Thread: Officially unemployed

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So, after working 80+ hour work weeks for the last 5+ years building up our MAACO business it was very surreal to watch it all being auctioned off for pennies on the dollar after losing our lease. Just over 9 hours ,my emotions were strangely in check as item by item was sent over the auction block, some going for more than I would imagine, other larger ticket items going for far, far less (my $80,000 paint booth selling for $2,500 as an example). As they say, one door closed, another yet to be opened Believe it or not, I'm going to miss it, even with the trials and tribulations of owning my own business. The customers(good and bad), daily interaction with my employees, negotiating with my suppliers, inventory, payroll, taking care of the building, equipment, property, etc. Even dealing with the out of state landlord and her own unique quirks. Have a few more days of clean up to do at the shop before I hand the keys over to the landlords representative, mostly clean up and such. Yet no doom and gloom, we (Deb and I) are of the mindset that everything happens for a reason, so now, I guess I have to decide what I want to be when I grow up, and where we want to do it. Deb and I, from time to time, have talked about moving to an area with just three seasons, but for now we'll stick with where we are and not make any rash decisions this time around. Discuss our options, and move on with our lives.

Thinking of maybe finding a building (if I knew of an up and coming area to purchase one in) to convert to multiple living spaces, maybe have a nice set up for Deb and I (with room for the cars ) rent out the rest and live off the income..I can dream, can't I

Have a great day.....


Sincerely,


Bill S.

I'll say this, you certainly have the right attitude, Bill! Good luck in you planning!!!! Quite certain you'll be posting about a new undertaking soon.

I have to agree with Dave, great attitude. From your writing, it sounds like you are looking at this as an adventure. I am sorry about losing your business, but am guessing you will figure something out soon.

Wow, Bill, that sucks. Dave and Pastor Bubba are right, though; your attitude is amazing. I'm afraid I would be uncontrollably angry at the world in your situation.

There are lots of available spaces here (Central Florida) that could meet your requirements, but the shut-down of the space program has put the economy in serious decline here. There are lots of vacant homes and businesses and few available jobs.

As for seasons - we have two here; Fall-spring which lasts about 4 months and Summer which lasts about 8 months. There is no real Winter. We (my family and I) moved here from Indiana in 1980. After a brief period of homesickness and adjustment, we have never been sorry. I cannot think of anything that could get me to go back north to live.

Bill: I think the hard part is over now auction done "things" gone. Now as you said take it easy for a while keeping your mind open to new adventures.. After working the long hours it takes to run a business you and the One who must be obayed, should take a little trip. Get away from it all for awhile. Your not to old ,at 50 I started my last business and have retired twice. Life is good

I liked the advice that Tech gave, suggesting networking with everyone you know in the region to chew on what type of business/vocation is missing, or is being done so poorly that everyone using it will flock to a new guy doing it right. The guy who understands that it's the people first, and the product/service second can generally do well, as long as the product/service is something people need. You've gotten to know a lot of people over the years, fixing their cars & trucks, and they may hold your answer.

On the three seasons thing, I applaud anyone who makes that move and adjusts. In the USN I was in Corpus Christi, TX and after the second "Winter" season of warmth I realized that my funk was because my body clock was looking for four seasons, not two or three. When all you've known is the cycle of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter it can be quite depressing to have that life cycle altered. Works for some, but it didn't for me. Of course, now that I'm getting older the Winter cold, snow and ice is more of a hassle....

The Macco here in town(Pottstown,Pa) is also going under and auctioning off everything.

Bill's shop is in Pottstown(I think)

Bill,sorry for the shutdown. Like you say other doors will open. A lot of water over the dam since my signing on to CHR. I have just about hung it up as the old bod can't get up and down like it used to. Sold the coupe,big house and built a smaller house to sit it out in. You might consider Austin as we are starting to look more like a universal city with the new Formula 1 track ( used for other type racing),music capital of the world (brag),and something to do every week end.
Austin and the sorrounding area is big on cars,with shows and clubs in every burg. The economy's really good here and should get better if you know what I mean.

I fatherd 6 businesses here in the last 30 years and 3 are still operating after selling out in the early 2000's.

Thought: Come down to the first Formula 1 race this month and take a look around you might just like what you see.

Enough
Don

Originally Posted by sunsetdart

The Macco here in town(Pottstown,Pa) is also going under and auctioning off everything.

That was mine, although we did not go under, just lost our lease and I decided enough was enough. Much different than going under as all my bills are paid, and all but one of my employees are working because I found them their replacement jobs. That one employee cost me over $600 in stupid mistakes on the last two days (including repainting the quarter panel on a beautiful 72 Monte Carlo because he cut the corner to sharp bringing the car into the back garage door because there was a roll of tape he did not want to run over).....


You missed it as the auction was this past Saturday



Bill S.

Sometimes these events make good things happen...you will go on to better things because of this. Just like that first jump into the deep end of the pool, a little shove can be helpful. Best wishes for your adventure!!

mike in tucson

In the time that I have been a part of CHR I have continued to be impressed with the professional and polite manner in which you have interfaces with all on this site. Your fair and very positive spin on all things here have made this an “extra” worthwhile stop for me on a regular basis. I completely understand your decision and have a great deal of admiration for the way in which you chose to wind things down. The landlord didn’t want to deal and you weighed the options – ultimately making the best choice. The manner in which you dealt with your employees speaks volumes, Bill – about your character and resolve to treat others with great respect.

Twenty-two years ago I was fired from First Interstate Bank. I had a great title, the glass office and a big staff and somehow, they just didn’t seem to think I was necessary. As I look back it was undoubtedly the best thing that ever happened to me as it caused me to deepen my faith, grow in my love for my wife and family, and start again. The time between my leaving the bank and coming to NIS (6 months) was also good for the mind, body and spirit as I got a general contractor’s license and worked hard building houses and cabinets and there’s not a day that goes by I don’t thank God for that time.

We’ll look forward to updates, Bill, as to where your life heading. If nothing else, you could take a nice long road trip and you and Deb could stay with your CHR friends. Who knows, we all might get a few projects done in the process, eh? “Will work on hot rods for room & board!” – it could catch on! You’d certainly be welcome at my house!

Please know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers – that you would have God’s peace and clarity for the next steps in your journey through life.

My Sincerest Regards,
Glenn