Monday,

[syncroid]

Wow Jim, Sorry to hear this news. You seem like a hard working honest person. You will bounce back. Hang in there in the mean time.

[Zeke]

I've seen hints of your business going away here on the forum. Sad to say, businesses are still shutting down as the economy stagnates. However, I thought bicycles was a strong market. Perhaps it is all Chinese stuff now, I don't know. But, honestly, people who are using the 'green' word and approach seem to be doing well.

So is the 99 Cent Store.

I have sat here for the better part of 4 years now looking at every conceivable idea for work not really wanting to go back into home improvement. Looking at the jobs available that I can find are found in 3 categories: sales, highly skilled professional and menial. There is a huge gap between the 1st 2 and the latter.

But, Jim, you have one thing going for you that I don't have, connections. You know practically everyone in your industry. I spent my 40 years with homeowners moving quickly from one to another. Met the owners of 100 houses a year in a good year but they are in all walks of life.

I wouldn't want to be 99 of them. Not qualified to do any of their jobs. That's a problem. OTOH, you have the continuity of being in one field with like persons during your tenure. I think you will be up and going soon if you stick to what you know and who you know.

I wish you well on your invention. Statistics are way against you. But I'll leave that for another discussion. Let's just say BTDT.

[Jim Bremner]

Zeke, Some sides of the bicycle biz is allright! I was a small fish that was in the sharks tank. I just got squeezed out. The big players demanded more from their customers and their customers needed Trek, QBP and other players more than they needed me.

[creaturecat]

best wishes with it, Jim.
perhaps it is time for a change, of sorts.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I'm sorry to hear it Jim, but as a sales guy, you'll do just fine, you know how to spring back and start running first thing Monday morning. And I hope your patent comes to fruition and you get everything you worked hard for, you deserve.


Monday's a work day, rest up now while you can!

[ledhedsymbols]

Sorry to hear that Jim. It's great that so many forum members have your back when you catch a bad beat. Even if nothing else, the community encouragement goes a long way. It's a tough market, but there is still good work to be had for skilled, quality people. I'm finding that out already and I'm sure that you will be back in the saddle lickety-split!

[mikesride]

Four years ago Jim...... Supplier tries to force my company to merge with a competitor....I declined, three weeks later all my discounts are gone and half my customers have been given direct accounts. 20 years of almost seven days a week work...sacrifices away from family.....gone. My partner skims his retirement out of the failing company as I try to save it. Stuck with $785000.00 debt and having to tell almost two dozen employees we are closed. I paid the last two weeks payroll from my own money. (closed down 3 automotive parts stores)

I now report to work 5 days a week earn OK money, spend time with my family and love life....still dealing with the debt, stresses me out a bit but life overall has a way of working out for those who are not afraid of working to get there!

Good luck in the future Jim!!! Keep us posted.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Really sorry to hear - unemployment is absolutely devastating, demoralizing and dehumanizing. it sucks. Everything about it sucks. I hope it doesn't last long for you. All the best.

[Jim Bremner]

Originally Posted by mikesride

Four years ago Jim...... Supplier tries to force my company to merge with a competitor....I declined, three weeks later all my discounts are gone and half my customers have been given direct accounts. 20 years of almost seven days a week work...sacrifices away from family.....gone. My partner skims his retirement out of the failing company as I try to save it. Stuck with $785000.00 debt and having to tell almost two dozen employees we are closed. I paid the last two weeks payroll from my own money. (closed down 3 automotive parts stores)

I now report to work 5 days a week earn OK money, spend time with my family and love life....still dealing with the debt, stresses me out a bit but life overall has a way of working out for those who are not afraid of working to get there!

Good luck in the future Jim!!! Keep us posted.

I'm getting out MUCH cheaper. Yes paid things with "my money" but a tonne less.

[asphaltgambler]

How 'bout this?

Or this?

[Baz]

Yo Jim,

Just wanted to say hang in there. You are going through the same thing many of us have gone through. And as has been stated....a person like yourself.....will get through it. And likely end up in a better place.

I tend to agree with Milt - you have a skill set in a given industry - and that is a huge asset moving forward. Most folks will benefit the most by staying in the industry where they have the most experience.

That said....try to find some time to relax if that's even possible while you do have this break. That's a way to put a positive spin in this event - something you can control.

Give your Cattledog a big hug for us and know everything will be OK in the long run.

Cheers,
Baz and the girls

[Jim Bremner]

week plus a day. Well, I've needed an extra week to clear out of my warehouse.

6 times so far I've been told"You're over-qualified!" I took a personality test for one prospective boss "Our test says that you're a great choice for a Operational Manager! I would hire you in a heart-beat for our Wisconsin plant" Hmm. Not ready to move there!

Tomorrow is another interview!

[aigel]

"over-qualified" is code for "you are asking too much money".

G

[JavaBrewer]

I hit 50 last year and find myself looking down the same barrel Jim. Challenging times and circumstances right now for many folks. You sound like the standup guy many folks would love to employ. Don't lose yourself and you will be fine.

Best,
David

[Reg]

Well wishes for the future Jim!

PS - never been to Cali or Wisconsin but while Cali has Sonoma, Willow and Laguna there is Elkhart Lake you know!

[Baz]

Best advice I've ever heard is to make use of your experience and expertise - no matter what else.

It's your bargaining power, so to speak.

I realize not everyone is cut out to own their own business but at least you're the captain of your own ship.

Especially if you have networked in your industry that's a huge asset anyway you slice it.

Good luck and please keep us posted, Jim.

[Jim Bremner]

Originally Posted by aigel

"over-qualified" is code for "you are asking too much money".

G

That or they're afraid that I would grow bored and look for better soon. I would love a position that I could create solutions and products.

[aigel]

True - getting someone up to speed only to see them leave in 6 months is not good.

Just keep hitting those interviews and I am sure you'll find something decent. It is a pretty good time to look right now including the time of the year.

G

[Bill Douglas]

Good luck Jim. And keep that "open mind to opportunities" thing happening.

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

week plus a day. Well, I've needed an extra week to clear out of my warehouse.

6 times so far I've been told"You're over-qualified!" I took a personality test for one prospective boss "Our test says that you're a great choice for a Operational Manager! I would hire you in a heart-beat for our Wisconsin plant" Hmm. Not ready to move there!

Tomorrow is another interview!

Why not?