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Old Buzzard

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Double Nickel, Athens, Ga, is fast becoming the most worthless vendor in the tri 5 arena.
Repeated calls, e mails, and nothing but crickets.
These folks used to be one of our goto sources, as they are 30 min away.
We're done wasting time asking to spend money with them.🤬
 
I liked them too, but they have gone downhill for a while. Even at a swap-meet or show, there was only one guy that knew his stuff. Even if someone else waited on you, they would have to ask him. Very disorganized....:(
 
Health, old age and finding good help are critical for any company to continue. Maybe there isn't a "next generation" that wants to
take over. A common problem with small businesses that were started by the interests of the founder. We just saw this on a much
larger scale with DanChuck. T & N Rubber Products died a slow death after the the T = Tom died unexpectedly. He was the
driving force behind it starting in the first place. Trim Parts was sold and none of the founders are around that company now.

Sad... but time marches on and waits for no man.....

Mikey
 
You're very correct Mikey, about possibly not having a next generation to take over. There is a farm equipment dealer about 25 minutes from me and I visit often just to see what he has. (Actually, I'm looking for a backhoe). He is 88 yoa and works 6 days a week. His family has been in the area since 1856. I've become quite friendly with him and asked what he going to do with all the used and new equipment he has, someday. Will a family member take over?? He doesn't know exactly what will happen. He has one son and I believe there is an estrangement. He has no interest in the business. What a great opportunity for someone to step into. No takers I guess. When he passes, the end of an era. Sad, Carmine.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
The creator of the business has stepped back and has given control to his son.
It appears neither are interested in the continuing operation.
The last 3 times I've called were ans machine replies.
On another occasion, a woman answered, and replied "we're out of stock and the items are no longer available".
So, I found the items were not discontinued and spent the $200 elsewhere.
I guess at my age, indifference and ignorance have become "trigger mechanisms" for the "finger".... ;)
 
Unfortunately way too many of the "younger generation" involved in family businesses don't have the kind of initiative it takes to keep it going like the parent that built it. We lost the only upholstery shop a few years ago when the old man passed away. That shop had been in business for over 60 years. His 2 kids that grew up in the business immediately auctioned off the equipment and sold the building. Wouldn't even consider trying to keep it going. Now, our NAPA store here in my town is probably going to be closed pretty soon. That store has been here for almost 80 years. The owner is in ill health and has 2 daughters who have no interest and their husbands don't have sense enough to get out of the rain so unless someone buys him out it will just get padlocked and sit empty and deteriorate like many other old businesses in our town.:(
 
Many times the fault lies with the parents. They work hard every day, but think that the children shouldn't. So the children don't learn that
honest work is not a 4 letter word. I know some work is not the best or makes a lot of money......but sometimes there is dues that need to be
paid. My first years in business was hand to mouth, and for a while I lived in the office of my shop. No hot water, no shower.....I made due.
So this is a blessing........and well deserved !
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I see this issue from several angles. Many of the young people I am around work, but expect great pay and benefits and the employer better
treat them like they are "special" or they are out of here and looking for the next better job. A job is just the means to an end = play and if the
current one isn't allowing that......well there is always a better one......but the reality is that is usually a pipe dream. None of them could handle what I went through to get to where I am today........but want all that I have gotten from all the years of investing back into the business.
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Mikey
 
That's a very nice shop. How big is it?? Do you have a lift or maybe not a need for one, Carmine.
5500 Sq Feet. Paint booth. Polishing room. Office and storage area separate from the main area. All on the same cement slab.
In floor heat. R50 insulation on the walls and ceiling. #30 8 foot LED over head light fixtures, on 3 zones. 400 amp electrical service
with 4 gang wall boxes at shoulder height every 12 feet on the outside walls. 2 post lift in the front of shop, but not in the way of front
door access. 1 front over head door 20 X 12.

All on my property 20 paces from the side door of my garage attached to my 3 level 3500 SQ FT house. All this on 8 acres of land. 6 is
rented for crops.

3000 SQ FT barn with interior shelving to store my used parts and a loft that has 4 foot wide interior stair case from the main floor to
store larger things like fenders and hoods and door and seats etc. This too has 100 amp new electrical service I installed myself
and ran interior zone lighting. This is 20 steps from the front door of my shop!

The best restoration shop in the wrong part of the country.........LOL

Mikey
 
My fair share.......and I work for every dime I make @71 I'm still working 6 = 12 hour days per week.
 
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