671-648-1800 The Client:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which was tasked with supporting local recovery efforts after Typhoon Mawar, a Category 4 storm.
DeWitt Guam had been in contact with FEMA for several years, establishing a partnership that set the groundwork for quick mobilization in case of a natural disaster.
Once Typhoon Mawar passed, DeWitt Guam immediately mobilized its trucking fleet to operate at FEMA’s disposal. The team delivered critical emergency supplies all over the island of Guam, including generators, water, medical supplies, MREs (meals ready-to-eat), and Red Cross Comfort Kits. These supplies provided Guam residents with the resources they needed to recover and rebuild after the storm.
The DeWitt Guam team also provided critical support for FEMA’s relief efforts on the island of Rota, which was also impacted by Typhoon Mawar.
Although DeWitt Guam prepared all their assets for a worst-case scenario, the team faced a number of challenges after Typhoon Mawar:
- Storm damage was significant – Power and water was knocked out in many parts of the island, and some team members faced personal losses.
- Communications were spotty – Guam’s telecommunications infrastructure was damaged during the storm, leaving Internet and cell phone service intermittent.
- Immediate resources were limited – Although DeWitt Guam was poised to acquire additional assets as needed, initial response was limited to on-island resources, as well as items that could be air lifted to the island.
- Scheduling was fluid – As FEMA assessed the island’s changing needs, the DeWitt Guam team had to remain flexible and ready to respond.
A Proactive Approach
An established relationship with FEMA enabled DeWitt Guam to take precautionary preparations that ensured a swift response and a seamless supply chain operation as soon as FEMA was ready to mobilize.
Clear Lines of Communication
Close coordination with the on-the-ground FEMA team ensured alignment with the changing needs on the ground. Because of telecommunications damage, DeWitt Guam’s Director of Operations often went to FEMA’s Guam Distribution Center to keep the lines of communication open.
Flexibility and Responsiveness
Given the fluid nature of a disaster response, the DeWitt Guam trucking team had to be ready to adapt at all times. In some cases, this meant an early start to the day. In others, it meant arranging for additional equipment to assist with loading and unloading. Whatever the need, the DeWitt Guam team stepped up to fill it.
DeWitt Guam mobilized 10 trucks and crews to operate at FEMA’s disposal, seven days a week for the first 30 days of the recovery effort. In close coordination with FEMA, trucks and crews were carefully ramped down to support ongoing efforts after the initial response. In total, DeWitt Guam delivered more than 3,200 man hours in support of FEMA’s recovery efforts on the island.
“This was important work that we took very seriously. The DeWitt Guam team was proud to partner with FEMA and play a part in the recovery after Typhoon Mawar.”
–Victor Valenzuela
General Manager and Vice President, DeWitt Guam
The Client:
Two separate installation companies that manage retail display installs for an American department store chain with more than 400 locations across the U.S., including one in Guam.
Project Summary
The DeWitt Guam installation team was contacted by two different installation contractors who needed an on-the-ground team in Guam to complete two installation projects in a major department store:
- For the first project, the DeWitt Guam team was asked to install several fixture installations in the home, women’s, and men’s departments, including mannequin display cages and a bed frame.
- For the second project, DeWitt Guam was hired to install six cage fixtures to hold mannequins.
The DeWitt Guam team was also tasked with the delivery of the necessary hardware and materials to the site. These deliveries had to be carefully coordinated with both the mall and the department store during specific time windows.
The Challenge
Both clients requested that DeWitt Guam complete the installations in a set timeframe, prior to the store opening, to minimize impact to the store’s aesthetics and to shoppers.
For both installations, DeWitt Guam was tasked with scheduling the delivery and installation with the point of contact at the store in Guam. Each individual project also came with its own challenges:
- One was scheduled as a last-minute install with very little lead time.
- The second had to be rescheduled, since the materials didn’t arrive as planned.
The Solution
Despite the reschedules and the tight window of time, the DeWitt Guam installation team’s expertise and experience with similar installs in the past enabled them to complete both projects efficiently—and within the agreed-upon window.
Both the clients and the department store were pleased with the timeline and the results of the installation project.
The Results
On the basis of this project, as well as several other successful installs, one of the installation companies has continued to partner with DeWitt Guam on an ongoing basis for installation projects on Guam and neighboring islands.
The other company was so pleased with their experience with the DeWitt Guam team that they pursued a partnership with DeWitt Guam’s sister company in Hawaii for an Oahu-based installation project.
Explore More Case Studies
Military Hospital Subcontractors
Strong communication, innovative solutions turn delayed project into an on-time, on-budget success
Large Public Utility Company
Retail Department Store Installation
Strong communication, innovative solutions turn delayed project into an on-time, on-budget success
