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Local contractor hasn't seen work in weeks amid COVID-19 pandemic

It's not just bars and restaurants that are hurting right now.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all kinds of industries-- not just restaurants and bars.

Kevin Staplers is owner of Top Dog Tree Service. He's served the Madison County area for the last 18 years, and normally, this is his busy season. However, right now, that's not the case. 

"We haven't worked in three weeks," said Staplers. "No calls coming in."

Staplers is one of many small business owners who have taken a hit financially since the spread of the coronavirus.

"No estimates or anything," said Staplers. "That's perfectly understandable right now, but that still doesn't make your financial situation any better."

Data from the Small Business Association's Office of Advocacy shows there are almost 400,000 small businesses in Alabama. Those businesses employ about half of all workers in Alabama.

"I feel concerned for the people who will lose their business during this time," said Staplers. "The only thing that hurts me is the guys who work for me. They have no income."

It's a reminder of the struggles many of our local business owners and workers are facing. Staplers points out you can have trees removed and limbs clipped while practicing social distancing. He says if you need any of that kind of work done on your property, he says he's able to help.

"You can communicate with your contractor over the phone while he is in the yard giving you an estimate and doing the work and leave him a check outside," said Staplers.

While it's tough right now, Staplers is keeping the faith.

"I will be very fine because I've asked God to take care of it, and it's taken care of already," he said. 

Data from the Small Business Association's Office of Advocacy shows there are almost 400,000 small businesses in Alabama.. those businesses employ about half of all workers in Alabama.

You can contact Top Dog Tree Service at 256-337-0515.

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