Lost job

[rock]

Hard to believe after over 25 years of producing a specific product the company I manufacture for decides to sell out to a competitor. Unfortunately it is a company I can't get along with. They tried to get me to work for them for 3 years before the owner sold out. I went to work for the new owners immediately redesigning some of their product line making it much more user friendly, durable, and desirable. We have shipped to many different countries, have done work for most of the armed forces, and built specialty product for many of the top companies in the world. Work has included cabinet building, welding and sheet metal work, and machining. I have been blessed to have a gig like this as I have never had to search for work. They trusted me enough that they would send a print and say "make it work" as their draftsmen over the years have not been real sharp. This has given me the opportunity to engineer many items they market around the world.
I have been wanting to retire anyway even though I will probably now work harder than before. It is also time to liquidate and downsize a bit. Unfortunately this will almost certainly stop the resurrection of the "Illinois River Run". It was a blast and hopefully I will see many of you at other events. I don't plan on leaving boating in any way shape or form but I can see the river property being sold as I have other vacation property I value more. In the downsizing process I will surely be posting many items for sale. I currently have a couple 260 powerheads, lots of small motors, and a ton of props, lowers, several boats, and various parts I will want to move during the downsizing process. All in all this is surely a blessing as I would have probably continued building for them instead of getting things in order around the shop and considering I am getting a bit long in the tooth it is definitely time to get things pared down so I can enjoy life and do more, much more, fishing. Gonna open the next chapter.

Rock

[Baja170]

Sorry to hear. I know the feeling and the experience.

[Dave Strong]

Sorry to hear this, all the best in your future. :D;)

Dave :)

[XstreamVking]

One door closes, another opens. I changed careers after 30yrs and couldn't be happier. It is SCARY At first. You have the skills to succeed, and will at anything you decide to do.....

[tux974]

Rock, Sometimes change is good and a blessing!
Also I have found that less is better as we get up there in years and simplicity becomes our best friend!
Best of luck, sounds like have things covered well and properly!

[stokernick]

Congratulations and good luck, your success only depends on you and you've proven often you have the skills!

[Erine]

You will be fine Rock enjoy life good things will come to you.

[capteliminator]

Sounds like to me they did you a favor. There loss!!

[specboatops]

Randy,

I have always known you to be a very helpful and honest person on these boards. I have never met you, yet you have come to my rescue on at least 2 occasions that I can think of. You seem to be in the right frame of mind with all of this, looking at the positive side. You never know what may come along tomorrow so don't count yourself out just yet. I'm sure many more will be on here soon to drop a note of support, you have many friends on here, that says a great deal about the person you are.

If there is anything I may be of service to you, please do not hesitate to ask, like I said I believe I am already in your debt.

Keep your chin up ( sounds like you are ) it is their loss. Thanks for being big enough, and open enough to share this with us, yet another reason I have come to really like this place.

Chris

[Instigator]

One door closes, another opens. I changed careers after 30yrs and couldn't be happier. It is SCARY At first. You have the skills to succeed, and will at anything you decide to do.....
Perfectly said.

Good luck my friend!

Gary

[transomstand]

With the talents you have you're not going to be idle for very long, better get caught up quick.

[Robby321]

One door closes, another opens. I changed careers after 30yrs and couldn't be happier. It is SCARY At first. You have the skills to succeed, and will at anything you decide to do.....

Yep, and I'll second that! Heck, in 1993 I thought I had 10/15 years more to go. HA! !994 plant started letting everyone go and I had service time and just enough age to get a pension. Moved across county, never looked back. Seems like yesterday, but 23 years in May now!

Gives ya a "second wind in life" Wish the best!

[Mo River Rat]

Sorry to hear this, as I do understand, I had a very similar experience two years ago. I want to thank you for the help that you have given me without even knowing it! Good luck in the future and enjoy life! Bob.

[HStream1]

Randy You're a Heathen!!! Heathens always survive ;)

[rock]

Thanks all. Really appreciate the support. I probably should not have titled this "lost job" cuz it is really just "lost client". What really chaps me is I had a man arranging financing to buy me out. Gonna make a couple hundred thousand difference in my bank and that part sucks. I am, however, grateful the buy did not take place as I would have had a much harder time dealing with the fact I sold someone a business that may soon not exist. That would have killed me.
Overall I am glad this happened. As said above it is a bit scary but also a bit exciting cuz now I get to do the things I have always thought about doing. Currently James Perry is helping me build a 4 axis CNC mill. I have several boat projects that need completed. We also have a lot of machinery we just need to get rid of. Cabinet shop stuff and machine shop stuff not being used. I have numerous motors to resurrect and we had already spoke of moving to a much smaller place. We live in a 11,000 sq ft barn and it is full so it was only a matter of time before i had to quit building cabinets and get this building in someone else's name. That will only be accomplished and somewhat doable if I get 75% of it's contents moved first.
The Lord works in mysterious ways and I am convinced there is a plan. For whatever reason I have resisted buying my normal inventories on many of the cabinet shop supplies. I had no indication this was about to happen so I guess something was telling me something. Anyway, thanks again for the support and kind remarks.

Rock

[Sonik]

Randy,

I share your conundrum sir. 24yrs and counting doing what I do and the current state of affairs doesn't bode well for me being allowed to stick around much longer unfortunately. You know what the difference is between you and I though??? (Besides the fact you're a heathen) You're a hell of a lot smarter than I am! I remember you talking about selling out and retiring (read: go fishing) a while back. Well, life has a funny way of giving you a nudge every now and then and honestly, I think you'll be much happier in the end. You'll have more time to focus on the WHAT instead of the WHEN. The wife and I really need to get over and spend some time with you guys...its been entirely too long.


I think quite a few of us around here owe you a debt of gratitude for your contributions to our sport. I know I most likely wouldn't be here or still own my Viper had it not been for your help early on....and for that I thank you. If you need anything, you know the offer is always on the table.

[Robby321]

Damn I gotta comment this.."send a print and say "make it work" as their draftsmen over the years have not been real sharp."

Machinist back Illinois (Reynolds (Aluminum) Metals) and I'd get some blueprint something to make and what they can do on paper, can't be made real life with out some mods. Spent a lot time explaining the nerds "heres' how it CAN be made though.

Anyway, the biggest part facing you is the "downsizing"! One thing at a time, and next thing ya know? It happened!

[CDave]

Sorry to hear that kind of news. I hope things go your way in the years ahead. Enjoy it as much as ya can. :)

[tunnelmike]

Amen Brother ! Sorry to hear about your job. I too went thru the same thing a little over 7 years ago. Keep the faith, something better will come along. Mike

[olboatman]

Rock from your posts I have read over the years I feel you are intelligent as well as talented. You will not only persevere you will enjoy "doing your thing". And you are correct that you will be busyier than ever. Have a great retirement and cherish this next adventure. Gary