication for construction materials and furniture making. However, I believe that everyone is striving to ensure that industry, and more importantly the routines of our daily lives, continue in spite of the uncertainty.   

All in all, we have kept afloat through the storm and are looking ahead to clearer skies and gentler winds. We have a great crew and a refined vessel and are preparing for the challenges ahead with optimism. Welcome, 2022! 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!