Preparing for the Storm: An Interview with Adam Chalker of Slate Solutions
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, businesses in the area are gearing up for the challenges that come with severe weather. At Nelson & Co., we believe in supporting our partners through every situation, and today, we’re spotlighting one of our trusted partners, Slate Solutions. We sat down with Adam Chalker, Dir. of Sales, Slate Solutions, to discuss how his team prepares for hurricanes and what their business continuity plan looks like in the face of potential power outages or property damage.
Nelson & Co.: Adam, thank you for taking the time to speak with us, especially with Hurricane Milton approaching. Can you share a bit about how Slate Solutions prepares for a hurricane?
Adam Chalker: I sure can. As a business based in Florida, we understand that hurricanes are always a potential threat, so being prepared is the key. When a hurricane, such as Hurricane Milton, is on the horizon, our first priority is ensuring the safety of our employees and their families. We have a structured emergency plan that covers everything from evacuation protocols to securing our physical office location. Our leadership team receives regular updates about the storm which we utilize to prioritize our employees’ personal safety above all else.
From a business perspective, we secure our infrastructure which includes protecting all points of entry and fortifying our equipment and inventory storage areas. From a technology perspective, our IT team works to ensure data is backed up off-site to maintain the integrity of our business-critical information regardless of what happens to our physical location, keeping information accessible at any time to authorized users.
Nelson & Co.: It sounds like Slate Solutions has a solid plan in place. What happens if you experience a power outage or damage to your property? How does your business continuity plan come into play?
Adam Chalker: In the event of a power outage or damage to our property, we activate our business continuity plan. We have a plan for back-up power sources to keep business running. This way, even if our main office is temporarily offline, we can continue to serve our clients without disruption.
Our internal systems play a huge role in maintaining business continuity. All our essential software and data are stored securely, allowing our team to work from any location. If the office is inaccessible, our employees have the tools they need to operate remotely, ensuring our business can remain fully functional.
As for damage to our property, we have established relationships with local contractors and disaster recovery specialists. This allows us to quickly assess and repair any damage, minimizing downtime. We also maintain a comprehensive insurance plan tailored to hurricane-prone areas, so we are prepared financially for any significant losses.
Nelson & Co.: That’s impressive. It’s clear that Slate Solutions has taken hurricane preparedness seriously. What advice would you give to other businesses in hurricane-prone areas?
Adam Chalker: Plan ahead and be proactive. The best time to prepare is long before there’s a storm on the radar. Start by building an extensive emergency plan and ensure your team knows it well. Secure your physical space, invest in the right backup systems, and store your data safely.
Communication is critical. Make sure your employees know how to stay informed and what steps to take in case of an emergency. Lastly, look at your insurance coverage—understand what it includes and make sure it’s sufficient for the risks your business might face.
Nelson & Co.: Adam, thank you so much for sharing your insights. It’s reassuring to know that Slate Solutions is well-prepared for Hurricane Milton, and we hope you and your team remain safe throughout the storm.
Adam Chalker: Thank you. We appreciate the support from Nelson & Co. and look forward to continuing our partnership, no matter the weather!
At Nelson & Co., we believe in building strong partnerships with businesses that are resilient and well-prepared. We are proud to support Slate Solutions as they navigate the challenges of hurricane season, and we are committed to standing with all our partners as they face adversity. Stay safe, and remember—preparation is the key to weathering any storm.
For more updates and tips on business continuity planning, follow our blog and social media channels.
Preparing for the Storm: Interview with Adam Chalker of Slate Solutions