Pivot, Turn...Just Keep Moving: Survival

[monkeyswrench]

Putting this here in the dungeon because I think it seems more relevant to some here. Upstairs, seems to sometimes be more like Instagram, snapshots of perfection, intermixed with the occasional fuckery of bad luck and some lighthearted poor decisions...All of which make for good stories or cautionary tales (sometimes both)

"The only thing constant is change" is a quote that has bounced around for centuries. It's roots are attributed to a Greek philosopher, Heraclitus of Ephesus, his "doctrine of change". Currently, people here, and nation wide, are at odds over the current changes that have been set into motion by our government. Those who seem most upset by it, honestly, are the ones who I think have actually done fairly well dealing with diverse situations in the past. It seems that because there is a name, or an easily identifiable source of these changes, it is somewhat different.

Change is surely constant. Most times we cannot see it's inception, we see it when it smacks us. Sure, when things settle, we can usually see the cause, but less often is it made obvious during the chaos it creates.

This coming week will mark a milestone of sorts for me. 20 years since my wreck. The week following will be 20 since they started putting Humpty Dumpty back together again. A low point, and a turning point. Learned how to walk again, learned what it's like to have the absolute best of the worst luck. Starting at square one, at 28...but able to step into the next square. 5 months later, applying for a job. Limited use of my left arm, in a pretty physical gig. Bluff what you can, and work twice as hard. Hurt everyday for years.

Over the years, rolling hard. Made decent money with an outfit, and started my own. Couple more kids came into the home as well. Things were good on that front. Lost Pops, and Mom was going through cancer treatments. Changes again. Come 2010 and 2011, work was slowing, and I started to see the horizon clouding. My personal stuff had slowed to a crawl. Gave guys work, until they found other jobs. It was good, I still had a steady check coming from a big outfit. We were still eating. By '12 though, that cloudy horizon was atop most of us I think. My "steady" job had cuts, I was one of them. Didn't matter much, the letter that is. I opened it the evening of Mom's services. Cancer sucks. Change doesn't even suck that much, but there sure seemed a lot of it.

Can't sit still, have to keep moving. Kids have to eat, need clothes and a home. Worked on cars, roofs, gates and even some framing. Big changes, but still eating. Eventually, started making a life in Arizona...huge change. In a way, I was semi-retired. I got to play with cars and trucks, didn't hurt as much either. Things were looking up! Wife was teaching still, and kids were doing well...F'n aces!

Clouds were on the horizon again, and I think we all missed this one's approach. For most, covid was the big storm to weather. For us, not as much. Things started then that changed our household dynamics immensely. Pivot and turn, but keep moving. They age old question in job interviews is "where do you see yourself in five years?" 30 years ago, I would have said on a pit crew, smelling nitro. Around 20, in a wheelchair and homeless. 10, getting better with metal shaping and building nicer cars. Now? Hell if I know.

The point is, there will always be change. Be thankful you're around to endure it, or enjoy it. Life isn't always how we plan it.

The only thing constant is change.

 

[Wedgy]

Dominate!

 

[Sportin' Wood]

Disruptions, open doors of opportunity. It's taken me a lifetime to realize that and appreciate the simple things in life.

 

[SNiC Jet]

Disruptions, open doors of opportunity. It's taken me a lifetime to realize that and appreciate the simple things in life.

Some of the darkest days in my "career", ultimately turned out to be some of the very best things to happen to me.

 

[lbhsbz]

Its no secret that I've been under a bit of stress lately trying to keep my little gig going amidst all the economic changes occuring. Got to thinking about it last might and this morning actually....and I can't pin it on one single thing, but a little bit of everything that needs to get done that doesn't leave me time to do any of them properly, and that stresses me out and gets me mad.

Yesterday afternoon I was on the phone with a customer who had called....interesting guy....very smart, but very abrasive and an asshole. We understand each other and we get along just fine. He talks to everyone like they're stupid and once you understand that's just how he is, everything is fine. Anyway, he asked a really dumbass question, which I answered correctly and he told me I was wrong and he was going to go test his theory to prove it. I told him not to waste his time and simply accept my answer because I was right and he was wrong and it's simple to understand why if he would think about it for a minute....and he hung up on me.

Well, I can't fucking stand that.

So I emailed him and told him to fuckoff and find a new supplier. I spend 2/3 of a day every week or 2 delivering a truckload of parts to this 80 miles away because he's to uppity to drive into the city and pick shit up himself....and every time he needs stuff is the worst time for me to burn 1/2 a day or so, but I do it anyway. Guy does about $30K/year with me.

Since having wrote that email....I've been a lot happier. I have about 4 pallets of parts in my storage for him that I don't even have to lift or move anymore....I'll bring my scrap guy by there on Monday and have him load everything in his truck and take it. That'll open up some space, which makes me happy. I don't have to drop what I'm doing and drive 160 miles for deliveries anymore, and that makes me happy. I spent the morning going through reports and such and looking into my lowest margin customers and lowest volume products and stuff that takes up a lot of space. I think I'm going to get rid of all of it. I should have room to double my high margin/high volume inventory and with my extra time, catalog everything better.

Getting older? Getting grumpy? Yes.


Might work out better, might work out worse, we're gonna do it anyway.

 

[Smitty7]

Its no secret that I've been under a bit of stress lately trying to keep my little gig going amidst all the economic changes occuring. Got to thinking about it last might and this morning actually....and I can't pin it on one single thing, but a little bit of everything that needs to get done that doesn't leave me time to do any of them properly, and that stresses me out and gets me mad.

Yesterday afternoon I was on the phone with a customer who had called....interesting guy....very smart, but very abrasive and and asshole. We understand each other and we get along just fine. He talks to everyone like they're stupid and once you understand that's just how he is, everything is fine. Anyway, he asked a really dumbass question, which I answered correctly and he told me I was wrong and he was going to go test his theory to prove it. I told him not to waste his time and simply accept my answer because I was right and he was wrong and it's simple to understand why if he would think about it for a minute....and he hung up on me.

Well, I can't fucking stand that.

So I emailed him and told him to fuckoff and find a new supplier. I spend 2/3 of a day every week or 2 delivering a truckload of parts to this 80 miles away because he's to uppity to drive into the city and pick shit up himself....and every time he needs stuff is the worst time for me to burn 1/2 a day or so, but I do it anyway. Guy does about $50K/year with me.

Since having wrote that email....I've been a lot happier. I have about 4 pallets of parts in my storage for him that I don't even have to lift or move anymore....I'll bring my scrap guy by there on Monday and have him load everything in his truck and take it. That'll open up some space, which makes me happy. I don't have to drop what I'm doing and drive 160 miles for deliveries anymore, and that makes me happy. I spent the morning going through reports and such and looking into my lowest margin customers and lowest volume products and stuff that takes up a lot of space. I think I'm going to get rid of all of it. I should have room to double my high margin/high volume inventory and with my extra time, catalog everything better.

Getting older? Getting grumpy? Yes.


Might work out better, might work out worse, we're gonna do it anyway.

Ya got a 50/50 chance of being right . I don't know how I always pick the losing side .

 

[lbhsbz]

Ya got a 50/50 chance of being right . I don't know how I always pick the losing side .

Quick napkin math...

5 hours in the truck 50 times a year (almost every week) at say $50/hr = $12,500
$150/month to store shit for him = $1800
Last year he did $30K with me at 40%, profit was $12,300.

I can't really lose on this one I don't think. Shoulda quit him a long time ago.

 

[Smitty7]

Quick napkin math...

5 hours in the truck 50 times a year (almost every week) at say $50/hr = $12,500
$150/month to store shit for him = $1800
Last year he did $30K with me at 40%, profit was $12,300.

I can't really lose on this one I don't think. Shoulda quit him a long time ago.

Fuckin people . Can't live with em - can't live without em . I fuckin hate dealing with people that's why I sat in a machine out in the dirt . Sometimes the money just ain't worth the hassle .

 

[wzuber]

People..........they're the absolute best of things at times and the absolute worst at others.......can't live with'em and can't chootem.......(we'll, legally anyway) but....you can fire them and that's close enough. Haha

 

[monkeyswrench]

@lbhsbz , standing idle I feel is the worst. If you're idle, the same problems that have arisen to put you in a spot, get time to dwell. If you make a move, any move, those problems change. For better or for worse, doesn't matter, because the situation has changed and is at least fresh. Sometimes the first problem really wasn't too bad, but you lack access to the solution. The next problem you may face may seem worse at it's onset, but you have the means to overcome it.

 

[530RL]

Its no secret that I've been under a bit of stress lately trying to keep my little gig going amidst all the economic changes occuring. Got to thinking about it last might and this morning actually....and I can't pin it on one single thing, but a little bit of everything that needs to get done that doesn't leave me time to do any of them properly, and that stresses me out and gets me mad.

Yesterday afternoon I was on the phone with a customer who had called....interesting guy....very smart, but very abrasive and and asshole. We understand each other and we get along just fine. He talks to everyone like they're stupid and once you understand that's just how he is, everything is fine. Anyway, he asked a really dumbass question, which I answered correctly and he told me I was wrong and he was going to go test his theory to prove it. I told him not to waste his time and simply accept my answer because I was right and he was wrong and it's simple to understand why if he would think about it for a minute....and he hung up on me.

Well, I can't fucking stand that.

So I emailed him and told him to fuckoff and find a new supplier. I spend 2/3 of a day every week or 2 delivering a truckload of parts to this 80 miles away because he's to uppity to drive into the city and pick shit up himself....and every time he needs stuff is the worst time for me to burn 1/2 a day or so, but I do it anyway. Guy does about $30K/year with me.

Since having wrote that email....I've been a lot happier. I have about 4 pallets of parts in my storage for him that I don't even have to lift or move anymore....I'll bring my scrap guy by there on Monday and have him load everything in his truck and take it. That'll open up some space, which makes me happy. I don't have to drop what I'm doing and drive 160 miles for deliveries anymore, and that makes me happy. I spent the morning going through reports and such and looking into my lowest margin customers and lowest volume products and stuff that takes up a lot of space. I think I'm going to get rid of all of it. I should have room to double my high margin/high volume inventory and with my extra time, catalog everything better.

Getting older? Getting grumpy? Yes.


Might work out better, might work out worse, we're gonna do it anyway.

Learning how and when to say no to people, and this includes figuring out how and when to fire a customer, is one of the hardest things to figure out.

But it is an essential skill most never learn. It’s good you have.

 

[t&y]

Damn... How do I obtain this ability to fire my customers?

 

[ltbaney1]

@lbhsbz , standing idle I feel is the worst. If you're idle, the same problems that have arisen to put you in a spot, get time to dwell. If you make a move, any move, those problems change. For better or for worse, doesn't matter, because the situation has changed and is at least fresh. Sometimes the first problem really wasn't too bad, but you lack access to the solution. The next problem you may face may seem worse at it's onset, but you have the means to overcome it.

I always remind myself, Just make a move. Right or wrong just move. standing still solves nothing. now sometimes you do need to take a minute and think and look. but get ready to move. I have seen people get hammered simply by locking up and not making a move. where if they just would have made a move they would have been fine. it has happened to me as well.

head up, eyes open and one foot in front of the other. it will get better, or worse but it will get different and change.

 

[t&y]

Putting this here in the dungeon because I think it seems more relevant to some here. Upstairs, seems to sometimes be more like Instagram, snapshots of perfection, intermixed with the occasional fuckery of bad luck and some lighthearted poor decisions...All of which make for good stories or cautionary tales (sometimes both)

"The only thing constant is change" is a quote that has bounced around for centuries. It's roots are attributed to a Greek philosopher, Heraclitus of Ephesus, his "doctrine of change". Currently, people here, and nation wide, are at odds over the current changes that have been set into motion by our government. Those who seem most upset by it, honestly, are the ones who I think have actually done fairly well dealing with diverse situations in the past. It seems that because there is a name, or an easily identifiable source of these changes, it is somewhat different.

Change is surely constant. Most times we cannot see it's inception, we see it when it smacks us. Sure, when things settle, we can usually see the cause, but less often is it made obvious during the chaos it creates.

This coming week will mark a milestone of sorts for me. 20 years since my wreck. The week following will be 20 since they started putting Humpty Dumpty back together again. A low point, and a turning point. Learned how to walk again, learned what it's like to have the absolute best of the worst luck. Starting at square one, at 28...but able to step into the next square. 5 months later, applying for a job. Limited use of my left arm, in a pretty physical gig. Bluff what you can, and work twice as hard. Hurt everyday for years.

Over the years, rolling hard. Made decent money with an outfit, and started my own. Couple more kids came into the home as well. Things were good on that front. Lost Pops, and Mom was going through cancer treatments. Changes again. Come 2010 and 2011, work was slowing, and I started to see the horizon clouding. My personal stuff had slowed to a crawl. Gave guys work, until they found other jobs. It was good, I still had a steady check coming from a big outfit. We were still eating. By '12 though, that cloudy horizon was atop most of us I think. My "steady" job had cuts, I was one of them. Didn't matter much, the letter that is. I opened it the evening of Mom's services. Cancer sucks. Change doesn't even suck that much, but there sure seemed a lot of it.

Can't sit still, have to keep moving. Kids have to eat, need clothes and a home. Worked on cars, roofs, gates and even some framing. Big changes, but still eating. Eventually, started making a life in Arizona...huge change. In a way, I was semi-retired. I got to play with cars and trucks, didn't hurt as much either. Things were looking up! Wife was teaching still, and kids were doing well...F'n aces!

Clouds were on the horizon again, and I think we all missed this one's approach. For most, covid was the big storm to weather. For us, not as much. Things started then that changed our household dynamics immensely. Pivot and turn, but keep moving. They age old question in job interviews is "where do you see yourself in five years?" 30 years ago, I would have said on a pit crew, smelling nitro. Around 20, in a wheelchair and homeless. 10, getting better with metal shaping and building nicer cars. Now? Hell if I know.

The point is, there will always be change. Be thankful you're around to endure it, or enjoy it. Life isn't always how we plan it.

The only thing constant is change.

Good insight as always MM. Everyone makes decisions in life as to what path to take. I've found even the "right" path is not always a straight one and the options to get lost are far more available than the obvious straight forward path to the end goal.

 

[lbhsbz]

Damn... How do I obtain this ability to fire my customers?

Stop working for the government....but then of course its easier for you to get fired too....one has to perform efficiently in the private sector to keep their job.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Good insight as always MM. Everyone makes decisions in life as to what path to take. I've found even the "right" path is not always a straight one and the options to get lost are far more available than the obvious straight forward path to the end goal.

I think sometimes we get stuck on a path because this is the path we started on. Goals change, so paths may need to change...even people change. The straight or easy paths may look good, but often don't lead anywhere.

Stop working for the government....but then of course its easier for you to get fired too....one has to perform efficiently in the private sector to keep their job.

Be nice now. Not all can work for public sector, not all can work for private sector. Hell, I've done both. Public, good-life gig, had been the only one to let me go. (Well, aside from the guy that fired me because I couldn't tell him how long I'd be out and in ICU. F'k that guy.)

It takes all kinds. We aren't all cut from the same cloth. I wouldn't doubt many are in jobs now that aren't the same as when they started. Liabilities increase though, family, home...need for medical coverage. Many more things tie us to stability when we find it. "Stability" though, to some of us, is a foreign concept.

 

[lbhsbz]

I think sometimes we get stuck on a path because this is the path we started on. Goals change, so paths may need to change...even people change. The straight or easy paths may look good, but often don't lead anywhere.


Be nice now. Not all can work for public sector, not all can work for private sector. Hell, I've done both. Public, good-life gig, had been the only one to let me go. (Well, aside from the guy that fired me because I couldn't tell him how long I'd be out and in ICU. F'k that guy.)

It takes all kinds. We aren't all cut from the same cloth. I wouldn't doubt many are in jobs now that aren't the same as when they started. Liabilities increase though, family, home...need for medical coverage. Many more things tie us to stability when we find it. "Stability" though, to some of us, is a foreign concept.

Stability is an interesting one.

I spent 17 years working for a company living paycheck to paycheck....but I knew I'd get that paycheck, so it provided "stability". Getting laid off from there after the acquisition was the best thing that every happened to me. One could argue that I have zero stability now, because I have no idea if I'll make any money today or tomorrow, or next week or whatever. One could argue that I have more stability now since I've got 2 newish paid for vehicles in the driveway and more money in the bank than I ever had before (still not much lol...but at least it needs a comma). I'm stressed about 5 years down the road now, rather than how to pay the stack of bills on the desk today. What is "stability"?

 

[Smitty7]

I worked for somebody my whole life cause I didn't have the money to start on my own and it was the worst mistake I made . I have health benni's and a pension . I went on my own after I retired . I wish I would have done it 30 years sooner . The amount of time you have doesn't change . You only have so much time and you need to make as much money per hour as you can . Trust me you don't get a second chance . This is it . As fucked up as it is this is what you got to work with .

 

[monkeyswrench]

Stability is an interesting one.

I spent 17 years working for a company living paycheck to paycheck....but I knew I'd get that paycheck, so it provided "stability". Getting laid off from there after the acquisition was the best thing that every happened to me. One could argue that I have zero stability now, because I have no idea if I'll make any money today or tomorrow, or next week or whatever. One could argue that I have more stability now since I've got 2 newish paid for vehicles in the driveway and more money in the bank than I ever had before (still not much lol...but at least it needs a comma). I'm stressed about 5 years down the road now, rather than how to pay the stack of bills on the desk today. What is "stability"?

Like I said, stability is a foreign concept. On one hand, I have a home and food, and not worried about losing that. On the other hand, every day can have the chance of an episode or appointment that changes the course of the future. Now that I think about it, no different than most here. I think what makes it seem so volatile is the lack of other complications. For the most part, we live a pretty simplistic life. That said, when anything upsets our normal day to day, it seems massive. Our normal day to day doesn't consist of much more than a handful of things.

 

[lbhsbz]

I worked for somebody my whole life cause I didn't have the money to start on my own

That's what I told myself for 17 years too....until I was presented with 2 options while sitting on my ass at home. Either find the money to start something or go work for someone else and make them money. Just need to adjust priorities for a little while and focus on the goal...and not mind working 18 hour days for a bit lol.

 

[t&y]

Stop working for the government....but then of course its easier for you to get fired too....one has to perform efficiently in the private sector to keep their job.

Are you still all worked up over having to admit you are just a bitch following the rules to feed your family like everyone else is doing out here in the real world?

News flash. When I became a cop, I took a pay cut and left a career where very early on IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR I was excelling far ahead of many of my peers and elders, managing people 3 times my age. My success had everything to do work ethic and dedication, and I was on track to be one of the youngest in a national level company running an entire location with several employees and millions in inventory beneath me. I've had jobs since I was early enough to toss papers on a neighborhood route (elementary school). That work ethic translated easy over to my career in Law Enforcment where I have done just fine, but for sure made less than my potential in the private sector for several years. Of course, I made that decision based on the potential for benefits in the long run for my family, which contrary to what you seem to believe, are not guaranteed either.

Tell me. while restoring your brake calipers, how many times do you have attorney's and judges reviewing everything you submit, in an environment where high level attorney's make money off of finding one error and ending our career and potential freedom. Let alone a Department of Justice that goes out of their way to investigate cops and put them in prison over decisions made in split seconds. You obviously know very little if anything about the reality of my job, and the several dangers of it that go way beyond a fight in the field. We do have a new danger in trying to avoid mini bikes... those little fuckers pop outta nowhere.

Now don't let that stop you from still hating. You are obviously stressed out and on a roll with your trash talking. Just remember the Cop shops are always hiring. Since you seem to think it's easy street, why don't you take this opportunity to get off your ass and put it on the line in a uniform? Well, that's assuming you could pass the background, physical requirements, academy, then field training. Might be better for you to just adjust your business to the current environment and continue to be successful at it.

 

[lbhsbz]

Are you still all worked up over having to admit you are just a bitch following the rules to feed your family like everyone else is doing out here in the real world?

News flash. When I became a cop, I took a pay cut and left a career where very early on IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR I was excelling far ahead of many of my peers and elders, managing people 3 times my age. My success had everything to do work ethic and dedication, and I was on track to be one of the youngest in a national level company running an entire location with several employees and millions in inventory beneath me. I've had jobs since I was early enough to toss papers on a neighborhood route (elementary school). That work ethic translated easy over to my career in Law Enforcment where I have done just fine, but for sure made less than my potential in the private sector for several years. Of course, I made that decision based on the potential for benefits in the long run for my family, which contrary to what you seem to believe, are not guaranteed either.

Tell me. while restoring your brake calipers, how many times do you have attorney's and judges reviewing everything you submit, in an environment where high level attorney's make money off of finding one error and ending our career and potential freedom. Let alone a Department of Justice that goes out of their way to investigate cops and put them in prison over decisions made in split seconds. You obviously know very little if anything about the reality of my job, and the several dangers of it that go way beyond a fight in the field. We do have a new danger in trying to avoid mini bikes... those little fuckers pop outta nowhere.

Now don't let that stop you from still hating. You are obviously stressed out and on a roll with your trash talking. Just remember the Cop shops are always hiring. Since you seem to think it's easy street, why don't you take this opportunity to get off your ass and put it on the line in a uniform? Well, that's assuming you could pass the background, physical requirements, academy, then field training. Might be better for you to just adjust your business to the current environment and continue to be successful at it.

I'm not worked up about anything.

And no, I don't have attorneys (plural...no apostrophe....you're taught that in the 3rd grade) or judges reviewing what I do because I don't give them a reason to do it. I do carry significant insurance, but I just do things right so I never have to deal with it. Plenty of mechanics have attorneys breathing down their backs....I'm not one of them. I'm not perfect though....I have had 2 defect calipers come back with minor leaks after 4 months on the car during the 5 years / multiple thousands of units I've rebuilt, both of which I've handled professionally and took care of all expenses involved without the need for attorneys. (one was $17K....Brake fluid got on the paint....damaged the paint on the front wheel, the front fender and the door....the only questions I asked was how much to fix it right and where do I send the check).

I don't have a dept that provides me legal services.

If you were making more money and excelling somewhere else....why'd you leave? Presiding over a bunch of old guys didn't give you the sense of authority you get telling people "you can't park there"?

 

[t&y]

I'm not worked up about anything.

And no, I don't have attorneys (plural...no apostrophe....you're taught that in the 3rd grade) or judges reviewing what I do because I don't give them a reason to do it. I do carry significant insurance, but I just do things right so I never have to deal with it. Plenty of mechanics have attorneys breathing down their backs....I'm not one of them. I'm not perfect though....I have had 2 defect calipers come back with minor leaks after 4 months on the car during the 5 years / multiple thousands of units I've rebuilt, both of which I've handled professionally and took care of all expenses involved without the need for attorneys. (one was $17K....Brake fluid got on the paint....damaged the paint on the front wheel, the front fender and the door....the only questions I asked was how much to fix it right and where do I send the check).

I don't have a dept that provides me legal services.

And the butt hurt bitch continues. Jeezus, how dare I point out that in order to stay in business during these times adjustments would have to be made. Isn't that what got you all worked up, or is it truly just a dislike for Cops? Have I called you a bitch or told you to just go "fuck right off" because you obviously don't understand or actually do my job?

If you were making more money and excelling somewhere else....why'd you leave? Presiding over a bunch of old guys didn't give you the sense of authority you get telling people "you can't park there"?

That's an easy one, and apparently one you forget that we've already discussed. Tell me, how many times have you had wives or children of abusive husbands thank you for taking their husband or dad to jail? I still have a hand drawn picture in crayons from one of those little girls who I found hiding under a bunk bed during our first encounter. The big tough talking husband wasn't so tough when I found him. If you understand that, you might understand a bit of what it is like to truly help someone.

But hey man, keep building those calipers. Your service to the auto industry in an important one. Seriously, I prefer not to be rearended due to faulty breaks.

 

[lbhsbz]

I still have a hand drawn picture in crayons from one of those little girls who I found hiding under a bunk bed during our first encounter.

That's awesome.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

I'm not worked up about anything.

And no, I don't have attorneys (plural...no apostrophe....you're taught that in the 3rd grade) or judges reviewing what I do because I don't give them a reason to do it. I do carry significant insurance, but I just do things right so I never have to deal with it. Plenty of mechanics have attorneys breathing down their backs....I'm not one of them. I'm not perfect though....I have had 2 defect calipers come back with minor leaks after 4 months on the car during the 5 years / multiple thousands of units I've rebuilt, both of which I've handled professionally and took care of all expenses involved without the need for attorneys. (one was $17K....Brake fluid got on the paint....damaged the paint on the front wheel, the front fender and the door....the only questions I asked was how much to fix it right and where do I send the check).

I don't have a dept that provides me legal services.

If you were making more money and excelling somewhere else....why'd you leave? Presiding over a bunch of old guys didn't give you the sense of authority you get telling people "you can't park there"?

FYI, Carrying liability insurance can obviously protect you, but customers and your customers customers can and will litigate for faulty installation practices, even though you didn't do the install.

We sold John Guest PTC fittings. In one of my locations, we sold a bunch of John G PTC fittings to a office coffee supply company. They sell and install coffee machines in business's. The installed some fittings incorrectly. They failed and flooded a Ford Dealership showroom, after hours. We got sued. Why? We didn't Mfg OR install, yet we were sued. Our insurance company paid the claim, I argued that there is no explanation on earth that satisfies we being held liable.

Insurance told me to go away and let them handle it.

Anyway, point being, you are never safe in business. Somebody always want a piece of your skin.

 

[Smitty7]

FYI, Carrying liability insurance can obviously protect you, but customers and your customers customers can and will litigate for faulty installation practices, even though you didn't do the install.

We sold John Guest PTC fittings. In one of my locations, we sold a bunch of John G PTC fittings to a office coffee supply company. They sell and install coffee machines in business's. The installed some fittings incorrectly. They failed and flooded a Ford Dealership showroom, after hours. We got sued. Why? We didn't Mfg OR install, yet we were sued. Our insurance company paid the claim, I argued that there is no explanation on earth that satisfies we being held liable.

Insurance told me to go away and let them handle it.

Anyway, point being, you are never safe in business. Somebody always want a piece of your skin.

What a crock of shit . And you wonder why all the manufacturing jobs left . We need about a half dozen more fuckin lawyers and judges .

 

[monkeyswrench]

Just read some more of that tariff thread...Damn. Anger and anxiety can tear a person apart. Most of you all I try to treat with some sense of decorum...alright, some better than others, but that's just because some people are wrong

I digress. Some on the board lash out in some uncalled for ways I believe. I'm no peacenic hippy, have a few scars from speaking my mind. I also know that shouting down those that didn't cause the problem isn't a solution. In my past, it's been my wife or my kids...so I guess I'd rather guys vent towards idiots like me on the net.

Misplaced anger is wasted energy. Like wheelspin, or the front end lifting towards the sky at the light. It may seem cool, but all that energy lifting the wheels, isn't pushing you forward.

Perspective changes not where you are, but where you feel you are. This morning was cold and damp, woke up hurting and stuff hasn't straightened up. Found out some things aren't going to be covered for a couple med deals...no big deal, I'll figure it out. No work today, too wet outside. That worked out ok, no lost money, had a funeral to go to.

Watched a mother laying her son to rest.
Perspective...I don't hurt near enough to complain, nowhere near as much as she will. My troubles aren't bad enough to mean much in the grand scheme of things.

 

[Smitty7]

Just read some more of that tariff thread...Damn. Anger and anxiety can tear a person apart. Most of you all I try to treat with some sense of decorum...alright, some better than others, but that's just because some people are wrong

I digress. Some on the board lash out in some uncalled for ways I believe. I'm no peacenic hippy, have a few scars from speaking my mind. I also know that shouting down those that didn't cause the problem isn't a solution. In my past, it's been my wife or my kids...so I guess I'd rather guys vent towards idiots like me on the net.

Misplaced anger is wasted energy. Like wheelspin, or the front end lifting towards the sky at the light. It may seem cool, but all that energy lifting the wheels, isn't pushing you forward.

Perspective changes not where you are, but where you feel you are. This morning was cold and damp, woke up hurting and stuff hasn't straightened up. Found out some things aren't going to be covered for a couple med deals...no big deal, I'll figure it out. No work today, too wet outside. That worked out ok, no lost money, had a funeral to go to.

Watched a mother laying her son to rest.
Perspective...I don't hurt near enough to complain, nowhere near as much as she will. My troubles aren't bad enough to mean much in the grand scheme of things.

I try to be nice but goddamn it I seem to get spun up kinda easy these days . I got a low tolerance for stupid shit and there seems to be an over abundance of it right now . I can't for the life of me figure out what these people are thinking . It's like they wanna cut there own wrists .

 

[rcmike]

I try to be nice but goddamn it I seem to get spun up kinda easy these days . I got a low tolerance for stupid shit and there seems to be an over abundance of it right now . I can't for the life of me figure out what these people are thinking . It's like they wanna cut there own wrists .

I honestly believe there are 2 things going on. First, there are the tribal people who just don't care, their side is right, the end.

Then there are the people who think the right answer is to squeeze every last cent of profit and never care what is left for next year, or 20 years from now..

 

[monkeyswrench]

I try to be nice but goddamn it I seem to get spun up kinda easy these days .

I'm kind of the opposite. The past few years especially. If I bark, it's usually because something unrelated is way off camber. Heck, I've been a damn Saint considering. The past 2-3 years have been a shitshow of massive proportions. So many pivots and turns, I've lost sight of north, but figure I'm headed the right direction.

I still have a low shit tolerance, but my desire to argue is much less than my desire to get by in my day to day.