2020 was the year of the unexpected. An unexpected pandemic and unprecedented shutdowns shook the entire business world. Companies, customers, and normal operations suddenly had to adapt or perish. On the human side, we lost too many lives, even with the precautions that prompted those closures.
For our valued customers, safety and sanitation became a top priority. Distribution centers saw a marked increase in shipments. That meant more doors open and more birds. What about retail stores? They experienced irregular inventories and inconsistent supply chains. All of these factors put the microscope on food safety.
That became one of Meridian’s primary focuses in 2020. It’s the reason we were designated an essential business. Our Bird Removal Technicians (BRTs) stepped up, adopting extra safety protocols and making additional service calls to ensure birds could not interrupt the steady flow of vital food supplies (and toilet paper).
Like many companies, Meridian’s corporate office moved to a work-from-home model. Our BRTs and sales offices already operated from the road, so this was not a disruptive culture shift for us. Our team’s dedication to flexibility and helping our customers and nation made for a successful transition to remote work. For us, it was another chance to embrace new adventures daily.
Even with the drastically reduced number of service calls (reduced by companies tightening belts, restricting outside visitors, and in some cases, statewide quarantines), Meridian managed to expand into four new states and added Colorado as a mobilization-ready region. During 2020, we operated in Puerto Rico, but had to temporarily suspend service to Hawaii. As of 2023, Meridian serves customers in all fifty United States, and its territories.
2020 was certainly a year of challenges. Meridian is grateful to all of our amazing customers (including new ones we picked up this year) and incredible people. We got through this year, and now we turn our attention forward to 2021. But not before wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
